my view is we need to address the fact the canucks have zero defensive depth if we want to be playoff contenders let alone contenders. even with soucy back in the lineup we are one short of an nhl calibre defensive lineup. we badly need a bottom pairing that will not be the game plan of other teams to target with last change in road games and we also need call ups. you can only play cat and mouse so much, and cole and hronek are going to be worn down.
hirose is poised and capable, but i think not strong or experienced enough yet to manage the boards or the front of the net. juulsen can maybe be babysat but he is definitely toolbox deficient.
maybe a couple of brisebois, mcward, irwin, rathbone and wolanin can step up and in. that's a lot of near nhl depth, but no clear nhl depth.
and the giraffe in the room needs to be considered. he usually starts the season awkward and slightly confused, but he does look a little more of both than usual. if he can't play 20 minutes we may need to make a trade now and give up on bear.
