Jett Woo has been called up by the Vancouver Canucks from Abbotsford as Carson Soucy was placed on injured reserve. He might make the ice in Chicago or stay in the press box. If the opportunity isn’t here for him just yet, then it’s at least one step closer.
The Defenceman Who Wasn’t There
Carson Soucy is a very good free-agent pickup for the Canucks this year. When he’s playing, that is. This is his second go-around on the long-term injured reserve list this season. He was injured in the Canucks 6-4 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs in January and is likely to be out until mid-March.
In Soucy’s 21 games this season, he was used primarily as a second-pair defender. While he has some offensive skills, he’s most valued for his ability to shut down a rush. Fortunately for Vancouver, the team has improved enough that missing one player hasn’t finished them.
The defencemen moving up the lineup to replace Soucy have been varied. Mostly, it’s been veteran Ian Cole moving up and other new arrivals stepping into the third pair spot. Mark Friedman and Nikita Zadorov have both been capable replacements, though Zadorov has the lead there. When he’s not suspended.
Noah Juulsen has been improving all year, and coach Rick Tocchett is less reluctant to use him now. But Vancouver’s goals have changed this year: with the playoffs in mind, they’re looking for depth. This is Woo’s chance to be on the Black Aces come the second season.
Possible Jett Woo Debut
Jett Woo was drafted 37th overall back in 2018. He’s had a tumultuous pro career since then, playing through injuries and mounting frustration in the AHL. Being such a high draft pick led him to try being a bit too much, too quickly.
Then-coach Trent Cull tried using Woo as a fourth-line forward in 2021-22, otherwise making him a frequent scratch. When Cull was promoted to Vancouver, Woo’s trajectory changed again.
Under Abbotsford coach Jeremy Colliton since 2022-23, Woo narrowed his focus to his defensive game. While he scored seven goals and 21 points that season, the goals he prevented meant more. The arrival of Christian Wolanin eased the pressure on Woo to score, and he achieved a more well-rounded game because of it.
Woo’s playing style can best be described as “throwback” – mostly concerned with stopping opponents from scoring. He also plays a solid, hard-hitting game and will drop the gloves to defend his teammates.
This doesn’t mean he’s unable to add points – five goals and 16 points in 42 AHL games so far – but that won’t be his calling card in Vancouver. While he plays both special teams in Abbotsford, the senior squad will want a calm, steady presence at 5-on-5.
What Jett Woo Can Do
Woo has been drafted into every situation this year for a good reason – everyone else was injured. Or they’ve been traded away, as was the case with Jack Rathbone. Woo has stepped in and stepped up, and his brief experience at wing might even be a positive now.
He is a lively player who likes to play a physical game. That’s likely to be tempered somewhat if he makes the ice in Chicago. As mentioned, they’ll want the 23-year-old to play a safe, predictable game for now.
Don’t expect to see him on the power play, though if the team gets in penalty trouble again he may show up on the kill. The 6′, 205 lb. Woo is surprisingly strong and makes his presence known in front of the net.
Jett Woo may not stick, but the upcoming restricted free agent has a chance to show what he can do. Or at least remind the team that drafted him why they took the chance.
Main Photo Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
