Vancouver Canucks: Top 5 Prospects of 2014-15

By Shaun Lavery

Vancouver Canucks: Top 5 Prospects of 2014-15

Vancouver Canucks Top 5 Prospects of 2014-15 Hunter Shinkaruk — After last season's second half collapse, the Vancouver Canucks are poised to have a bounce back year in 2014-15. They will look to continue that success for years to come. With young talent already in the system, there is a sense of optimism for Canucks fans. These are the five best Vancouver Canucks prospects of 2014-15.

5. Brendan Gaunce

Brendan Gaunce Vancouver Canucks

5. Brendan Gaunce

Brendan Gaunce Vancouver Canucks — The Canucks’ 26th overall pick already possess the size of an NHL player. At 6-foot-2, 215 pounds, and with strong face-off and defensive abilities, Gaunce can be easily pictured in the third line checking role. After his 2013-14 campaign in which he posted 72 points in 65 games (22 games played with the Belleville Bulls, 43 games played with the Erie Otters) it can easily be argued that Gaunce can eventually push for a top six forward role.

4. Thatcher Demko

Thatcher Demko Vancouver Canucks

4. Thatcher Demko

Thatcher Demko Vancouver Canucks — The highest rated North American goaltending prospect of this June’s draft, Demko brings smooth mobility, flair, and an ability to step up in big games. Being 6-foot-4 and 195 pounds is an added bonus for Demko and the Canucks. He will spend this season with the Boston College Eagles developing his already strong game.

3. Hunter ShinKaruk

Hunter Shinkaruk Vancouver Canucks

3. Hunter Shinkaruk

Hunter Shinkaruk Vancouver Canucks — The ultimate dual threat offensively, Shinkaruk has the hands and shot of a pure goal scorer, and the vision of an elite playmaker. With great skating ability, he can beat often beat defenders wide. After hip surgery in January, Shinkaruk is looking for a breakout season with Vancouver’s AHL affiliate, the Utica Comets.

2. Jake Virtanen

Jake Virtanen Vancouver Canucks

2. Jake Virtanen

Jake Virtanen Vancouver Canucks — A prospect with the potential to be one of the best all around power forwards in the NHL one day, Virtanen posses the speed, shot, size and physicality every NHL team would love to have. He will look to improve on the already impressive point per game pace he had with the Calgary Hitmen in 2013-14.

1. Bo Horvat

Bo Horvat Vancouver Canucks

1. Bo Horvat

Bo Horvat Vancouver Canucks — Thought by many to be the most complete player in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft, Horvat is a reliable two-way player. He has above average puck handling, and was used in every situation by London Knights head coach, Dale Hunter. Horvat also brings physicality to his game, complimented by his outstanding leadership qualities. The Canucks should be excited at the prospect of having this guy as their first line centerman one day.

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Vancouver Canucks

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