Vancouver Canucks - 2014 - what if Jim Benning never happened? Pt. 2

[CanuckJohnny]

2018 NHL Entry Draft Preview

Here are the top ten prospects this draft:

#1 - D Rasmus Dahlin - The 6-3 defenseman can skate very smoothly all ready and plays an all around two way game. His offensive game looks NHL ready and he has all the makings of a legitimate #1 NHL defenseman.

#2 - LW Brady Tkachuk - Matthew's younger brother has formidable size and plays with aggression and ferocity. A fearless competitor, his defensive details could use some work but he could potentially score at the NHL level immediately with his toolkit.

#3 - LW Andrei Svechnikov - An all around offensive threat who could potentially develop a two way game and is able to play either side, Svechnikov has NHL size and skills and skating already. Whoever drafts him will have a top line scorer when he develops.

#4 - D Quinn Hughes - A smooth skating, slick passing defenseman with a high hockey IQ, Quinn has a way of making the game look effortless. He has legit PP1 potential at the NHL level, although his shot is less than intimidating. His major downside is his size. At 5-10 he is anything but physically intimidating and though he relies on his instincts and skating to attack and defend effectively there will always be detractors who are skeptical of his NHL impact as a number one defenseman with his diminutive frame.

#5 - C Barrett Hayton - Our highest ranked center, Hayton has good speed and passing and some two way instincts. His offensive game is less dynamic than those ranked above him but he definitely has potential to be a top six centre in the NHL.

#6 - D Evan Bouchard - With a heavy shot and great vision in the offensive zone Bouchard looks to be a prototypical PP quarterback at the NHL level. He has already demonstrated that he can log a lot of minutes without his play suffering. He is good at defensive positioning but the rest of his defensive details need some work. Still, at 6-3 he has the size that NHL teams covet in a top 4 defenseman.

#7 - D Noah Dobson - A good passer with a strong shot, Dobson has a lot of value at both ends of the ice. He reads off his teammates well and has good high end speed. A 6-4 frame and lots of upside, he projects to be at least a top 4 if not top pairing NHL defenseman once he makes the league.

#8 - C Jesperi Kotkaniemi - A rangy centre with size and skill, Kotkaniemi needs some time to fill out and develop his game but he has all the tools to become a two way top six pivot in the big leagues some day.

#9 - RW Martin Kaut - A Czech winger with size who uses his body well on offense and has a wicked wrister, Kaut is also a strong skater even if he lacks elite top end speed. He is proficient at takeaways and also surprisingly good at faceoffs for a winger. He is somewhat one dimensional on offense, he needs a driver on his line to get him the puck so he can unleash his shot, and he doesn't create a lot of opportunities for his linemates.

#10 - RW Filip Zadina - Zadina has a great shot from in close and good puck skills. He is slippery and dangerous in his skating and knows how to position himself well in the defensive zone. Some question his offensive IQ and willingness to go to the dirty areas but he is an effective goal scorer who could develop into a top six winger with PP1 potential.

Honourable Mentions - D Rasmus Sandin, C Ty Dellandrea, D Nils Lundkvist, RW Vitali Kravtsov, D Adam Boqvist, G Erik Portillo

[rhaums]

Hope one of those could fall to you!! Definitely looks like a strong draft.

[CanuckJohnny]

Offseason options for Vancouver

Vancouver's greatest area of need is definitely on the wings right now. The problem is that Nikita Filatov regressed overall last year, not many of their young guys outside of Bertuzzi have really stepped up so far, and the free agent class is weak as can be. Good luck finding an NHL calibre winger at all, never mind one who can play in the top six. It's too bad they haven't been successful in convincing Kirill Kaprizov to come over to North America because they could sure use him. They really only have Tyler Bertuzzi and Jared McCann as legitimate top six wingers. Neither of them has much experience. Nikita Filatov struggled last season until he was moved to the third line where he found most of his success. He may be forced back into a top six role however. Brandon Tanev looked solid on the third line but that is likely his ceiling. Neither Stefan Noesen, Evgeny Svechnikov or Josh Anderson has done anything to show they could handle regular minutes in the top six so barring an outstanding camp from one of them or Ty Ronning surprising us all Vancouver is going to need to figure something out for wingers.

They look decent down the middle. Hischier and Horvat should be an solid one two punch for years to come and Cassels seems to be settling into his third line role reasonably well. They have depth coming up through the organization, with youngsters Danton Heinen, Filip Chlapik and Blake Lizotte all expected to compete for the open 4C spot in camp.

On defense they also look fairly deep with the emergence of Mikhail Sergachev last year. McAvoy was a known commodity who was expected to play top four minutes from the get go out of college but nobody was looking for Sergachev to even make the team this time last year, nevermind play a top pairing role. Now, he may not be a legitimate number one defenseman on a good team but certainly after his rookie season he looks to figure in the top four on this team for a long time. Derrick Pouliot has really established himself as a reliable two way top four NHL defenseman who could play on the top pairing of a lot of teams and play PP1 on a lot of teams. Chris Tanev is reliable as always. Rasmus Andersson looked a little out of his league at times last year and they are hoping he will take another step with a full NHL season under his belt now. Marc-Edouard Vlasic maybe didn't figure as prominently as they had originallly intended in their blueline but he was still steady as mostly a bottom pairing defensively reliable vet. Dan Hamhuis is becoming more valuable for his veteran voice in the locker room than for his increasingly rarer on-ice appearances. The Canucks have high hopes for Swedish defenseman Gus Forsling and are thinking he can probable spend a year adjusting to the North American game in the AHL and then go from there. They have some youth and depth in the system with Vince Dunn, Erik Cernak and Carson Soucy all hoping to prove they're worth an NHL roster spot.

In net, Vancouver is going to have to make some decisions soon. It is likely that Demko will back up Jacob Markstrom this season but if DeSmith earns the job they probably don't mind letting Demko percolate another year in the AHL. Markstrom has been streaky throughout his Canucks career and in the next two or three years they should decide on either sticking with him or moving on to Demko before they end up with another messy Schneider/Luongo situation.

The Canucks hold the 11th overall pick due to a trade with Los Angeles earlier. There are rumours Trevor Linden is trying to move up into the top four but that could be too costly for a young team just finding its way and looking to figure out life after the Sedins.

[CanuckJohnny]

2018 NHL Entry Draft Day 1 Recap

June 22, 2018 -

There's no surefire consensus number one in this draft, potentially four different players could be viewed as the top pick. Rasmus Dahlin is considered the frontrunner. He has all the makings of a bona fide number one NHL defenseman. A lot of buzz on the draft floor right now. Rumours are that Trevor Linden is trying to move up but the prices are high.

Pick 1 - Edmonton selects LW Andrei Svechnikov (QMJHL, 67gp, 25-33-58)
Analysis: Bit of a surprise here as the Oilers could have really used Dahlin to build their defense around but instead they go with a scorer winger in Svechnikov to add to their firepower up front.

Pick 2 - Toronto selects LW Brady Tkachuk (NCAA, 44gp, 24-26-50)
Analysis: Wow, Dahlin falling further, and the Maple Leafs are another team that really could have used him. Tkachuk will bring his snarl and attitude and scoring to Toronto.

