That being said he looks like the type of player who will thrive once his decision making improves to the point where he doesn’t have to think very much out there. Improved fitness will buy him some more time and a bit more experience and confidence will help him take advantage of that extra step.

Still, it’s likely that Kassian’s season is like most young players first few seasons in the league – characterized by bouts of inconsistency puntuated by flashes of brilliance. I wouldn’t expect him to do much more than tread water as a depth player this year, with perhaps a breakout season coming once he’s got another year under his belt.

That being said a player of his size and demeanour still has a lot to offer the Canucks in the meantime.

As for Cody Hodgson I wish the guy well, but watching him get dominated matching up against players like Darren Helm last year has me convinced he too needs a fair bit of work on his game to live up to his billing in this league. He can probably produce offense this year given the role he is likely to get, but realizing his potential as a less one-dimensional player will take time.