Vancouver Canucks: The Franchise's 5 Most Untouchable Prospects

The Vancouver Canucks, like any professional sports team, have numerous prospects playing for either their AHL farm team, the Chicago Wolves, or elsewhere in the world. 

General Manager Mike Gillis would gladly entertain trade offers with many of these prospects, but others aren't so available. 

The following is a list of the five most untouchable prospects in the Canucks' system. 

5. Jordan Schroeder

Jordan Schroeder was drafted 22nd overall by the Vancouver Canucks in the 2009 entry draft. 

He is currently playing for the Chicago Wolves of the AHL, and is tied for second on the team with 12 points in 19 games. 

There is no doubt in regards to Schroeder's skill, but his size (5'8", 175 lbs) could be the reason we haven't seen him suit up for the Canucks yet, and could keep him in the AHL for a few years to come. 

That said, the Canucks will want to hold on to him to see how he fairs in the NHL before entertaining any trade offers. 

4. Brendan Gaunce

The Canucks' most recent first-round selection caught the interest of fans immediately. 

The 18-year-old entered the Canucks organization at an incredible 6'2", 207 pounds, bringing with him some solid offensive abilities. 

This could be the exact type of player the Canucks need for the future.

Gaunce is currently the captain of the Belleville Bulls of the OHL, and has 14 points in 20 games. 

It could be a while before Gaunce gets his chance with the Canucks, but it will happen. 

3. Zack Kassian

When Zack Kassian was dealt to the Canucks for Cody Hodgson at last year's trade deadline, most Canucks fans felt robbed. 

Hodgson was on a tear, putting up a season worthy of Calder Trophy consideration. Kassian, on the other hand, had just seven points in 27 games with the Buffalo Sabres and only picked up three more after joining the Canucks. 

Despite his unimpressive debut in Vancouver, Kassian remains a very skilled prospect and could still become a dangerous power forward in the NHL. 

Mike Gillis was often criticized following the trade, but stuck by his decision to part with Hodgson. He'll make sure Kassian gets every chance to prove his decision was the smart one to make. 

Kassian is currently playing with the Wolves and is tied for second with Jordan Schroeder with 12 points in 18 games. He also leads the team with 51 penalty minutes. 

2. Chris Tanev

Chris Tanev has played a total of 64 games with the Canucks, including 10 in the playoffs. He has impressed us with every opportunity he's had, showing great defensive awareness despite his limited experience. 

Among his many impressive displays, Tanev has never finished an NHL or AHL season with a negative plus/minus. Last year, he finished plus-10 in 25 games with the Canucks. 

Tanev currently has seven points in 18 games with the Wolves, and a plus-three rating. 

We can expect Tanev to have a long, successful career as a great shutdown defender for the Canucks. 

1. Eddie Lack

Eddie Lack is arguably the Canucks' top prospect and the best player on the Chicago Wolves.

Lack finished among the top 10 in the AHL for save percentage the past two seasons with the Wolves and the Manitoba Moose. He hasn't been playing quite as well this season, but still holds a 7-4-1 record. 

The Canucks made a bold move when they essentially chose Cory Schneider over Roberto Luongo. Schneider is an elite young goaltender, but his inexperience is not to be overlooked. If Luongo is traded, it will be important to have a solid goalie playing behind Schneider in case he doesn't handle being No. 1 the way we expect. 

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