Trade - VAN acquires 3rd overall pick; ARI acquires 11th overall pick, D Derrick Pouliot, G Anthony Stolarz and 2020 VAN 1st (Top 10 Protected).
Analysis: Pouliot is a 24 year old top four defenseman with PP1 upside who put up 14 goals and 40 points last season. Vancouver is betting big on whoever they pick here, probably Dahlin, as Trevor Linden makes a big swing, probably feeling confident that with Sergachev's emergence he can afford to lose Pouliot, especially since he will likely choose Dahlin or maybe Hughes in this spot. Arizona moves back in this draft, gains a future first round pick as well and gets a young defenceman who can play on their blueline right now as well as a potential NHL goalie down the road in Stolarz.

Pick 3 - Vancouver selects D Quinn Hughes (NCAA, 44gp, 8-33-41)
Analysis: Surprising to see Hughes taken ahead of the more rounded Dahlin. Dahlin has size that Hughes will never have but Vancouver likely loves the dynamic skating ability and offensive upside that Hughes brings. He's a modern offensive defenseman who uses his skating, intelligence and creativity to win one on one matchups and influence the game. Your opponent won't score when he has the puck on his stick, and he has it a lot. A point per game as a freshman in college for a defenseman is incredibly impressive.

Pick 4 - Winnipeg selects D Rasmus Dahlin (SWE, 56gp, 7-25-32)
Analysis: The Jets must be ecstatic to see the expected first pick in the draft slide to them at four. Dahlin can shoot, he can pass, he can carry the puck but he can also defend very well with his stick or his body, has good hockey IQ and smooth skating and of course he packs all that into his 6-3 frame that is still filling out. As complete a defenseman as you'll find in this or almost any draft, expect him to be their number one defenseman before long and for a long time.

Pick 5 - Columbus selects C Barrett Hayton (OHL, 67gp, 17-41-58)
Analysis: This is where it starts to get interesting as these next ten or so players could be taken in almost any order. The Blue Jackets go with the top center on the board, taking a future playmaking top six pivot with great top end speed and solid defensive instincts.

Pick 6 - Anaheim selects C Jesperi Kotkaniemi (FIN, 56gp, 7-18-25)
Analysis: A decent playmaker who could stand to work on his finishing, Kotkaniemi has decent top end speed and shows good defensive IQ and stick checking ability. He will likely develop into a top six two way center but his floor is likely as a 3C who can contribute offensively while also playing responsibly in his own end.

Pick 7 - Vegas selects D Noah Dobson (QMJHL, 68gp, 7-32-39)
Analysis: The first of the 'next' tier of defensemen to come off the board, Dobson has a good shot and is a crisp passer. He has good wheels and a 6-4 frame that he uses well to win one on one battles. He projects to become a top four NHL defenseman.

Pick 8 - Toronto selects D Evan Bouchard (OHL, 68gp, 12-33-45)
Analysis: We see the reason Toronto went for the winger at number two now. Reportedly they were very high on the 6-3 Bouchard and his heavy shot and offensive vision. They see him as a potential top pairing defenseman, though the consensus is that he probably projects as a top four blueliner with PP1 potential.

Pick 9 - Minnesota selects C Jay O'Brien (NCAA, 44gp, 16-26-42)
Analysis: O'Brien is a safe pick if a slight reach here, he has great stamina and team work and a dangerous and heavy shot for a smaller forward. He doesn't really wow you with any dynamic skill but he is good at almost everything. There are some questions about whether he can play defense effectively at the next level and whether at 5-11 he can make it as a center at the NHL without great speed but he certainly has all around offensive ability and projects to be a middle six forward who can probably play powerplay minutes.

Pick 10 - Ottawa selects C Ty Dellandrea (OHL, 68gp, 23-37-60)
Analysis: Dellandrea is a hard working center who is good at faceoffs and a pretty efffective playmaker. He is strong on his skates but not a dynamic skater necessarily, lacking high end speed. His finishing isn't really there yet, though maybe that will develop but likely he is a versatile middle six center who can win draws and set up his wingers.

Pick 11 - Arizona selects RW Filip Zadina (WHL, 67gp, 25-28-53)
Analysis: Zadina drops, maybe because he's not a center, and the Coyotes in moving back to 11 still get one of the highest potential offensive players in the draft. Zadina has an accurate shot and is good at finding open ice to use it. He is shifty on his skates and has good puck skills. Also good at defensive positioning, he could be a top six winger with PP1 upside if developed properly.

Pick 12 - New Jersey selects RW Martin Kaut (CZE, 55gp, 23-33-56)
Analysis: Kaut has one of the best shots in the draft and good size. He knows how to get into position on the powerplay to take away the goalie's line of sight and as a winger is very strong on his faceoffs. A good all around skater despite his lack of top end speed, Kaut projects as a middle six winger with PP potential.

Pick 13 - Washington selects D Ty Smith (WHL, 68gp, 9-25-34)
Analysis: A good puckhandler with a decent shot and good skating, Smith's ceiling is a top 4 D who can quarterback a powerplay but he most likely projects as a bottom pairing powerplay specialist if he can overcome his small frame and lack of any one outstanding skill to make the league.

Pick 14 - Florida selects D Adam Boqvist (WHL, 66gp, 13-26-39)
Analysis: Boqvist could have the highest offensive potential of any defenseman left in the draft. If he hits he'll be a top four right shot defenseman who can run your PP1. His speed and playmaking are his best qualities but he can carry the puck well and has a dangerous shot as well. His defensive game leaves a lot to be desired and he'll have to work on that if he's going to realize his potential.

Pick 15 - Detroit selects D K'Andre Miller (USHS, 67gp, 4-24-28)
Analysis: The Red Wings continue the trend of choosing a defenseman but Miller is notably different from the others selected. His offense and skating are his weak points but his defending abilities are among the best in this draft class. A defense first blueliner is a risky choice in the first round but if he can grow into a reliable top four shutdown D man Detroit will be quite happy with this pick.

Pick 16 - Winnipeg selects D Ryan Merkley (OHL, 67gp, 3-36-39)
Analysis: The stats don't tell the whole story for right shot offensive defenseman Ryan Merkley. He only scored three goals in junior in his draft year yet any scout will tell you his shot is probably his best attribute. He's also a good and well rounded skater who can log a lot of minutes. He come in at less than 6 feet tall and will have to show he can effectively run an NHL powerplay eventually to earn a regular roster spot.

Pick 17 - NY Rangers select D Nils Lundqvist (QMJHL, 68gp, 8-36-44)
Analysis: The run on blueliners continues. Lundqvist has elite offensive instincts and puck skills and a heavy shot for a 5-11 defenseman. He's a good skater but his defensive game is lacking so he will have to either round his game out or become a PP specialist to stick in the NHL. The Rangers are hoping he can develop a two way game and grow into a top four defenseman.

Trade - FLA acquires 18th overall pick, 111th overall pick; BUF acquires 24th overall pick, 45th overall pick.
Analysis: Florida must have somebody they really like, jumping up six spots by moving back from the second round to the fourth.

Pick 18 - Florida selects RW Serron Noel (OHL, 67gp, 25-32-57)
Analysis: The Panthers clearly coveted the 6-5 power forward, trading up to make sure they could choose him. Noel is great in front of the net, using his size and strength to dominate defensemen and screen goalies. He is good at puck retrieval and defensive positioning as well and he could become a middle six power winger who can play on your powerplay or penalty kill. The knock on him is he doesn't have a lot of foot speed and may need to improve his skating to be effective in the NHL.

Pick 19 - Nashville selects G Olivier Rodrigue (QMJHL, 22gp, 3.27gaa, .889sv%)
Analysis: Rodrigue is the first goalie off the board at nineteen. He has great rebound control and a good glove hand but there are holes in his game as well. His blocker side is weak and neither his positioning nor his reflexes are especially good. Still, most scouts think he could be at least an NHL backup and maybe a 1B. In a weak draft class for goalies he's one of the top two or three available.

Pick 20 - Carolina selects C Jack McBain (JrA, 68gp, 14-43-57)
Analysis: McBain is a 6-3 center who is decent in his own end and has decent top end speed. He uses his size effectively to screen opposing netminders on the powerplay and also has a fairly accurate shot from in close. He brings some amount of leadership intangibles as well.

Pick 21 - Tampa Bay selects D Rasmus Sandin (SWE, 56gp, 9-18-27)
Analysis: Sandin will be excited to apprentice under his countryman Victor Hedman. He packs a lot of punch into his 5-11 frame, he's known for throwing big hits and heavy a heavy shot. He also has great speed and can log a lot of minutes. He could develop into a top four defenseman but should at least grow into an NHL regular.

Pick 22 - NY Islanders select D Nicolas Beaudin (QMJHL, 66gp, 17-46-63)
Analysis: Beaudin had an impressive offensive season in the QMJHL. He's a good skater but is easily knocked over and isn't very physically intimidating with his 5-11 frame. He has a great shot and also positions himself well defensively. As long as he continues to improve and round out his game he should become an NHL regular at some point and if he can translate his offense to the NHL maybe he'll earn powerplay time as well.

Pick 23 - St. Louis selects C Liam Foudy (OHL, 68gp, 17-36-53)
Analysis: The Blues go with a center that has a lot of offensive tools including an accurate shot. He's shifty on his skates but his vision and creativity are lacking. He has great defensive instincts and can play a lot of minutes. Probably projects as a bottom six center who can move up the lineup or fit into your powerplay if needed.

Pick 24 - Buffalo selects RW Vitali Kravtsov (RUS, 56gp, 34-29-63)
Analysis: The Sabres were probably confident moving down in the first as Kravtsov was free falling down the board, mostly due to the quote unquote Russian factor. With the Canucks struggling to get KHL star Kirill Kaprizov over to the NHL teams are a bit hesitant to take a Russian who may choose to stay in his homeland long term. Kravtsov has top ten talent, high end speed and puck skills and a 6-4 frame. His offensive instincts are NHL level already. He had 34 goals in his draft year in Russia.

Pick 25 - Dallas selects G Joel Hofer (WHL, 25gp, 2.88gaa, .906sv%)
Analysis: The Stars take the second goalie in the first round. Hofer wasn't expected to go in the first round and is the third ranked goalie but he had a great draft year in the WHL and has a high floor. He may not become a starting goalie but he is likely to be at least a regular backup. He has good positioning, reflexes and recovery skills. He is mentally tough and doesn't allow a bad goal to get him off his game.

Pick 26 - Anaheim selects RW Oliver Wahlstrom (USHS, 67gp, 27-28-55)
Analysis: Wahlstrom has a good shot and is a good hitter despite being 5-11. He can log a lot of icetime and is fairly skilled but his mediocre skating and lack of details defensively may hold him back. He could become a decent middle six forward with PP upside in the NHL.

Pick 27 - San Jose selects LW Grigori Denisenko (RUS, 56gp, 14-16-30)
Analysis: Denisenko has great agiliy on his skates, good vision and creativity and knows how to find open ice in the offensive zone. The defensive side of his game leaves a lot to be desired. He's a project but if he can make the NHL he could be a top six winger who can play effective PP minutes.

Pick 28 - Colorado selects RW Jonatan Berggren (SWE, 56gp, 11-16-27)
Analysis: Berggren has NHL calibre offensive instincts. He needs to work on the defensive element of his game. He's a solid skater but won't blow you away with his speed. Probably a versatile middle six forward if he hits as an NHLer.

Pick 29 - Montreal selects C Joe Veleno (QMJHL, 68gp, 27-30-57)
Analysis: Veleno has developed as much you would expect for a player who was once granted exceptional status to come into the CHL a year early but he still has potential and plays a physical game. He's a good hitter and has great puck control and screening ability in front of the net. He should become an NHL player, though it remains to be seen how impactful he'll be at the next level.

Pick 30 - Boston selects LW Joel Farabee (USHS, 68gp, 18-37-55)
Analysis: Farabee has a heavy shot and is an above average skater. He has great defensive IQ and stamina. Probably projects to be a middle six winger who can score you 20 goals and play on the PK.

Pick 31 - Calgary selects RW Kody Clark (OHL, 68gp, 19-38-57)
Analysis: Clark has great puck skills and a pinpoint accurate shot. His defensive game is also fairly well rounded. His shortcomings as a playmaker and mediocre skating may hold him back at the NHL level but he could be a bottom six winger who can be used on the PP or PK.

That concludes the first round.

Notable prospects still available:
G E. Portillo
LW S. Fagemo
D J. Bernard-Docker
LW P. Kurashev
D J. Moser
D A. Romanov
C J. Drury
G J. Skarek
C I. Lundestrom
D C. Addison

[CanuckJohnny]

2018 NHL Entry Draft Day Two

Notable selections and transactions:

