Vancouver Canucks player reportedly unhappy with his usage, could request a trade
The Vancouver Canucks have struggled out of the gates this season, with a record of 2-6-2 in their first 10 games. After playing so well under coach Bruce Boudreau to the end last season, success hasn't carried over.
Coach Boudreau has been criticized on a few occasions with his lineup selection. One player who hasn't gotten in many games so far is young defenceman Jack Rathbone. The 23-year-old, has gotten into four games this season averaging 16:27 in ice time.
The Canucks' top prospect on defence has already done all he could at the AHL level, with 49 points in 47 career AHL games.
With the team struggling so much defensively, it seems odd that head coach Bruce Boudreau and defence coach Trent Cull wouldn't at least try to shake things up by inserting Rathbone into the lineup more.
On the Donnie & Dhali sports show they chimed in on the Jack Rathbone situation.
Young players need to play to develop. Sitting Rathbone in the press box so frequently doesn't do anything but hurt his development. Defenceman Riley Stillman was acquired by the Canucks in the off-season and to this point has been the preferred option on the 3rd pair. In 6 games this season Stillman has 0 points and a -4 rating, while averaging 13:31 in ice time.
The Canucks recently traded goalie prospect, Michael DiPietro who'd request a trade of his own due to lack of playing time. It appears that the Canucks, despite their struggles still refuse to commit to any form of player development.
| POLL | ||
If your Bruce Boudreau who would you play on the left side of the Canucks 3rd pairing when healthy? | ||
| Jack Rathbone | 30 | 44.8 % |
| Travis Dermott | 26 | 38.8 % |
| Riley Stillman | 6 | 9 % |
| Other | 5 | 7.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
