The Province
May 1, 2002
By Ben Kuzma

Pencil in Bryan Allen. Erase Josh Holden. And place a bunch of question marks around other farmhands hoping to crack the Canucks' lineup next season.

After all, Vancouver led the NHL in goals with 254, had the fourth-best power play, and established a franchise record for fewest goals allowed with 211.

All by icing the league's fourth-youngest team and keeping the payroll hovering around $30 million US.

Factor in the possibility of losing centre Andrew Cassels to unrestricted free agency. Harold Druken hopes to fill that void. If Todd Warriner's contract isn't renewed, then Jarkko Ruutu has renewed enthusiasm. So, if the Canucks add free agents, the prospects should plan on a little more time on the AHL farm in Winnipeg.

"This is a nice problem to have," Canucks general manager Brian Burke said Tuesday. "It's tougher now for a guy to come up from the Moose and crack the lineup because we have a better team."

The best bet is Allen. The fourth overall selection in the '98 entry draft has endured shoulder, knee and foot surgeries. But Allen proved last year in two playoff appearances that he has the potential for the NHL tempo.

Although questions remain on agility and lateral movement of the 6-foot-4, 228 defensive defenceman, expect him to be the seventh D next fall -- and be slowly nurtured.

The Kingston, Ont., native earned a Canucks' roster spot at age 18 but couldn't come to contract terms. He then played 14 games in junior and the minors in the '99-00 season because of injury. With 19 NHL games on his resume, his time has arrived.

"I'm ready to make that next step," he said. "I played a lot this year against top lines [in the AHL]. It's just consistency -- trying to play the same game every night, not getting down; dealing with adversity. Sometimes things don't go right and you've got to play through them."

Burke does not think that will be a problem because Allen's "in the best position to challenge."

Another player hoping to make a physical impact is winger 23-year-old Mike Brown.

With Donald Brashear dealt to Philly for Jan Hlavac, opportunity knocks for the 6-foot-4, 225 pound North Vancouver native who was in 15 NHL games this season and collected 72 penalty minutes.

"I need to improve my foot speed, get stronger, be a more physical presence... lead the forecheck and create some havoc out there," said Brown.

Others who may rate a long look are Ds Zenith Komarniski and Rene Vydareny, and wingers Ryan Ready and Tyler Bouck.

PLAYERS IN WAITING

Who's ripening on the AHL farm in Winnipeg, and who isn't:

On the rise:

1. D Bryan Allen: It's time for the hulking blueliner to adapt to the NHL game.

2. D Zenith Komarniski: Solid AHL season is keeping him in future plans.

3. LW Ryan Ready: MVP season with the Moose, but grinder's skating needs work.

4. D Rene Vydareny: Future power-play quarterback. Needs another season in minors.

5. RW Tyler Bouck: Feisty with a scoring touch, but knee surgery and concussion will slow development.

On the slide:

1. C Josh Holden: Went 25 games without an AHL goal.

2. RW Pat Kavanagh: Development plateaued at just 13 goals with Moose.

3. LW Steve Kariya: Speed to spare, but C Brandon Reid might be a better prospect.

4. RW Brad Leeb: Had 17 AHL goals, but has a wonky left knee. His contract is up.

5. C Herbert Vasiljevs: Started season in NHL, but is merely insurance against



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