Rd 2 Pick 32 - Arizona drafts C Rasmus Kupari (FIN, 19-28-47)
Rd 2 Pick 33 - Winnipeg drafts LW Sam Fagemo (SWE, 18-24-42)
Rd 2 Pick 34 - Toronto drafts C Cam Hillis (OHL, 25-43-68)
Rd 2 Pick 36 - Anaheim drafts D Mattias Samuelsson (USHS, 7-20-27)
Rd 2 Pick 37 - Vegas drafts C Andrei Buyalsky (KAZ, 18-27-45)
Rd 2 Pick 38 - Philadelphia drafts D Calen Addison (WHL, 10-23-33)
Rd 2 Pick 42 - Edmonton drafts D Jacob Bernard-Docker (JrA, 5-25-30)
Rd 2 Pick 45 - Buffalo drafts D J.J. Moser (SWE, 3-25-28)
Rd 2 Pick 46 - Detroit drafts C Jack Drury (USHS, 19-25-44)
Rd 2 Pick 51 - Carolina drafts LW Philipp Kurashev (OHL, 14-41-55)
Rd 2 Pick 52 - Tampa Bay drafts D Filip Johansson (SWE, 4-10-14)
Rd 2 Pick 53 - Columbus drafts D Kevin Bahl (WHL, 7-20-27)
Rd 2 Pick 54 - St. Louis drafts D Alexander Romanov (RUS, 5-22-27)
Rd 2 Pick 55 - Chicago drafts D Martin Fehervary (SVK, 6-11-17)
Rd 2 Pick 57 - Anaheim drafts LW Kirill Marchenko (RUS, 14-15-29)
Rd 2 Pick 58 - San Jose drafts G Erik Portillo (SWE, 4.35gaa, .859sv%)
Rd 2 Pick 61 - Anaheim drafts C Paul Cotter (OHL, 22-19-41)
Rd 2 Pick 62 - Calgary drafts C Ryan McLeod (OHL, 15-37-52)
Rd 3 Pick 63 - Arizona drafts C Isac Lundestrom (SWE, 18-29-47)
Rd 3 Pick 70 - Minnesota drafts C Tyler Madden (NCAA, 17-25-42)
Rd 3 Pick 73 - Edmonton drafts G Jakub Skarek (CZE, 4.37gaa, .860sv%)
Rd 3 Pick 78 - Los Angeles drafts LW Jakub Lauko (OHL, 18-26-44)
Rd 3 Pick 79 - NY Rangers draft C Jan Jenik (QMJHL, 17-29-46)
Rd 3 Pick 85 - Detroit drafts G Akira Schmid (SWI, 4.88gaa, .835sv%)
Rd 3 Pick 87 - Anaheim drafts G Lukas Dostal (CZE, 4.42gaa, .852sv%)
Rd 3 Pick 95 - Winnipeg drafts RW Linus Karlsson (QMJHL, 24-24-48)
Rd 4 Pick 109 - Vancouver drafts C Nils Aman (SWE, 14-17-31)
Rd 4 Pick 113 - Carolina drafts C David Gustafsson (SWE, 10-18-28)
Rd 5 Pick 129 - Anaheim drafts LW Nando Eggenberger (SWI, 19-20-39)

Trades:
SJS acquires C Pavel Zacha (21yo, 79gp, 14-12-26); FLA acquires LW Nikolai Goldobin (22yo, 53gp, 3-8-11)
NYR acquires D Brandon Montour (24yo, 63gp, 2-12-14), LW Kenton Helgeson (24yo, AHL 82gp, 17-37-54); ANA acquires C Ryan Bourque (27yo, 23gp, 0-3-3), rights to D Calle Andersson (24yo, SWE 48gp, 5-23-28)
NYR acquires LW Michael Bunting (22yo, AHL 79gp, 22-35-57); ARI acquires D Kevin Klein (33yo, 45gp, 2-7-9), 2018 NYR 5th
CGY acquires RW Marian Hossa (39yo, 45gp, 7-9-16) [15% ret]; CHI acquires RW Paul Byron (29yo, 55gp, 6-6-12)
VGK acquires C Tyler Motte (23yo, 74gp, 9-22-31); CHI acquires LW Dale Weise (29yo, 55gp, 8-8-16)

[CanuckJohnny]

2018 NHL Free Agency Preview

It's a weak free agency class with not a lot of big names but some solid NHL defensemen for whom the bidding could be intense. Here's your rundown on the biggest (not-very-big) names available this July 1st:

G Thomas Greiss spent last season between Minnesota and their AHL affiliate in Iowa. He struggled in his 7 games at the NHL level but still has the talent and reputation at 32 years old to earn a contract somewhere as a backup NHL goalie.

C Dave Bolland spent a year toiling in the minors after going to Vegas expecting an NHL role but is looking for an opportunity in a thin free agent class for another NHL job. The 32 year old pivot's offense has mostly dried up in recent years but his defensive acumen and competitive are still there and desirable traits for any contender if they can have him for the right price.

Another victim of the numbers game in Vegas was defensive defenseman Ian Cole. He bounced back and forth between the Golden Knights and their minor league affiliate, but in 57 NHL games he posted 17 points and a -7 on an overall weak team. Presumably some team will sign him to a contract to be a bottom pairing penalty kill specialist at least. At 29 years old he still has some good years to give.

D Cody Franson did not re-sign with the Islanders after spending the past three seasons as a regular part of their blueline. The 30 year old defenseman has been relatively consistent, not producing gaudy point totals but generally having a positive defensive impact and being competent at both ends of the ice. There are likely multiple GMs who will find room on their blueline for his 6-5 frame.

D John Moore was hoping to see more icetime with Vegas after going there from New York but instead he only played in 21 NHL games, posting a respectable 4 goals and 7 points in that span. He could be a reasonable depth option for teams and will probably look for somewhere he can re-establish himself as an everyday NHL defenseman.

D Karl Alzner is a simple, what you see is what you get defenseman. He is defensively astute, mean and physical. Over the past three seasons for Washington he was a cumulative +36 but his highest scoring season was a year ago when he reached 22 points. Any team looking for 4/5 defenseman who can be counted on to kill penalties and play the right way would be wise to give him a call.

C Bryan Little didn't have the season he or his coaches expected with Vegas, putting up only 29 points, but he is still a capable middle six NHL forward who could do well in the right situation with less responsibility. He's certainly lost a step at 30 but his vision and puck skills and defensive acumen are all still present and accounted for. He could be the beneficiary of a very weak free agent class, especially at forward.

LW Joffrey Lupul only saw 16 NHL games with Detroit last year but he put up 9 points in 16 games. The 34 year can still occasionally put up points in bunches but his scoring at the NHL level is increasingly streaky and he doesn't bring a lot else to the table anymore.

D Luke Schenn has size and physicality but spent the year in the minors for the Vegas organization. He brings a lot of intangibles and will be hoping to land somewhere he can prove himself to still be a valuable asset on an NHL roster.

G Anton Khudobin played well in the minors for Vegas but will be seeking a contract with more NHL opportunity. Before going to Vegas he spent time in the St. Louis organization and put together a respectable 27 win, 4 shutout season in 2015-2016.

D Marco Scandella chooses to test free agency after earning a regular role in Minnesota. He put up 10 goals and 26 points last season and at 28 is still in him prime and could be a valued target for multiple teams looking for help on the blueline.

RW Jesse Puljujarvi will be available as a free agent after Vegas lapsed his rights. Two years removed from being a 2nd round pick, Puljujarvi may yet have some untapped potential and be capable of being a player in the NHL. His 6-4 frame oozes potential, but clearly the Golden Knights didn't foresee him putting it together and couldn't manage to get any value back from him in a trade. Or maybe GM Jim Benning simply ran out of time.

RW Dustin Brown is still open to playing in the NHL next year after spending the year toiling in the minors on an AHL deal. It's possible some team will go after the 33 year old for his intangibles and playoff experience but the rigours of NHL hockey and his play style specifically have taken their toll on his body and he is a shadow of the player he once was.

G Pavel Francouz is a name that's been floated as an option to come over to the NHL in a backup role if he's willing. Francouz has established a good reputation in the Czech league and NHL clubs have been scouting him and considering him.

G Alex Lyon is an AHL journeyman who has never earned an NHL contract but a couple of stellar seasons at the minor league level have made some NHL front offices take notice and at 25 some think he still has time to grow into a solid NHL backup goalie.

[CanuckJohnny]

Canucks make blockbuster offseason trade, bet on unproven Demko



In a surprising turn this offseason, Jacob Markstrom has played his last game in a Canucks sweater and will play his trade in another Canadian hockey hotbed.


