As the 2017-18 season ended, the Vancouver Canucks saw their team get even worse, as Henrik and Daniel Sedin announced their retirement. But, it gives them a chance to look towards Elias Pettersson, Brock Boeser and others to expand their farm system. It\’s a dark time in Vancouver. Let\’s look at some fast facts for the Canucks.
Head Coach: Travis Green
General Manager: Jim Benning
Arena: Rogers Arena
AHL Affiliate: Utica Comets
2017-18 record: 31-40-11 (73 points)
2017-18 placement: 7th
Division: Pacific
2017-18 goals leader: Brock Boeser (29)
2017-18 assists leader: Henrik Sedin (47)
2017-18 points leader: Brock Boeser, Daniel Sedin (55)
2017-18 points leader (defensemen): Alex Edler (34)
Captain: None
Assistant Captains: Alex Edler, Chris Tanev, Brandon Sutter, Michael Del Zotto
2018 first round pick: Quinn Hughes
Offseason additions: Jay Beagle, Antoine Roussel, Tim Schaller
Offseason subtractions: Henrik Sedin, Daniel Sedin, Jussi Jokinen, Derek Dorsett, Nic Dowd, Darren Archibald, Patrick Wiercioch
Forwards: With Bo Horvat, Sven Baertschi and Brock Boeser moving up to the first line, Elias Petterson and Nikolay Goldbin take their spots on the second line. Veterans Loui Eriksson and Brandon Sutter need to step it up, as they combined for just 21 goals last year. The fourth line is tight, with Jake Virtanen, Tim Schaller, Adam Gaudette and Markus Granlund fighting for two spots.
Forward lines:
Sven Baertschi – Bo Horvat – Brock Boeser
Nikolay Goldobin – Elias Pettersson – Loui Eriksson
Markus Granlund – Brandon Sutter – Sam Gagner
Antoine Roussel – Jay Beagle – Jake Virtanen
Other: Adam Gaudette, Tim Schaller, Brendan Leipsic
Defensemen: Alex Edler and Chris Tanev combine for the league\’s worst top pair. Olli Juolevi might finally make the team. Erik Gudbranson is actually fighting for his job, with Derrick Pouliot. It isn\’t a good core.
Defensive pairs:
Alex Edler – Chris Tanev
Michael Del Zotto – Olli Juolevi
Ben Hutton – Erik Gudbranson
Other: Derrick Pouliot, Troy Stecher
Goalies: Jacob Markstrom is still the starter, but Thatcher Demko is coming for him. It will be Demko\’s job next year.
Goalie alignment:
Jacob Markstrom
Anders Nilsson
Other: Thatcher Demko
Predictions:
Top five scorers:
Brock Boeser
Bo Horvat
Sven Baertschi
Elias Pettersson
Sam Gagner
Playoffs: No
Division: 8th
CarterHud 