Season Preview – 7. Vancouver Canucks

The Vancouver Canucks enter the 2024-25 season with a renewed sense of purpose, bolstered by key free agent signings and high expectations following a summer that addressed long standing roster weaknesses. Projected to finish 7th in the league, the Canucks are anticipated to make a deep playoff run. New additions like Jake DeBrusk, Daniel Sprong, Kiefer Sherwood, Vincent Deharnais, Derek Forbort, and Kevin Lankinen provide essential depth, especially for scoring and defensive reinforcement, which should relieve some of the pressure on stars like J.T. Miller and Elias Pettersson. But uncertainties, particularly surrounding star goaltender Thatcher Demko’s health, bring an element of risk as the season begins. Rick Tocchet’s system, however, has proven adaptable and tough, and if the Canucks play up to their potential, this season could see Vancouver finally emerging as a playoff powerhouse.

Season Expectations

The Canucks head into this season with goals that go beyond simply making the playoffs. Vancouver fans have endured years of inconsistent performances and narrowly missed postseason opportunities, but this year, expectations are higher than ever. General Manager Patrik Allvin made purposeful moves this offseason to create a roster that is no longer heavily reliant on a few star players but rather has depth and options. By adding players like DeBrusk and Sprong, who are known for their finishing ability and offensive instincts, Vancouver has alleviated some of the immense pressure on Pettersson, Miller, and Brock Boeser. The Canucks have historically struggled when their top scorers are neutralized, but with the added depth on the wings, they’re now in a position to generate offense from multiple lines.

Defensively, Vancouver now has a mix of size, physicality, and mobility, providing Rick Tocchet with more flexibility in matchups and lineups. Forbort and Deharnais add much needed size and grit to the blue line, while Erik Brannstrom and Christian Wolanin offer versatility and puck-moving capabilities as depth pieces. Tocchet’s structured defensive approach has proven effective, and the increased roster depth means the team should be able to absorb injuries or inconsistencies without compromising their competitiveness.

Finally, the Canucks enter the season knowing that they are not only striving for another strong regular-season finish but also a legitimate postseason run. Vancouver has struggled with playoff appearances in recent years, and this roster appears better suited to overcome the challenges of postseason hockey. With the right blend of scoring, defense, and leadership, Vancouver’s goals for the this season are clear: make a deep playoff run and establish themselves as a Western Conference powerhouse once again.

Projected Lines

Under head coach Rick Tocchet’s disciplined system, the Canucks depth is strategically deployed for balanced scoring, reliable defense, and a relentless forecheck. Each line blends skill, physicality, and defensive awareness, reducing the burden on top players while enhancing offensive flexibility. With depth on both offense and defense, Vancouver is well prepared to thrive in all phases of Tocchet’s structured approach.

To clarify, these line projections are meant to only predict the start of the season. With so many potential combinations possible, its almost certain that there are tweaks and additions of new faces by the end of the year. Expect the season to start as such:

Jake DeBrusk – J.T. Miller – Brock Boeser
Nils Hoglander – Elias Pettersson – Connor Garland
Dakota Joshua – Teddy Blueger – Kiefer Sherwood
Danton Heinen – Pius Suter – Daniel Sprong

Quinn Hughes – Filip Hronek
Carson Soucy – Tyler Myers
Derek Forbort – Vincent Desharnais

Kevin Lankinen
Arturs Silovs

Scratches: Nils Aman, Erik Brannstrom, Thatcher Demko*

Line 1
This line has already been the most efficient and effective full-time line the Canucks have deployed this season. While the sample size has been small with only 5 games of analytical evidence to justify our understanding, they have still managed to post an impressive 66.7% xGoals For % along with a net 1.79 xGoals For Per 60 Minutes. DeBrusk was the key signing for the Canucks this offseason as they committed to him seven-years, $38.5 million contract, making him the fourth highest forward on the team with a $5.5 million AAV. He brings a grit, scoring touch, and work ethic that the Canucks were in desperate need of in their top-six last season. Also, he has been known to show up in clutch moments after his tenure with the Boston Bruins where he scored timely goals in the playoffs, highlighting his ability to step up when it counts. Miller has been the best Canucks forward for the better part of the last four seasons, reaching career highs last year with 37 goals and 103 points in 81 games. He is a leader for the forward group and leaves everything he has on the ice, committed to the structure the Canucks play while also providing the heartbeat of the offense. Boeser enters the season on a contract year with some speculation about his future in Vancouver. However, last season he finally broke out into the player the Canucks have been investing in scoring 40 goals and 73 points, both career highs. It would be wise for the front office to look at all possibilities surrounding the retainment of his services.

