Welcome to this edition of The Hockey News' Vancouver Canucks Mailbag. In this series, we answer your questions about what is going on with the Canucks. Today, we answer questions about Adam Foote, Vitali Kravtsov, and more.
Why Did The Canucks Hire Foote Instead Of Malhotra?
The decision to promote Adam Foote to head coach has been widely debated this off-season. The former NHL defender does not have head coaching experience at the pro level, but has been with the organization for the past few seasons. As for Manny Malhotra, he is coming off a Calder Cup championship with the Abbotsford Canucks and should not have to wait much longer for a chance to run his own bench at the NHL level.
One of the reasons why the Canucks may have made this decision is experience working with this group. While Malhotra has worked with the younger players, Foote has built relationships with the core of this team, including captain Quinn Hughes. In the end, both have the potential to be successful coaches in the NHL, with Foote getting the call next season.
Who Is The More Important Canucks Prospect: Cootes Or Willander?
This is a tough one as both will play key roles in the future. Tom Willander has the potential to be a top-four defender, while Braeden Cootes could be Vancouver's 2C of the future. Ultimately, the Canucks need both to hit if they want to have success, not just now, but in the future.
In the end, Willander is the more important prospect as of right now. While it is difficult to find centers like Cootes, right-shot, mobile defenceman like Willander are currently at a premium in the league. Both have the potential to be special players, but Willander is currently the most important prospect in the organization.
Whose The Prospect In The System Who Could Shock Us All And Be A Top 6 F Or A Top 4 D This Season?
Another excellent prospect-related question. Before answering, it is important to rule out Willander, Elias Pettersson and Aatu Räty, as they have been hyped up enough that there would be no surprise if they move into those spots. As for the answer to the question, one prospect who could have a big season at the NHL level is Jonathan Lekkerimäki.
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It feels off selecting Lekkerimäki, but he has disappeared from people's radars over the past few months. He did win the Calder Cup with Abbotsford, but only scored three goals and recorded seven points in 16 games. While it is likely that he starts the year in the AHL, Lekkerimäki could jump into the top six once he is called up during the season.
Will Kravtsov Make The Canucks Roster?
After two seasons in the KHL, Vitali Kravtsov is back and ready for another chance in the NHL. The 25-year-old had 58 points in 66 games last season for Traktor Chelyabinsk, which earned him a one-year, two-way contract. Ultimately, this could be Kravtsov's last chance at an NHL career, which means he has plenty of motivation to have a successful 2025-26 season.
If Kravtsov is going to make the NHL team, it is most likely going to be on the fourth line. That being said, multiple players are fighting for the final spots, including Arshdeep Bains, Linus Karlsson, Nils Åman and Max Sasson. Despite the fact that Kravtsov needs waivers, there is a good chance that he starts the year in the AHL.
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