Skip to main content

Vancouver Canucks at a glance

VANCOUVER CANUCKS

LAST SEASON: 49-29-5, 101 points. Lost to Calgary in Western Conference quarterfinals.

COACH: Willie Desjardins (one NHL season, 48-29-5).

ADDED: G Richard Bachman, D Matt Bartkowski, D Taylor Fedun, C Blair Jones, LW Brandon Prust, C Brandon Sutter.

LOST: D Kevin Bieksa, C Nick Bonino, RW Zack Kassian, G Eddie Lack, C Shawn Matthias, C Brad Richardson.

PLAYER TO WATCH: Goalies Ryan Miller and Jacob Markstrom. Just three seasons ago, Vancouver had perhaps the NHL's best goaltender tandem in Roberto Luongo and Cory Schneider. Then former GM Mike Gillis traded Schneider to the New Jersey Devils and Luongo went to Florida after then-coach John Tortorella alienated the goaltender by selecting Eddie Lack to start the Heritage Classic outdoor game.

OUTLOOK: The reconstructed Canucks will face a challenge in making the Western Conference playoffs. A 101-point team last season, Vancouver replaced useful components Kevin Bieksa, Nick Bonino, Zack Kassian, Eddie Lack, Shawn Matthias and Brad Richardson with just Brandon Sutter and Brandon Prust. That may not be enough.

© 2024 ABG-SI LLC. SPORTS ILLUSTRATED IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF ABG-SI LLC. - All Rights Reserved. The content on this site is for entertainment and educational purposes only. All betting content is intended for an audience ages 21+. All advice, including picks and predictions, is based on individual commentators’ opinions and not that of Minute Media or its related brands. All picks and predictions are suggestions only. No one should expect to make money from the picks and predictions discussed on this website. For more information, please read our Legal Disclaimer. Gambling content intended for 21+. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER.