Possibility of Brendan Gaunce making this/next year's world junior team?
I am just wondering, he has a March birthday so would be eligible (confirmation needed), and was clutch in this year's playoffs. Is also experienced and can be used on the PK, kind of like Boone Jenner this year, without the overly physical play.
Would rather we develop him slowly. Shove him into a checking role now and he might never reach his offensive potential. Better he play top-6 minutes in junior.
EDIT: Whoops. See post below
Last edited by Vankiller Whale: 05-14-2013 at 06:22 PM.
Would rather we develop him slowly. Shove him into a checking role now and he might never reach his offensive potential. Better he play top-6 minutes in junior.
Misread the title?
If the thread were titled "Possibility of making the Canucks next year?" your post would make more sense.
Probably about 40%. He had an amazing playoffs and produced at a PPG on a very defensive team. Plays center and wing and could be a good option on the 4th line. They also usually prefer 19 year olds like him to those with another year of eligibility.
With that said there are a bunch of options for bottom 6 forwards next year. He'll have competition.
I think he has a decent shot to make it in a checking role, but he needs to obviously start strong next year. Being voted one of the best defensive forwards in the OHL will help him.
If he's not shoehorned onto the Canucks roster, i'd say he should have a decent chance of making the WJC team. His versatility should help him out quite a bit, along with his size.
Not sure I'd have Gaunce on the team just yet (though when the option eventually becomes playing here or being coached by Arneil I'd much rather he play here), but it would be cool to see him on team Canada at the WJC.
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I told ya so. I was right all along!
Yes he'd be eligible, the calender year is the cut off. If he was born on January 1st 1994 he could start the tournament as a 19 year old and finish as a 20 year old.
Not sure I'd have Gaunce on the team just yet (though when the option eventually becomes playing here or being coached by Arneil I'd much rather he play here), but it would be cool to see him on team Canada at the WJC.
I agree, the last time the Canucks had a member on the team was Godson, and Corrado should've been on it last year. Any other prospects who could be in the WJC next year?
I have some sources (coaches and scouts) who believe he will make the NHL team next year. To quote one "he would really have to ******* it up to not make the team".
I have some sources (coaches and scouts) who believe he will make the NHL team next year. To quote one "he would really have to ******* it up to not make the team".
Well Gillis has gone on record and said that the team needs more prospects making the team to make efficient use of the cap. Next season will be a big one for kinds to make teh big club. I expect Shroeder to be a regular and Jensen/Gaunce will have very good looks.
I have some sources (coaches and scouts) who believe he will make the NHL team next year. To quote one "he would really have to ******* it up to not make the team".
Yea that's cool, we listen to 1040 and read the province too
Well Gillis has gone on record and said that the team needs more prospects making the team to make efficient use of the cap. Next season will be a big one for kinds to make teh big club. I expect Shroeder to be a regular and Jensen/Gaunce will have very good looks.
Wouldn't doubt it at all. With Roy probably gone and lappy potentially gone you would have to figure he has a pretty decent shot
Would rather we develop him slowly. Shove him into a checking role now and he might never reach his offensive potential. Better he play top-6 minutes in junior.
HC likes the style of play that Gaunce brings to the table, could be a 3rd-4th line center next year, but I have a feeling politics could get in the way, (as they usually do at the WJC's for Team Canada). *Cough* Corrado *Cough* Wotherspoon *Cough*
