Pre-Season Power Rankings V1

Introducing the Pre-Season power rankings, a list detailing the current battle for positions on the 2008-2009 edition of the Vancouver Canucks.

The power rankings consist of players who do not have an NHL job "locked up". Since the 7 defenseman appear to be set in stone barring injury they will be ommitted from the power rankings.

So, here are the initial rankings heading into tonight's game vs San Jose...

1. Mayson Raymond (NR) - At this point a top-6 forward spot is his to lose, decent game in Edmonton
2. Matt Pettinger (NR) - Many will question this ranking, but I really like Pettinger. Very versatile, strong at both ends, good size/physical play and offensive upside
3. Jannik Hansen (NR) - Off to a great start, the questions are: can he provide enough offense to stick in the top 6? & does he have a enough grit to contribute in the bottom 6?
4. Kyle Wellwood (NR) - His contract and offensive potential are the only reasons he is ranked this high
5. Jason Krog (NR) - Impressed in Edmonton, especially in the faceoff department, not likely to centre 2nd line, but if he shows enough of a two way game could centre one of the bottom 6
6. Cody Hodgson (NR) - He's going to get a long look in the pre-season and has a good shot at sticking around for a few regular season games
7. Jeff Cowan (NR) - Hordichuk may make him redundant, but if he can regain his "brabarian" form the Canucks would like his toughness
8. Michael Grabner (NR) - There's room in the top 6, his play has not ruled him out of a top 6 spot
9. Mike Brown (NR) - Two-way contract hurts his chances, will have to play his way on to the team as opposed to off
10. Rick Rypien (NR) - Poor AHL season and the new competition at centre will make things tough for Rypien
11. Jason Jaffray (NR) - Decent depth option, but at this point he barely makes this list

Assuming the Canucks carry 14 forwards (which I consider likely for at least the first few weeks of the season) 5 of these forwards will make the team.