It seems like it was just yesterday that Matt Bartkowski was a top-four defenceman for the Vancouver Canucks. Today, however, defence is the club’s deepest position. Who would have seen that coming?
Ben Hutton, Nikita Tryamkin and Troy Stecher have emerged as serviceable NHL players. Even Luca Sbisa looks like a reliable option on the blue line. Veterans Alex Edler, Chris Tanev and Erik Gudbranson complete the group, with Alex Biega as a depth option. (Well, Philip Larsen is also there but, you know…) Plus, the Canucks have prospects Olli Juolevi, Andrey Pedan and Jordan Subban looking to make the jump in the near future.