Likely why he chose the Canucks and on only a one year term. Opportunity for him to have a big year and get a really good dollar as a UFA July 2025.
And…in the Pacific you have only three teams to go through to get a shot at the Cup. Especially if you are playing for one of those teams.
One team is the winner of the Central. The other ones, in this case, are Vegas and Edmonton.
With any luck they meat each other and you have only two really difficult opponents.
I‘m not saying that LA or a possible wild card team out of Central couldn‘t surprise someone.
But just ask Leafs about their possible opponents to get to ….heck, out of the first round.
So, a good team, a good path in the playoffs and the possibility to showcase for a better contract.
Take one step back and maybe 3-4 steps forward…on top of that I have read somewhere that Vancouver isn‘t in the top 20 of the ugliest places to play in the NHL.