New Article Title: Exploring the Potential of Anthony Beauvillier and the Vancouver Canucks' Top Line

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“Anthony Beauvillier Set to Take Advantage of Prime Lineup as New Canuck to Bolster Scoring”

Vancouver Canucks
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Notebook: “I think he can score more. He’s just an energy that can really take off in the neutral zone and extend defenses’ – coach Rick Tocchet on Anthony Beauvillier

“It’s exciting to be around these players because they can really shoot the puck,” says newly acquired Anthony Beauvillier (above), who will initially run on Elias Pettersson’s line with Andrei Kuzmenko. “It’s a great opportunity for me.” Photo by Emilee Chinn /Getty Images files

Rick Tocchet prefers to use consistent duos as part of his forward mix.

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The Vancouver Canucks coach knows that chemistry is just as important as skill and he can already see what Elias Pettersson and Andrei Kuzmenko have achieved as a rising and promising dynamic duo.

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There’s that sixth feeling, knowing where the other guy is — or will be — and signing Kuzmenko for two years and $11 million last month was a way to solidify the union and incentivize Pettersson , agreeing to a long-term commitment in the summer.

For now, the right side of this alignment is occupied by left-leaning newcomer Anthony Beauvillier.

Tocchet needs to see if there’s more to Bo Horvat’s trade acquisition than nine goals in his first 49 games this season with the New York Islanders. Beauvillier is yet to reach the 20-goal plateau in five seasons but will have a chance.

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“I saw him in the Pittsburgh Series (2021) and he’s a pressure guy and he gets loose pucks,” Tocchet recalled Monday morning of Beauvillier’s 13 points (5-8) in 19 playoff games this year and his three goals in this six-game opening round victory over the Penguins.

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“I think he can score more and we will position him where he can. He’s just an energy guy and it’s a hole that we’re filling here with a guy who can really fly in the neutral zone and extend defense – that’s what we’re looking for from him.

Beauvillier, 25, admitted he had some nerve in Sunday’s training debut and his heavy legs will go away as he tries to keep up with Pettersson.

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“It’s exciting to be around these players because they can really shoot the puck,” Beauvillier said. “It’s a great opportunity for me and I want to be someone who works hard and wants to win.

“I’m definitely a competitor and I want to show that to the fans and the team.”

The Canucks are giving winger Anthony Beauvillier a top-line look to bolster his offense. Photo by Bruce Bennett /Getty Images files

Devils, wild big on Boeser

Brock Boeser was a top 6 lineup staple.

However, the right winger was on the third line in Sunday’s practice with recalled Vasily Podkolzin and Sheldon Dries – the team didn’t have a matchday on Monday – and that might raise some eyebrows. Or not. It’s also a way for Tocchet to add more balance.

Boeser’s name has been associated with many trade destinations, but the Devils and Wild make the most sense. His agent, Ben Hankinson, told Postmedia Monday he continues to help the Canucks hockey department find a target and has spoken to New Jersey and Minnesota.

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Hankinson also said those clubs have shown interest, but there are a lot of moving parts.

Brock Boeser of the Vancouver Canucks redirects the puck to goaltender Martin Jones of the Seattle Kraken during a December game at Rogers Arena. Photo from Rich Lam /Getty Images files

The Devils could use Boeser on their second line. Fabian Zetterland, 25, was on the right with the prolific Jack Hughes but has only scored 15 points (5-10) in 36 games.

The Devils have a $2 million cap, and to take the last two years of Boeser’s contract at a $6.65 million annual cap would require them to siphon money.

Boeser, 25, has 30 points (9-21) in 41 games and an eight-point lead (2-6) in his last 10 games has fueled interest. The Wild want the Canucks to keep the salary on a potential deal, but that could be a non-starter for the owner.

Minnesota fielded Ryan Hartman 28 on the right side of his second line with Joel Eriksson Ek. He has 14 points (5-9) in 26 games but has a $1.7 million cap.

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Matthew Boldy, 21, played at right back in the third row and his 36 points (16-20) in 48 games obviously warrant promotion, but all teams are looking for line balance.

Vancouver Canucks forward Vasily Podkolzin. Photo by Bob Frid /USA TODAY Sports Files

The Podkolzin plan revealed

Call it an inside job.

When Tocchet was asked about his plan to get the most out of Podkolzin, he got down to business.

“A strong guy with the give and take and for me he’s an inside player,” said Tocchet. “I want him to be a really heavy guy on the boards and a moose on the net. That’s why they drafted him.

“He has done a good job with the minors and we need guys who can play indoors. He’s a guy we need to develop into this role.”

Podkolzin had just three assists in 16 games before being demoted to a member of the club’s American Hockey League, where he amassed 18 points (7-11) in 28 games.

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Source: theprovince.com

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