The Canucks featured an experienced lineup on the ice that clearly showed. Akito Hirose, Aatu Raty and Arshdeep Bains were prominent contributors to the team's performance. It's hard not to mention Aidan McDonough's offensive prowess; the winger scored in both meetings and added the Canucks' lone shootout goal in the loss.
McDonough, Raty and Hirose have seen what it takes to make it to the NHL. On his part, Bains just finished his first professional season and has constantly progressed. The 21-year-old may not be at a point where he could have a full-time NHL job, but how he's been going and improving his two-way game adds value to the team's depth chart.
Hirose is putting on a clinic, and we might assist a heck of a battle for the team's third left Defenseman. The team acquired Carson Soucy, Ian Cole and Matt Irwin via free agency, but Christian Wolanin, Guillaume Brisebois and Akito Hirose are all strong candidates to take a roster spot.
The team will be taking the ice for their last Rookie Tournament game, leading to its official camp starting relatively soon. Bains and McDonough will try and cause a surprise in a group with no roster spot left on the wings; Hirose will do the same, while Raty will compete with the newly signed Teddy Blueger and Pius Suter for a chance to play in the NHL.
