With the loss tonight, the Canucks are basically out of the playoffs for this season. It's been a pretty drama-filled year, alongside significant injuries across their lineup.
But most importantly, the
Canucks have two years to convince Quinn Hughes to stay past the 2027 season.
This is going to be a monumental task, especially after what transpired this season, but as you know, things can change fast.
One thing we know for sure is that Rutherford is not shy to wheel and deal and make significant trades. I feel like there's going to be even more pressure on Jim and Allvin to make significant moves to improve the team with the two-year Quinn window.
Luckily for Vancouver, they have a ton of pieces, and most importantly, the defense is pretty much set, with a nice
mix of youth and experience:
- Hughes - Hronek
- M. Petey - Myers
- D. Petey - Mancini / Willander
This is very strong, but I wouldn’t get too attached to Willander, because this brings me to the next issue.
The center position.
Currently, it's Pettersson, Blueger, Chytil, Raty, and Aman.
Suter is a UFA, and he's been great for us all season, but in my opinion, he's more of a winger.
Chytil's injury concerns are significant. We hope he gets better, but he can’t be relied on, and if he comes back, many people have him moving to the wing, because of the next issue.
But first, the Canucks' #1 priority this offseason is to find a young-ish center.
This is an incredibly hard task, but luckily, as I wrote above, they do have pieces.
For example, would a 1st round pick (12-15) + Willander / Lekkerimäki be enough to get that center? I feel there’s a shot.
Whether they want to do it is another issue altogether, because trading a guy like Willander would be a huge blow if the player they trade him for doesn’t pan out.
Also, which teams are going to trade a young center? It's a huge problem.
You can always look at the UFA market, but it's basically just Sam Bennett, who will cost a fortune. He’s not coming here, in my opinion.
The next issue is wingers. The Canucks will most likely let Boeser walk, which will free up a significant amount of cap space. The problem is that most teams in the league will also have a ton of cap space. Will the Canucks go for an impact player like Marner or Ehlers, or will they go for a mid-tier option?
Again, you need to sell Quinn Hughes on staying, so will the mid-tier option be enough?
The goalie situation will be fine with Demko and Lankinen.
And that’s where Vancouver is at. It’s going to be a pretty fascinating offseason.
What do you think they should do?
here is the cap Situation for Vanouver.
Needs - Top 6 Center, 3rd Line Center (If Chytil moves to Wing) Top 6 Winger.
Assets - 1st + 2nd + 3rd Round Draft Picks. Lekkerimaki + Willander for significant trade pieces.
GDT: Perds vs Habs - Ovechkin breaks the record edition - 4/6/25 - 6PM