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Derek Dorsett is the only staple on the fourth line. Put Gaunce in the middle. Granlund seems to be getting a better grip on the other wing. That leaves LaBate, Virtanen and Etem vying for the 13th spot. LaBate was quieter in his back-to-back test. The Canucks also need Virtanen’s size and power forward potential, but as the extra guy he would also benefit from ample ice time in Utica. Stay tuned.

Here are some questions about positional battles as the Canucks dropped a 4-2 decision to the Arizona Coyotes Monday:

Is Stecher better than Larsen?

Photo by Darryl Dyck / The Canadian Press

It’s the storyline that won’t go away, and a one-word summation by Desjardins only fuelled the roster speculation fire Monday. When asked if his expected third defensive pairing is set — Luca Sbisa to provide the muscle and Philip Larsen the power play creativity — he didn’t hesitate.

“No,” said Desjardins. “(Troy) Stecher has thrown a wrench into it — we didn’t expect him to be in that (competitive) spot yet and he’s played well. We’ll have eight defencemen but then it’s which six are playing, and there are two battles going on in that.”

The obvious one is Stecher versus Larsen. You could argue that Stecher would be a raw NHL rookie and better off in Utica for now. Or that he’s done everything to make the team. He’s been good at both ends of the ice, is feisty and his gap control was better Monday. Larsen was quiet.

“There’s stuff I can clean up, but I expected to fight for a spot,” said Stecher. “Guys in the NHL can create something out of nothing and I’ve also got to be prepared to jump up into the play.”