June 28th, 2018 -

Trevor Linden pulled the trigger on a deal that will send starting goalie Jacob Markstrom out east to the Toronto Maple Leafs. Veteran defenseman Marc-Edouard Vlasic and a 2020 third round selection will also be heading the Maple Leafs way. In return Vancouver acquires 23 year old right winger Andre Burakovsky. He put up 44 points in his sophomore season and Linden is hopeful he can improve on that with lots more opportunity. Burakovsky is immediately Vancouver's best right winger. He also has the versatility to play the left side if necessary. He has all around offensive ability and is no slouch in his end. Burakovsky is a swift skater and he plays with determination.

With no high end wingers on the right side and nothing exciting in free agency Vancouver decided to swing big and pry a skilled young player away from the Maple Leafs. It costs them star goalie Jacob Markstrom, leaving them with Casey DeSmith and unproven but highly touted Thatcher Demko to split the crease next season.

[CanuckJohnny]

2018 Free Agent Frenzy

July 1st, 2018 -

Philadelphia gets us started off today, signing C Bryan Little for 3 years at an AAV of $4 Million.

A trio of defensemen are already off the board, we have reports that Ian Cole has signed with the Devils (3 years, $3.68M/yr), Luke Schenn signed a two year pact with the Oilers and Cody Franson chose Minnesota for 3 seasons at an AAV of $2.61M.

Toronto augments their blueline further after acquiring Vlasic from Vancouver, signing D Marco Scandella for 2 seasons at $1.58M/yr.

Dave Bolland has signed with the Oilers for three years at an AAV of $2.4 Million.

In a controversial move the Arizona Coyotes have announced the signing of domestic abuser Slava Voynov. Voynov is still suspended from NHL play but the Coyotes seem to think it's worthwhile to wait that out and also endure the media backlash in order to have the Russian defenseman on their team for 3 seasons at $1.94M/yr.

G Anton Khudobin has signed for two seasons at $1.58 Million per with the Nashville Predators.

It's unusual on a day when GMs are focusing on getting their targets signed in free agency but there is a trade to announce today. FLA acquires C Ryan Carpenter (27yo, AHL 82gp, 14-41-55), 2019 SJS 7th; SJS acquires D Jake Bean (20yo, AHL 81gp, 11-28-39).

G Anton Forsberg has been signed to a two year contract by the Vegas Golden Knights.

D John Moore is taken, signing with Los Angeles for 2 seasons at an AAV of $1.61M.

As the day winds down we have one more signing to announce as Calgary signs defenseman Karl Alzner for $2.4 Million a year over 3 seasons.

[CanuckJohnny]

Canucks Free Agency Recap

Vancouver stayed out of the more frenzied action on July 1st but did quietly make some depth signings. They added goalies Collin Delia and Artyom Zagidulin for minor league depth and defenseman Ashton Sautner, presumably also for minor league depth.

[CanuckJohnny]

NHL Offseason News

Trade: LAK acquires G Eddie Lack (30yo, 2.67gaa, .905sv%), 2019 CHI 4th; CHI acquires LW Dominik Kubalik (22yo, AHL 82gp, 26-37-63), D Seth Helgeson (27yo, AHL 82gp, 12-25-37).

Trade: WSH acquires C Ryan Dzingel (26yo, 18gp, 2-4-6), C Ilya Litvinov (20yo, AHL 81gp, 13-15-28); OTT acquires C Thomas DiPauli (24yo, AHL 82gp, 20-36-56).

Trade: PHI acquires D Ben Lovejoy (34yo, AHL 82gp, 7-21-28); BOS acquires D Andrew MacDonald (31yo, 48gp, 2-3-5).

[CanuckJohnny]

NHL Preseason News




Trade: PIT acquires D Alec Martinez (31yo, 80gp, 2-12-14), RW Joakim Nordstrom (26yo, 68gp, 5-10-15), D Frank Corrado (25yo, AHL 82gp, 9-34-43), 2019 VGK 7th; VGK acquires RW Patric Hornqvist (31yo, 82gp, 12-12-24), LW Tom Kuhnhackl (26yo, 51gp, 4-10-14), RW Anthony Angello (22yo, AHL 82gp, 32-37-69), D Roman Polak (32yo, 57gp, 2-6-8). Analysis: Mostly minor pieces moving around here, the key players switching teams are defenseman Alec Martinez who moves to Pittsburgh and forward Patric Hornqvist going to Vegas. Both players seem to be slowing down on the wrong side of thirty but they both bring experience and determination. The teams also exchange depth forwards in Nordstrom and Kuhnhackl and minor leaguers in Corrado and Angello. Vegas replaces Martinez in their lineup with Roman Polak and Pittsburgh picks up a late draft pick.

[CanuckJohnny]

Canucks announce Chris Tanev as new captain




September 19th, 2018 -

Vancouver has announced Chris Tanev as their next captain. With Henrik retiring the two primary candidates to replace him were his alternates in his final season, Chris Tanev and Bo Horvat. Tanev is five years Bo's senior and has been through a lot of ups and downs with this team while remaining consistent and constantly displaying poise and professionalism. Dan Bylsma elects to give him the C. This is a young team now and with veteran Dan Hamhuis expected to be the 7th defenseman Tanev will be the oldest and most experienced player in the opening lineup, at 28 he has become the elder statesman of the lineup. Bo Horvat will continue to wear an A and Cole Cassels was also named as an assistant captain.

[CanuckJohnny]

Canucks Pre-Season Battles

Roster Locks and Projected Lines

Bertuzzi - Hischier - Burakovsky
McCann - Horvat - (?)
B. Tanev - Cassels - Filatov
(Svechnikov) - (?) - (Hartikainen)

Sergachev - C. Tanev
(Hamhuis) - McAvoy
(Dunn) - Andersson

Demko
DeSmith

*Bold - considered a lock to make the lineup
*(Italics) - the frontrunner, maybe pencilled in for now
*? spot up for grabs to multiple players

Forwards

The top six is fairly set with five of them pretty certainly Bertuzzi, Hischier, Burakovsky, McCann and Horvat. That second line right wing opportunity will likely be an open competition between Stefan Noesen and Josh Anderson though if neither have them have grown enough to seize that opportunity Nikita Filatov may slide back into that spot as well. Maybe somebody else surprises and claims that role, whether it's Ty Ronning straight out of junior or Evgeny Svechnikov upping his game enough to warrant him switching sides for the top six role.

Barring a promotion for Filatov it is likely that the third line is the most set of any going into camp. Brandon Tanev, Cole Cassels and Filatov clicked really well down the stretch last year and Bylsma really likes them together on the checking line.

The fourth line is going to basically be an open audition. Svechnikov may have the inside track on the left side but 24 year old Alex Iafallo will be looking to earn an NHL job this year as well as Dustin Jeffrey who will be trying to prove he still belongs with the big club. Teemu Hartikainen will likely be up against whoever of Anderson and Noesen isn't going to play on the second line when it comes to competing for the right wing slot. At center Danton Heinen is probably the front runner but Filip Chlapik and Blake Lizotte will both have ample opportunity to make their case.

