Canucks vets to sit split-squad preseason openers
Quote:
HODGSON IMPRESSES
Head coach Alain Vigneault said he's been impressed by Cody Hodgson so far in camp and he wants to give the team's first-round pick [10th overall] three years ago every opportunity at centre.
"Right now I really want to give him a chance in the middle, because that's his natural position," said Vigneault. "What I've seen the first three days, I've really liked. You're seeing more jump and obviously those offensive smarts are there. We'll try him there and as things unfold his play and the play of others will put the pieces together."
The opportunity for Hodgson to finally play in the top six has come up with the news that Ryan Kesler almost certainly won't start the season after hip labrum surgery. But Vigneault said it shouldn't be assumed that Hodgson would have to switch to wing when Kesler returns.
"There's nothing that stops us from putting Manny [third line centre Malhotra] on the wing and [still use him] for faceoffs," said Vigneault. "Manny has played a lot of left wing, so there is a whole bunch of possibilities. The players will decide. If a player is playing so well in one position that we can't take him out, we'll have to make some decisions."
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Looking forward to seeing what CoHo does.