What will the Canucks’ lines look like without Filip Chytil?

All of this on top of Nils Höglander and Derek Forbort already being on injured reserve. Höglander remains on track for his 8-10 week timeline, while Forbort seems much closer to returning.

With these six players out of the lineup, how should the Canucks lineup against the Penguins on Tuesday?

Well, once the Canucks were down to 10 forwards for the final two periods on Sunday, this is how they deployed their forwards:

DeBrusk – Pettersson – Garland
Kane/O’Connor – Blueger – Sherwood
Bains – Sasson – Karlsson/O’Connor

Of course, there was some line juggling, but for the most part, that’s how Adam Foote had his lines.

If Blueger and Boeser are not able to go against the Penguins, that leaves three spots open for the taking.

The obvious is Aatu Räty. The 22-year-old has been on the roster since opening night and appeared in four of the six games, picking up an assist with a 55% faceoff percentage, averaging 11:17 minutes of ice time. His faceoff ability is essential to have him in the lineup, especially if potentially two centres are going to miss.

Vancouver recalled Joseph LaBate on Monday morning. He’s picked up a pair of goals and an assist through Abbotsford’s first four games. LaBate had a strong preseason in Vancouver. The 6’5″ forward was a physical presence, throwing his body, dropping the gloves twice, and adding an assist to boot. He’s spent his time in Abbotsford playing centre, and the Canucks may ask him to do more of the same if he gets into game action on Tuesday.

Along with LaBate, defenceman Jimmy Schuldt was called up to the team. However, he has since been returned to AHL Abbotsford. Defenceman Tom Willander and forward Nils Aman were recalled in the same transaction.

This now brings the Canucks roster to 12 forwards and seven defencemen available for the game. Using who is currently on the roster, and under the assumption that both Blueger and Boeser miss the contest, here is how we would have the Canucks’ lines against the Penguins:

DeBrusk – Pettersson – Garland
Kane – Räty – Sherwood
Bains – Sasson – Karlsson
O’Connor – Aman – LaBate

Hughes – Hronek
M. Pettersson – Myers
E. Pettersson – Joseph

Demko
Lankinen

Extras: Willander

There’s been no word on how close he is to being ready, but Forbort could also return to the lineup as soon as tomorrow. If he’s ready to go, he would likely slide in for Joseph.

However, a different approach the Canucks could take is going with 11 forwards and seven defencemen.

DeBrusk – Pettersson – Garland
Kane – Räty – Sherwood
Bains – Sasson – Karlsson
O’Connor – Aman

Hughes – Hronek
M. Pettersson – Myers
E. Pettersson – Joseph
Willander

Demko
Lankinen

Extras: LaBate

This would allow the Willander to make his NHL debut, while also being able to shelter his minutes with an extra defenceman. Typically, you’d prefer to roll with a regular lineup. But with a lot of AHL-calibre talent already in the lineup, it might be best to have the extra defenceman fresh on the bench.

There are still a lot of moving parts with the lineup, with Blueger and Boeser still having a chance to suit up, and a potentail Forbort return. However, assuming they will all miss, we would lean going with the 11 forwards and seven defenceman lineup against the Penguins.

What do you think, Canucks fans? Which of these two lineups would you rather the Canucks roll out on Tuesday?