Canucks Mailbag: Goaltending, Goldobin, Ferland & More

Welcome to the first edition of the Vancouver Canucks Mailbag, where I answer hot button questions from you, the fans!

Preseason is underway and Canucks hockey has returned to Rogers Arena. Training camp came to a close on Sunday and two preseason games are in the books. Naturally, everyone has questions about the upcoming season. From the new additions to a potential decision regarding Thatcher Demko and Jacob Markstrom, the first mailbag didn’t hold back. Let’s get to your questions!

“How has Ferland looked playing with Petey?” (ImUrHucklbrry via Twitter)

Micheal Ferland has already made his presence known with a big hit on Colby Cave in the third preseason game for the Canucks. He also assisted on Elias Pettersson’s game-tying goal in the third period. So I would say they are developing some chemistry. Looking at the small sample size from training camp and one game in the preseason, it’s definitely a work in progress as they get familiar with each other.

Now that Brock Boeser has re-signed with the team, it will be interesting to see how the top line looks at full strength. Reid Boucher has been aligned with them since the start of training camp and he is no Boeser. I believe Ferland is a great fit on that line with his size, skill, and smarts in the offensive zone. Add in his ability to throw massive checks, you have to like the impact he will make during the season.

Then in yesterday’s game, it was the opposite, as I really liked his defensive game. He bailed out newcomer Tyler Myers after he gave the puck away and did some great backchecking as well. This was a welcome sight, as we all know how good Goldobin is offensively, it’s usually his defensive game that is lacking. If he can do this consistently during the season, he won’t be in Green’s dog house as often.

Now to answer your question, I am placing Goldobin on the third line with Brandon Sutter and Jake Virtanen. With Sutter as a safety valve defensively, he has more freedom to be creative offensively. However, if he continues to impress over the course of the preseason, I am really leaning towards putting him on the second line with Miller and Bo Horvat. Tanner Pearson can then drop down to a line with Sutter and Virtanen, which could be a very effective third line.

“Which newcomer will have a better season/bigger impact: Ferland or Miller?” (bowentyler96 via Twitter)

Wow, that is a tough question. Both bring different things to the table and will be playing on different lines. Based on what I have seen early on in the preseason, I really like how Miller and Horvat have gelled as a unit. They seem to read well off each other and play similar games.

The vision and passing abilities Miller displayed in the first preseason game against the Flames was a treat to watch. I was really impressed by how he started rushes with crisp passes through the neutral zone with speed. Horvat has never had a forward on his line that could do that consistently, the impact he will have on him alone will be huge.

As for Ferland, I will say it again, the room he creates for Pettersson will be a big storyline this season. He has already shown the willingness to protect Pettersson. It was in a scrimmage, and against a teammate (Goldobin), but he did it and that’s the important thing. I look forward to seeing him do it for real in the regular season.

So to answer your question, I think they both will have a huge impact on the Canucks’ success this season. Benning actually acquired two wingers that legitimately have a chance to contribute to a top-six that has struggled to consistently produce offence. They also add size and grit for a potential march to the playoffs.