Bankier scores versus Tri-City (image credit - Blazers/Allen Douglas)

By Michael Reeve

BLAZERS DEPTH

Blazer depth restored as key players return from NHL camp

Oct 14, 2022 | 3:33 PM

KAMLOOPS — The Blazers are down south this weekend for a pair of games — first against Tri-City Friday (Oct. 14), then in Portland Saturday (Oct. 15).

Blazers Head Coach and GM Shaun Clouston will have some extra weapons available to him when he looks up an down the bench this weekend. Team captain Logan Stankoven has returned and will suit up for the first time this season, alongside Daylan Kuefler and Connor Levis on the new-look first line.

“It’s always good to experiment with new guys. Try to find players that can kind of play a skill game, but then a grittier game as well. It’s always nice to have a good mix of guys on a line,” said Stankoven who just returned from Dallas Stars training camp.

Kuefler went from 4 goals in the hub to 38 last season in a massive step forward. Clouston believes Caeden Bankier could see a similar jump in production this season.

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“Caeden Bankier looks better. He looks like he had a great summer and a great NHL camp. His confidence is higher, he compete his higher, he looks stronger,” said Clouston.

“I think I have a lot to prove this year. Obviously, I didn’t like how the season ended for the team and myself last season. I have kind of had that on my mind all summer and leading up to the season that is what I’ve been trying to strive towards,” added Bankier.

While they will start the season on different lines, longtime friend Stankoven believes Bankier could have a special season.

“Since he has come back from Minnesota, he’s been able to put up some pretty impressive numbers. I watched the last two games in Dallas on my iPad and he was our best player out there. A guy who makes a difference every time he’s on the ice and someone other teams are going to have to look out for,” said the Blazers captain.

The Blazers will be far older this weekend when they take on Portland Saturday for the first time since opening night. That key returning depth should benefit the Blazers roster.

“Having key players come back, you can spread them around the lineup. When other teams are trying to match up against the top line, we have three or four lines that can make a difference out there,” said Stankoven.

The Blazers are back home at the Sandman Centre on Tuesday (Oct. 18) for a mid-week matchup versus the Brandon Wheat Kings.