Confirmed with Link: Jack Rathbone named to AHL All Rookie Team

[iceburg]

I was a little disappointed not to see Rathbone in the NHL for at least a few games towards the end of the year. That said, given the weirdness of the last two years for his development, I'm happy that they chose to keep him for the stretch in Abbotsford. The consistency of that process will serve him well.

 

[VanJack]

I see Canucks Army has a partial piece up on Jack Rathbone, and what to expect this season. He's signed to a two-year, one way contract, so he's penciled into the top-six at the NHL level.

The gist of the article is that Rathbone might be superfluous with Quinn Hughes driving the offense from the back end and being a fixture on the first unit PP. On the other hand, you can never have too much offense from your blueliners.

So what are the expectations?. Could Rathbone be part of a dynamic duo from the back-end with Hughes, and drive offense much like Cale Makar and Devon Toews in Colorado? Could Rathbone supplant OEL as the QB on the second unit PP?

The reality of the situation is that if Rathbone could ever replicate what he accomplished at the AHL-level (a ppg d-man), it would transform this Canucks team.

 

[PavelBure10]

I really like Rathbone, I could see him putting up points if given the opportunity. 28 points is my prediction, 5 goals 23 assists. In which would be a very good season. Could see him as a consistent 30+ point defenseman when he develops a further role with the team.

 

[bossram]

There's no reason you can't have two "offensive defensemen" in the lineup. Just give them optimal partners (which yes, I know the Canucks don't have).

I'd probably try:
Hughes - Dermott
OEL - Myers
Rathbone - Schenn

 

[iceburg]

I definitely think there's a fit for Rathbone in the top 6. Outside of Hughes and OEL he might be the only D-man in the organization that will ultimately fill a top 4 role (not guaranteed but I'm hopeful).

The big issue is that all of those guys play the left side. If OEL can be moved to the right side a Hughes-OEL pairing would be a serious top pairing. Dermott with Myers and Rathbone with Schenn or Poolman.

 

[VanJack]

In terms of points, for Rathbone, the big question is how long it might take for him to supplant OEL on the second unit pp? Or maybe you play both--the dynamic duo from the blueline. If it ever succeeded, the Canucks would have a lethal first and second unit PP.

 

[iceburg]

In terms of points, for Rathbone, the big question is how long it might take for him to supplant OEL on the second unit pp? Or maybe you play both--the dynamic duo from the blueline. If it ever succeeded, the Canucks would have a lethal first and second unit PP.

Second unit could go with two D. Rathbone left side and OEL right side.

 

[alternate]

In terms of points, for Rathbone, the big question is how long it might take for him to supplant OEL on the second unit pp? Or maybe you play both--the dynamic duo from the blueline. If it ever succeeded, the Canucks would have a lethal first and second unit PP.

Hunt was on the right half wall with OEL at the top last season. Spot is right there waiting for Rathbone, and he is likely an upgrade on Hunt.