The Vancouver Canuck's preseason is underway and after twice defeating Oiler based teams optimism blooms. The Canuck's youth (who will be served, according to Gillis.) looked good in both games. Hansen looked brilliant setting up Grabner in game two. Game one highlighted project players Krog and Wellwood with both players scoring shoot-out goals. After the two tune-ups the Canuck's practice featured lines of Sedin,Sedin,Bernier and Pyatt,Demitra,Raymond. It's almost like they planned it! Well, almost. The Spector of the reanimated Leaf still looms. Sundin may have done the Canucks a giant favor by tying up resources all summer if it leads to a youth movement. It is still early days,but there could be three O lines to roll over on some nights! There are also enough big forwards to go around for the first time in years. There is a lot of competition for third and fourth line jobs. After Kesler, whom I assume will be the third line center,it's wide open! Krog,Brown,Hordichuk,Wellwood and Hansen are pushing returnees Burrows,Cowan and Pettinger. Grabner and Hodgeson or Jaffray might make it.

The defence looks pretty good, although Ohlund and Salo aren't getting any faster. Nycholat and Davison didn't look out of place at all.

Goaltending prospect Schnieder looked ready to start in Manitoba and even inspired some 'trade Luongo' talk. This must not be tolerated, even in jest. Luongo must remain, even if you have to pay Sundin money for him! Sanford looks steady again.

Speaking of Sundin money,there is (according to NHLSCAP.com) $8,984,167 of it left. This can be used in the event of a team need arising or a bargain coming from some cap-stressed team. It's handy to have. Trades could still happen.

Early indications seem good, like there was a plan.