NHL Power Rankings and Predictions
104. . Western Conference. Pacific. Vancouver Canucks. 29. player
Just like the Columbus Blue Jackets, the Canucks didn’t improve much this offseason after finishing with one of the league’s worst records in 2015-16. They finished with the third-worst record in the NHL last season and only the Edmonton Oilers kept them from finishing in last place of the Pacific Division.
The Canucks signed Loui Eriksson this offseason. That should certainly help their offense, as Eriksson should be a perfect complement for the Sedin twins. However, their talent at forward once you look past the Sedins and Eriksson is a bit concerning. Bo Horvat might have to be the second line center by default. Brandon Sutter is far better suited for a defensive role than an offensive role.
Trading for Erik Gudbranson doesn’t make the Canucks’ defense much better. It gives them a guy who can handle big minutes, but he allows a lot of shots against and struggles to move the puck. That’s not what you want to see from a potential second pairing defenseman.
Chris Tanev and Alex Edler are a decent first pairing. Tanev might be one of the most unappreciated players in the NHL. But having a few great players isn’t enough in hockey. Depth is extremely important, and the Canucks lack that.
They’ll be competing in a Pacific Division that won’t feature three of the worst teams in the league. The Coyotes, Oilers, and Flames have each improved significantly. Vancouver did not. Combine that with a head coach who makes questionable decisions, and this reeks of a lottery team.