Defense

It is assumed that Sergachev and Tanev will remain as the top pair but who knows what will happen between now and the start of the regular season? Sergachev had an impressive rookie campaign, claiming that top pairing in training camp and never looking back but if he struggles with a sophomore slump or takes things for granted don't think Bylsma will hesitate to give others that opportunity.

Vancouver is deep down the right side with McAvoy likely to play top four minutes again and Rasmus Andersson looking to build on his rookie season and lock down that third pairing role. Erik Cernak would like to prove he can play in the NHL and will be trying to wrest that sixth defenseman spot away from Andersson but it's unlikely he will. Dylan DeMelo is 25 and having established himself as a reliable AHL defensive defenseman he will be looking to take the next step and prove himself at the NHL level.

On the left side things are more up in the air, especially as they elected to mostly stay out of the thin free agent market and give opportunities within. The trading of Marc-Edouard Vlasic and Derrick Pouliot certainly leaves them looking a bit thin here and Dan Hamhuis who was relegated to the 7th defenseman role for much of the year could find himself playing top four minutes again in the twilight of his career. Vince Dunn is eager to earn a regular NHL job after spending his first professional season in the AHL. Gustav Forsling signed from Sweden and may get a good look for the NHL lineup although he was originally expected to spend a season in the minors acclimating to North America. Free agent signing Ashton Sautner is only 24 and has rounded his game out. He is hoping to find a real NHL opportunity in Vancouver but will have to show he belongs. Will Butcher is also going to be in camp trying to fight his way up from Utica to Vancouver but he is a ways down the organizational depth chart at this point.

Goalie

Thatcher Demko won't quite be handed the reigns immediately, he will have to show in pre-season that he can play at the NHL level and he will likely split starts fairly evenly with Casey DeSmith. Expect Bylsma to go with the hot hand between his two inexperienced netminders but if Demko's talent shines in the NHL he will take over as the starter sooner rather than later. Nathan Lieuwen and Collin Delia will basically be camp bodies, they are both expected to play in the minors and be depth for the organization.

[CanuckJohnny]

Canucks PRESEASON




Game 1: Montreal 7 @ Vancouver 1
Ty Ronning G
Chris Tanev A, 5 BS, 2 Hits
Bo Horvat A, 56.3 FO%
Ashton Sautner -3, 38 DGR, 3 Hits
Will Butcher 3 BS, Hit, Tak, 84 DGR
Brandon Tanev 5 Hits, -2
Rasmus Andersson -3, 6 SOG, 2 Hits
Notes: Will Butcher starts his preseason out well, looking like the best player on the ice for Vancouver. Ashton Sautner didn't look ready but he was physical, throwing three hits. Tyler Bertuzzi was the best forward out there by the eye test. Filip Chlapik was -3 but of the three centers looking to earn a fourth line role he had the best faceoff percentage at 55.6%. Blake Lizotte had the best Defensive Game Rating of those three with a mediocre 55. Thatcher Demko's first NHL action was rough, giving up seven goals on 25 shots for a .720 save percentage before being replaced by Nathan Lieuwen near the end of the game.

Game 2: San Jose 4 @ Vancouver 5
Casey DeSmith 35 saves, 4 goals allowed, .897 sv%
Mikhail Sergachev G, BS, Tak, 23:19 TOI, 82 DGR
Dan Hamhuis A, +1, 3 SOG, BS
Dylan DeMelo 4 BS, 2 Hits, Tak
Charlie McAvoy G, +1, 3 BS, 2 Hits, Tak
Alex Iafallo A, 2 Hits
Danton Heinen 72 GR, A, +1, 4 Hits, Tak
Filip Chlapik 68 OGR, A, BS, Hit, 66.7 FO%
Nikita Filatov G, +1, 2 BS, 5 Hits
Andre Burakovsky 2 G, A, 3 SOG, 2 Tak
Notes: Burakovsky's first game in a Canucks sweater didn't disappoint, he was probably their best forward and picked up three points, including the eventual game winning goal. Erik Cernak looked fairly out of place with a 45 Game Rating and 38 Defensive Game Rating, but he did throw two hits and come up with a takeaway. Dylan DeMelo looked sound out there and should get another look. Dustin Jeffrey failed to impress at all. For a second straight pre-season neither Stefan Noesen nor Josh Anderson are really laying claim to any of the spots available to them as they were both mediocre again and Noesen didn't even register a hit.

Game 3: Vancouver 2 @ St. Louis 5
Will Butcher +1, 2 SOG, 2 BS, 3 Hits
Vince Dunn -1, 3 BS
Dylan DeMelo 37 DGR, -2, BS
Erik Cernak 74 DGR, +1, 3 BS
Alex Iafallo 32 DGR, -3, 3 SOG
Danton Heinen 44 DGR, -2, 2 BS, 71.4 FO%
Filip Chlapik A, 46.2 FO%
Teemu Hartikainen -2, 3 SOG, BS, Hit
Brandon Tanev 2 BS, 4 Hits
Jared McCann G, +1, 2 SOG, Hit
Ty Ronning G, 2 SOG, BS, Hit
Notes: Ashton Sautner looked much better than in his debut, finishing with a 69 DGR. Erik Cernak bounced back from his poor first game and was possibly the best defenseman on the ice. Dylan DeMelo looked much less steady than he did in his first game. Stefan Noesen was +1 with a hit but didn't stand out much either. Alex Iafallo looked lost in his own end. He'll probably need at least another year in the minors if this game is any indication. Ty Ronning impressed. Nathan Lieuwen got the start and faced 51 shots, saving 46 for a .902 save percentage.

Game 4: Vancouver 2 @ Washington 1
Gustav Forsling 70 GR, G, +1, 3 SOG, BS, Hit
Will Butcher 82 DGR, Hit, Tak
Dylan DeMelo 68 DGR, +1, 2 BS, Hit
Alex Iafallo 60 GR, A, 5 SOG, Hit
Jared McCann G, 4 SOG, Hit
Bo Horvat 75 GR, A, 2 BS, 2 Hit, 80 FO%
Blake Lizotte 70 GR, 2 SOG, 4 Hits
Josh Anderson 72 OGR, 5 Hits
Notes: The defense looked good except Erik Cernak who finished with a 50 Game Rating and a minor penalty on his stat sheet in 14 minutes of icetime. We'd like to keep one of him or DeMelo around a bit longer but it'll be hard deciding which one. Alex Iafallo might've earned a longer look, he was buzzing tonight. Dustin Jeffrey had an assist but didn't look impressive at all, he's likely on the cut list. Lizotte struggled in the circle with a 38.5% win rate but otherwise he looked good and played his best game of the pre-season. Filatov and Ronning both looked sloppy in their own end and failed to bring anything offensively. Casey DeSmith saved 18 of 19 for a .947 save percentage.

