The Vancouver Canucks are facing some critical issues as they prepare for the upcoming season, and GM Patrik Allvin has been proactive in addressing the concerns surrounding head coach Rick Tocchet’s roster. In this breakdown, we’ll explore the top three challenges and what they mean for the Canucks’ success.
1. Can the Canucks Sustain Last Season’s Success?
After an impressive leap last year, improving by 12 wins and 26 points to claim the Pacific Division for the first time since 2012-13, the Canucks will aim to avoid a setback like the New Jersey Devils faced in 2023-24. Vancouver racked up 109 points last season, and duplicating that performance could see them challenging records, potentially reaching the 135-point mark set by the Bruins in 2022-23.
Allvin kept the core of the team intact, while adding key players like forwards Jake DeBrusk, Daniel Sprong, and Kiefer Sherwood, as well as defensemen Vincent Desharnais and Derek Forbort. This added depth should help Vancouver remain competitive in the Pacific Division and even contend for a Stanley Cup, as long as they steer clear of significant injuries—a factor that can derail any team, as seen with the Devils.
2. How Important is a Healthy Thatcher Demko?
Goaltending is often the backbone of any successful team, and for Vancouver, having Thatcher Demko healthy is critical. Last season’s playoffs exposed the Canucks’ vulnerabilities when Demko and backup Casey DeSmith both went down with injuries, forcing the team to rely on rookie Arturs Silovs. Though Silovs performed admirably under pressure with a 2.91 goals-against average and a .898 save percentage, the reality is that Demko is essential for the Canucks to compete at an elite level.
There are concerns surrounding Demko’s health, with reports suggesting his injury can’t be addressed surgically, meaning he’ll need to manage it throughout the season. While Demko is expected to lead the team as one of the top goaltenders in the league, questions remain about his durability. If Demko can stay in form, Vancouver should be in a strong position, but relying on a young and relatively inexperienced Silovs or backup options like Jiri Patera and Nikita Tolopilo could put them in a precarious spot.
3. Will Elias Pettersson Return to His 100-Point Form?
Elias Pettersson has been the centerpiece of Vancouver’s offense, but after a slight dip in performance last season—dropping from 39 goals and 102 points in 2022-23 to 34 goals and 89 points—fans are eager to see him return to elite form. As the highest-paid player on the team with an $11.6 million cap hit, Pettersson is expected to lead by example.
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Entering his seventh NHL season, Pettersson has the tools to be a consistent 100-point player, but he’ll need the right support. Whether he starts the season on the second line alongside players like DeBrusk, Sprong, Pius Suter, or Nils Hoglander, Pettersson will be expected to drive the team’s offensive play. With his skill set and experience, hitting the point-per-game mark shouldn’t be difficult, but to re-establish himself as a 100-point player, Pettersson must elevate his game and show he can deliver at that level consistently.
As the Canucks gear up for the season, these key issues will determine how far they can go in their pursuit of success. Fans will be keeping a close eye on both Demko’s health and Pettersson’s performance as Vancouver looks to build on last season’s achievements.
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