by ROSTER STATEMENT
Making the cut
Nils Aman has a chance to earn a spot in training camp this season as a possible 13th forward after playing for Abbotsford in the American Hockey League the past two seasons. The 24-year-old center had seven points (three goals, four assists) in 43 games for Vancouver and 15 points (eight goals, seven assists) in 15 games with Abbotsford. Aman has the potential to be an effective controller in a bottom six role.
Most intriguing addition
Jake DeBrusk signed a seven-year contract worth $38.5 million ($5.5 million average annual value) on July 1. The 27-year-old forward spent the previous seven seasons with the Boston Bruins and had 40 points (19 goals, 21 assists) in 80 games last season. He is expected to give Vancouver a secondary scoring position behind Miller, Pettersson, Boeser and Conor Garland.
Biggest potential surprise
Goalkeeper Arturs Silovs was impressive in relief during the play-offs last season. With Demko and backup Casey DeSmith both injured, Silovs started against the Predators in the first round and the Edmonton Oilers in the second round. He will be the Canucks’ backup this season, but with Demko’s injury status uncertain, he can be relied on heavily and has a chance to build on his strong showing in the playoffs.
Ready to contribute
Vincent Desharnais broke through last season as a regular player in the NHL with the Oilers (11 points; one goal, 10 assists, plus-3 in 78 games) and signed a two-year contract ($2 million AAV) as an unrestricted free agent on July 1. Desharnais is a 6-foot-1, 226-pound shutdown defender who will add a physical element to the blue line.
Fantasy sleeper
Silovs, G (average draft position: 163.1) — The injury concerns surrounding Demko could help Silovs build on last postseason’s momentum. He was 5-5 with one shutout in 10 games and helped the Canucks to Game 7 of the second round while filling in for an injured Demko and DeSmith (now with the Dallas Stars). Silovs is a fantasy breakout prospect and a goaltender to excite if you select Demko in the early rounds (ADP: 53.7). –Pete Jensen
