"It's hard to say where he is on the whole spectrum," Linden told TSN 1040 radio. "He's got a great opportunity to show well here in training camp, and we'll see where he is."
Jordan Subban, 21, had 11 goals and 36 points in 67 games with Utica of the American Hockey League last season, his first as a professional.
"He had a real good year last year, offensively," Linden said. "I think he's understanding where he has to be on the defensive side of things and just that consistency and bringing that consistent work level to practice and his professional habits."
The Canucks this offseason added defenseman Erik Gudbranson in a trade with the Florida Panthers and let unrestricted free agent Dan Hamhuis sign with the Dallas Stars. Vancouver did not re-sign defenseman Matt Bartkowski, who led Canucks defensemen with 80 games played.
Jordan Subban (5-foot-9, 178 pounds) has a size disadvantage but is learning to play bigger in preparation for the NHL.
"When you're undersized, you need to figure out how to defend," Linden said. "And Jordan has done a good job with that."
Jordan is the youngest of three Subban brothers playing professional hockey. P.K., 27, was traded to the Predators by the Montreal Canadiens for defenseman Shea Weber on June 29. Goaltender Malcolm Subban, 22, is in the Boston Bruins organization.
