Canucks training camp: Desjardins reveals potential line combinations

By

WHISTLER (NEWS1130) – Day two of the Canucks training camp is in the books. The team had its first on-ice practice in Whistler and coach Willie Desjardins revealed possible line combinations for the first time.

The new coach had the Sedin twins skating with Radim Vrbata. Vrbata was signed to a two-year deal in the offseason after a stint with the Arizona Coyotes. Desjardins likes the look of the trio on the first line.

“We don’t have that much time really. It goes quick. I want Vrbata to get used to the Sedin’s. Will he play there this year? I am not sure, but I want to give it a good chance to be successful.”

Henrik Sedin felt the trio gelled in their first practice together and feels Vrbata will be a big contributor.

“I think on the powerplay it is going to help right away. You can just tell right away from things that he likes to do, and what we always wanted on the powerplay, and he is that guy.”

Desjardins has assembled Alex Burrows, Zack Kassian and Nick Bonino as a possible second line. After that things are a little more complicated with about a dozen players vying for spots in the bottom six.

Shawn Matthias, Derek Dorsett and rookie Bo Horvat made up a line combination. Dorsett was acquired at the draft in June from the New York Rangers and he predicts big things for Horvat.

“He is going to be a big part of this organization. He is a good young player. He is big, he is fast and he has a lot of skill. We went in on a couple of 2-on-1 rushes and he scored on both of them. He has quite a shot. Obviously it is great to play with the kid and hopefully I can help him out.”

Horvat says he felt pretty good on the ice and liked his linemate’s.

“They are really good hockey players and they have shown their stuff in the league. It is an honor to be put in between them. I thought we had a good practice today and we have to keep going if I want to stay on that line.”

On the other lines, Desjardins experimented with Chris Higgins, Brad Richardson and Jannik Hansen together. He also created a line of Tom Sestito, Linden Vey and Nicklas Jensen.

The Canucks will be back on the ice tomorrow at 9:10 a.m..

Top Stories

Top Stories

Most Watched Today