Round 1 of CUTS:
G Nathan Lieuwen -> UTICA
D Ashton Sautner -> UTICA
D Dylan DeMelo -> UTICA
F Dustin Jeffrey -> UTICA

Game 5: Colorado 1 @ Vancouver 3
Mikhail Sergachev 97 DGR, A, +1, 3 Hits, Tak
Will Butcher 89 DGR, A, +2, 2 BS, 2 Hits
Rasmus Andersson +2, 2 SOG, 5 Hits
Chris Tanev G, 9 BS, 2 Hits, Tak
Evgeny Svechnikov 65 GR, G, +1, 3 SOG, Tak
Alex Iafallo 47 DGR, 3 Hits
Danton Heinen A, +1, 66.7 FO%
Filip Chlapik 49 OGR, 45.5 FO%
Blake Lizotte +1, 70 FO%
Josh Anderson 2 SOG, BS, 4 Hits
Stefan Noesen G, +1, 2 SOG, BS, Hit
Ty Ronning A, +1, Hit
Notes: The left side of the defense was stellar. At least one of Vince Dunn and Will Butcher will be cut before the end of the pre-season and right now that's looking to be a very difficult decision. Neither Rasmus Andersson nor Erik Cernak looked amazing out there but Andersson is going to win that third RD spot by default if Cernak can't prove he's better there. Svechnikov had his best game of the pre-season. Alex Iafallo's physicality was good this game but he didn't make much of a positive impact anywhere else. That three way race for fourth line center hasn't seen anybody emerge as a clear frontrunner yet. Ty Ronning was the best right winger out there tonight but unless he can be that consistently it's unlikely we find a roster spot for him on opening day. Josh Anderson was physical which we like. Stefan Noesen had a goal and a solid game overall but was not as physical as we'd like. Thatcher Demko was stellar in his first start since being run out of the building in the first preseason game. He stopped 35 of 36 for a .972 save percentage.

Game 6: Vancouver 2 @ Boston 4
Gustav Forsling 71 GR, 79 DGR, A, 3 BS, Hit
Will Butcher 73 DGR, -1, 4 BS, 2 Hits, Tak
Vince Dunn 61 DGR, -1, BS, 2 Hits
Rasmus Andersson 63 DGR, A, -1, 3 BS
Erik Cernak 44 DGR, -1, BS
Evgeny Svechnikov 4 SOG, BS, 2 Hits
Alex Iafallo -1, Hit
Danton Heinen 65 DGR, 70 FO%
Filip Chlapik SOG, BS, 83.3 FO%
Blake Lizotte 71 OGR, 39 DGR, G, -1, 3 SOG, BS, Hit
Josh Anderson 47 DGR, -1, SOG, BS, 2 Hits
Stefan Noesen 67 OGR, A, 2 SOG, BS, 2 Hits
Ty Ronning 41 DGR, G, 2 SOG, Hit
Notes: Demko wasn't great this game, allowing four goals on 33 shots for an .879 save percentage. It's pretty clear after this game that a couple players need more seasoning in the minors for sure, namely Cernak and Iafallo. The jury is still somewhat out on the fourth line center battle but it's likely that the job is Heinen's to lose at this point. Blake Lizotte will be tough to send down after picking up a goal in this game so he may survive the next round of cuts but he's almost out of time to earn the 4C job with only one preseason game after this. Stefan Noesen separated himself from Josh Anderson with his performance in this game and Anderson may be sent down to Utica or he may get one more game. Ty Ronning wasn't great defensively but he scored a goal and may continue to get consideration up until final cuts. Teemu Hartikainen had an assist but struggled defensively and it's possible he's lost a step and can't keep up to the NHL pace anymore.

Round 2 of CUTS:
D Vince Dunn -> UTICA
D Erik Cernak -> UTICA
F Alex Iafallo -> UTICA
F Filip Chlapik -> UTICA

Game 7: Boston 4 @ Vancouver 1
Gustav Forsling 79 GR, A, +1, 6 SOG, BS, 7 Hits
Will Butcher 72 DGR, 2 BS, 5 Hits
Brandon Tanev G, +1, 3 SOG, BS, 2 Hits
Evgeny Svechnikov 45 DGR, -1, Hit
Blake Lizotte 45 DGR, -1, Tak, 42.9 FO%
Nikita Filatov A, +1, 3 SOG
Stefan Noesen 46 DGR, -1, SOG
Ty Ronning 56 DGR, SOG
Notes: DeSmith was the prospective day one starter but this was an even game for shots we just got outgoaltended as DeSmith allowed four goals on 34 shots for an .882 save percentage. Lizotte had one last chance to show out and he was mediocre at best. Stefan Noesen had a rough game. Ty Ronning didn't do anything to prove he belongs but nobody else on the right side did either. The last couple cuts could be tough but for all the wrong reasons as nobody has really seized an opportunity and run away with it.

Final CUTS:
F Blake Lizotte -> UTICA
F Ty Ronning -> UTICA
F Teemu Hartikainen -> Waivers (UTICA)

Trade:
VAN acquires RW Evan Rodrigues (25yo, 16-27-43); MIN acquires RW Josh Anderson (24yo, 23gp, 2-1-3), 2020 VAN 5th, 2020 VAN 6th, 2021 VAN 2nd.

Waiver Claims:
F Vladislav Namestnikov
F William Carrier

[CanuckJohnny]

CANUCKS Season Preview and Opening Day Roster

October 2nd, 2018 -

Opening Day Lineup
Bertuzzi - Hischier - Burakovsky
McCann - Horvat (A) - Rodrigues
B. Tanev - Cassels (A) - Filatov
Svechnikov - Heinen - Noesen
Sergachev - C. Tanev (C)
Forsling - McAvoy
Butcher - Andersson
Demko
DeSmith
HS: Namestnikov, Carrier, Hamhuis

Preview

Trevor Linden clearly wasn't happy with the composition of his roster at the end of the pre-season and made some splashes before the season began. He added Evan Rodrigues from Minnesota, moving out power forward Josh Anderson who hadn't really developed into what they had hoped and giving up some draft capital. The hope will be that Rodrigues can fit in the top six and slot into the right wing spot on the second line. He also sent veteran Teemu Hartikainen down through waivers to the AHL, leaving two roster spots open which he filled through the waiver wire, adding versatile forward Vladislav Namestnikov and 23 year old left winger William Carrier to be the forward depth on the main roster to start the year.

Thatcher Demko was named the starter for opening night in Vancouver against the Flames but look for him and Casey DeSmith to share the crease pretty evenly. It will be interesting to see how the rookie netminder handles the rigours and pressures of the NHL.

Gustav Forsling had a surprisingly good pre-season and will start in the top four with PP time, a strong beginning to his North American career if he can stay there and prove he belongs in the regular season. Will Butcher was a surprise through training camp and pre-season, outworking and outperforming the more highly touted Vince Dunn and more experienced and more physical Ashton Sautner. He was the most consistent left defenseman in camp outside of Sergachev and Forsling. We'll see if that form lasts into the regular season. Vince Dunn is likely the first callup if he falters but Dan Hamhuis is also a good insurance policy as the 7th defenseman.

Bertuzzi, Hischier and Burakovsky has potential to be a productive line but they are young and didn't spend much time together in the pre-season building chemistry. It will be interesting to observe how much patience Dan Bylsma has with them if they struggle early. Bo Horvat and Jared McCann will hopefully gel with Evan Rodrigues quickly as nobody else really looked like a fit on that second line with them. Tanev, Cassels and Filatov will start the season together after having a consistent run of play together down the stretch last season. Svechnikov and Noesen will flank Danton Heinen who was the most consistent and looked the most NHL ready of the trio of pivots who auditioned for the 4C role in preseason.

