Vancouver Canucks: 2 Prospects Who Could Make The Team Next Season

Having a strong prospect pool is such an important thing, as it helps determine the future success of all NHL franchises. Although it is always nice to be competitive now, the league changes rapidly and it truly is a young man's league. Therefore, it feels right to start a 32-team segment covering them. During it, we will be looking at two prospects from every NHL franchise who could become NHL regulars next season.

In this specific piece, we will be looking at the Vancouver Canucks. Their season was definitely disappointing, as they finished with a 23-29-4. However, they also were hit extremely hard with COVID-19 and missed almost an entire month of action. They could be due to rebound next season and have traded away three bad contracts in Antoine Roussel, Loui Eriksson and Jay Beagle. They also added Conor Garland and Oliver Ekman-Larsson in the process. They have some prospects who should be given a chance next season, too. These two specifically come to mind.

Jack Rathbone D: The Vancouver Canucks should look to give Jack Rathbone more of a chance next season. The 22-year-old offensive defenseman suited up in eight games with the Canucks this past season and recorded three points. Also, in nine games with the Utica Comets, he scored two goals and registered nine points. That certainly is impressive production from a defenseman, even if it was a small sample size. He very well could be a nice addition to their bottom-pair and potentially even their power play because of this.

Vasili Podkolzin RW: With the Canucks getting rid of so many forwards this off-season, Vasili Podkolzin could find himself in their lineup next season. Yet, the former first-round pick is still just 20-years-old, so they may have him develop in the AHL a bit first. However, he does already have the size and grit to be utilized in their bottom-six. In 35 games this season with SKA St. Petersburg of the KHL, he scored five goals and recorded 11 points. Podkolzin has the tools to have a lengthy career in the NHL and could very well see some action next season. He just may have more of a limited role to start.