Bo Horvat has emerged as a consistent player. The depth on the Canucks had improved. Bärtschi, Granlund, Sutter, the Canucks are a solid team there. On the blue line, russian Nikita Trainamkin and Erik Gudbranson highlight the new roster, with longtime returnees Edler and Tanev, with Sbisa as the weird one who's there. But then there's Troy Stecher.
Stecher shown in the young stars weekend in Penticton, and was a stud in preseason. I would be quite surprised to see him start the season in Utica, but that was indeed what happened.
I knew that meant Phillip Larsen being the 6th D on opening night, but watching him, Larsen was nowhere near as exceptional as Stecher, who even outplayed Canucks top pick Olli Juolevi during preseason. Larsen fired wide shots constantly, and could've passes to the forwards, who could've played in front of the net. It sucks that he couldn't prove himself enough with Vancouver. He could've settled in well here if he wasn't injured perhaps. But that meant Stecher being in the lineup, and he really was good.
Stecher is, basically, the only defense mainly focused on offense. He takes the shot, but it doesn't go wide, it's accurate, and low enough so the goalie can't catch it, but has to play it with the pad, resulting in the rebound, resulting in more shots, resulting in possible goals. And even of his shot is a little high, there's always the chance of Stecher scoring.
So far, he has 2 goals, not bad, and 12 assists. Also not bad. He doesn't need to produce as many points as the forwards, as he is a blueliner. He can improve on his defensive play and positioning to help him. He is probably the biggest steal of the offseason for Vancouver.
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