Pre-season also saw some surprising performances from players who didn't quite make the cut but still impressed. Nathan Lieuwen will likely start for the Comets after getting a couple appearances and looking sharp. Erik Cernak and Vince Dunn were both sent down near the end of pre-season but they both look close to NHL ready and will either be callups this season or get an extended look next pre-season. Ty Ronning lasted longer than anybody thought and showed off some dynamic skill and lots of energy but ultimately it was best for his development to play a larger role in Utica than he would've in Vancouver. Blake Lizotte in his first professional training camp went all the way down to final cuts and will look to prove himself in the AHL and earn another look.

After losing the Sedins to retirement and trading away Derrick Pouliot, Marc-Edouard Vlasic and Jacob Markstrom Vancouver is being marked for a down season. It may be best for them as they barely squeaked into the playoffs last season and are set up well long term with hope that next season star defenseman Quinn Hughes could sign as well as hoping to bring Kirill Kaprizov over from Russia. Their young core has a lot of talent and potential to grow together. However right now their roster is ranked in the bottom of the league. Thatcher Demko is an unknown and inexperienced commodity in net. They are more likely to compete for a top 5 draft pick than for a playoff spot.

[CanuckJohnny]

NHL Season Preview

October 2nd, 2018 -

The top ranked rosters coming into the season are the Blues, Canadiens and Predators. Montreal is expected to have another sharp season and earn an opportunity to redeem themselves in the postseason after finishing short of where they wanted. St. Louis is only one year removed from winning the Cup and still maintains most of the core pieces from the roster. Star winger Vladimir Tarasenko will look to lead them back to the promised land. Nashville has the top-rated D corps in the NHL and a budding superstar in winger Filip Forsberg. If Rinne can take care of business between the pipes they could challenge for a cup.

Tampa Bay is a team with serious skill up front and a bona fide number one defenseman in Victor Hedman. With Andrei Vasilevskiy coming into his own as one of the elite netminders in the NHL they have potential to win it all and have seemed to be on the cusp of greatness for a couple years now. This could be the year they put it all together. Washington can count on good goaltending from Braden Holtby and they have build a top five blueline to complement their skilled forwards led by Alex Ovechkin. Boston is fresh off another visit to the Cup Final and they look dangerous as always, with Pastrnak and Marchand leading the charge up front and Patrice Bergeron providing steady two way play. Their blueline is led by two stars in Torey Krug and Dougie Hamilton and Tuukka Rask is reliable and consistent in net for them. They will look to get back to the Finals and earn a different result.

Calgary will be in tough to defend their championship with the tenth ranked roster in the NHL. Devan Dubnyk is a top ten, maybe top 5 goalie in the league and they will expect him to keep them in a lot of games but their forward group is still young and doesn't have a lot of eye popping talent beyond Gaudreau, Monahan and Strome. If Kyle Connor can take another step forward in his sophomore season that would be huge for them. Pittsburgh has the number one ranked forward group in the NHL with the three headed monster of Crosby, Malkin and Hartman down the middle and a plethora of talent on their wings between Guentzel, Oshie, Perron, Perry and Beau Bennett. The questions for them are whether their tandem of Murray and Raanta can play as well as consistently as they did last year and whether Kris Letang at 31 can still carry this D corps that lacks any other big names or standout talents.

A couple Pacific Division teams are expected to be on the cusp of a playoff appearance this season. Anaheim has a rising star on their hands in 25 year old goalie John Gibson and some good young pieces on their blueline between Theodore, Fowler, Vatanen and Lindholm (once he gets healthy, he's out indefinitely with a back injury to start the season). Can a ragtag forward group led by captain Ryan Getzlaf and comprised of veterans like Palmieri and Silfverberg, rising stars like Boeser and Terry and thirty goal scorer Rikard Rakell get it done and score enough to make the postseason? The Kings are led by Kopitar, Doughty and Quick. They will need all of them to stay healthy and to get regular contributions from the rest of the lineup beyond Kopi and Toffoli in order to make the playoffs but Jonathan Quick will always give them a chance.

The scoring race is expected to be a showcase of the league's young guns, it will probably be between Buffalo's generational superstar Connor McDavid, Edmonton's Leon Draisatl and Florida's sniper supreme Auston Matthews. The battle for the Norris will likely come down to top defensemen Victor Hedman, Erik Karlsson and Roman Josi. Montreal's Carey Price is still the consensus best goalie in the league but he will be challenged for the Vezina by Freddy Andersen of the Golden Knights and Anaheim's John Gibson.

Early favourites for the Calder include Vegas forward Elias Pettersson who is expected to start the season centering their third line between veterans Brandon Pirri and Patric Hornqvist, 18 year old defenseman Rasmus Dahlin of the Jets who has earned a first pairing role out of training camp and 20 year old forward Pierre-Luc Dubois of the Blue Jackets who already has nineteen games of NHL experience under his belt but is expected to be more productive this season than the four points he posted in his stint last year.

[Moondoggie78]

Can't wait for another season!!

[CanuckJohnny]

Me too lol. I started simming the first month twice and froze two different times in the past week

[CanuckJohnny]

Canucks win home opener in first game of post-Sedin era.




October 3rd, 2018 -

It was a good night for Canucks fans as they hosted Calgary for the season opener. Maybe the kids can play or maybe the defending champions are suffering from a Stanley Cup hangover but Vancouver came away with the 5-2 victory. Newly anointed captain Chris Tanev assisted on the first goal of the season when Nico Hischier opened the scoring in the first. Hischier would be named the first star of the game, finishing with a goal and an assist. Andre Burakovsky scored in his Canucks debut with a goal that would ultimately hold up as the game winner. Gustav Forsling also scored in his first regular season game as a Canuck. Thatcher Demko made 32 saves in his NHL debut to come out with the W. The oft-maligned Nikita Filatov opened his season on a positive note, scoring a goal and generating 4 shots. Mikhail Sergachev had a dominant night and was +2.

Scoring Summary

1st Period
VAN Nico Hischier (C. Tanev)
CGY Nikita Tryamkin (Connor, Colborne)
2nd Period
VAN Nikita Filatov (Forsling, Cassels)
VAN Burakovsky (Hischier, Sergachev)
CGY Colborne (Strome, Connor 2)
3rd Period
VAN Gustav Forsling (Bertuzzi, McAvoy)
VAN Rasmus Andersson EN (Noesen, Butcher)

Shots - Calgary 34, Vancouver 31
PP - Calgary 0-2, Vancouver 0-2
Goalies - CGY Devan Dubnyk 26 saves, L; VAN Thatcher Demko 32 saves, W

[CanuckJohnny]

Linden and Bylsma defensive of McAvoy




October 4th, 2018 -

After Vancouver media was critical of Charlie McAvoy's play in the season opener his coach and GM both publicly defended him today. Bylsma acknowledged that there was certainly room for improvement in McAvoy's game but also complained that the media were looking for a negative story after a very positive night where Vancouver had a very satisfactory victory over the defending Cup champions. Linden agreed that McAvoy's game is still growing and that he expects him to continue to take steps to improve but also said his performance was quite acceptable and stressed how valuable McAvoy was last year as a rookie playing a top four role.