Line 2
While DeBrusk was mainly brought in as a winger for Pettersson, the first line has been too effective together to break them up in the early makings of this season. So far this line has been together 7 games while putting up a solid 58.8% xGoals For % along with a net 0.73 xGoals For Per 60 Minutes, which is manageable for a secondary offensive line. Hoglander is still working out his identity as a top-six forward, but has all the tools to become a mainstay as long as he can find consistency. He has a two-way ability that compliments this line, and also found a scoring touch last year as he posted 24 goals, earning him a three-year, $9.0 million extension that kicks in next season. Pettersson has struggled to start the season with only 1 goal and 4 points in those first 7 games, which can be attributed to the new found pressure of his massive eight-year, $92.8 million extension he signed late last year. Pettersson will find his stride again though once the heat cools down on his early season struggles, and he will be able to find points on the power play and be a catalyst for his line mates. Garland is the epitome of a work horse in the league, and even though he only stands at 5’9″, he plays bigger than his attributes suggest. He brings a fresh mix of speed and skill, along with a forecheck ability that can annoy opponents and draw penalties for Vancouver. As long as they line can build off the momentum to start the season, they will solve all the secondary scoring issues the Canucks faced last year.

Line 3
This line has yet to see action this year due to Joshua starting the season on IR due to his cancer treatment. However, we can speculate their effectiveness due to the overall skill set each players provides with their own identities. Joshua is a heavy hitting power forward that can score momentum shifting goals or provide energy when his team starts sluggish. He solidified himself as a legit NHL middle-six player in the last two season, positing 29 goals and 55 points in 142 regular season games, earning him a four-year, $13.0 million extension with Vancouver this summer. Once he returns, he will provide an important catalyst to a forward group that is already finding their stride. Blueger has already begun this season with 5 points in 7 games, putting him on pace to blow past his career high of 28 points from last season. However, while his offensive production is guaranteed to drop, his defensive responsibility will not. He is a reliable defensive centerman that will get penalty kill time and be able to shutdown opposition at 5-on-5, making his more than suitable for the third center role to begin the season. Sherwood is the most underrated addition the Canucks made this year and it is almost certain he will carve himself out as a game changer for the third line. He is an agitator that blends speed and skill to overhwelm opponents, and can also be an effective penalty killer which spreads the responsibilities on the top players for the Canucks. We shouldn’t expect him to have high offensive numbers, but he will still produce at a consistent rate and we can most likely pencil him in for 15 goals this season.

Line 4
Every fourth line across the league needs to create energy, minimize liabilities, and provide a forecheck that can be used to shift momentum. This fourth line blends a bit of everything together for their own unique identity that strays away from the typical fourth lines we see across the league. Heinen is a British Columbia native who returned to his home province this offseason on a two-year deal with the Canucks in free agency. He is known for his speed and commitment to a two-way style, that frankly is better suited higher in the lineup. Nevertheless, the Canucks were in search for overall depth this offseason and Heinen provides the forward group with an option to move around the lineup to kick start offense or maintain a lead in a tight game. Suter is a steady two-way centerman that is capable of playing all forward positions and is a coaches perfect fill-in player. He can be effective on all lines, but in order to maximize the balance of the two-way structure the Canucks adhere to, he makes the most sense on the fourth line center role. He can play on all special team units and will be a crucial tool for the Canucks coaching staff to slot in when moments in a game call for it. Sprong is a defensive liability which makes him an interesting case for a fourth line winger role. However, he posses a powerful and accurate shot that he will be able to utilize as a specialist on the power play units. The coaching staff will need to make sure to put Sprong in favourable matchups for 5-on-5 play, mitigating the reputation he has as a defensive liability.

Pair 1
This pairing was the one of the most played pairs in the entire NHL last season, and they grew chemistry and momentum that they will need to carry onto this season. Last year, they were together for 81 games for a total of 1184.8 minutes, which ranked them 5th in the entire league for time on ice as a pair. They also managed to post a reliable 53.3% xGoals For % that ranked them 6th in the entire league for pairings that had a minimum of 1000 minutes together. Hughes is one of the leagues most skilled offensive defensemen and has never missed a beat after taking on the captaincy at the young age of 24. He was over a point-per-game last year for the first time in his career with 92 points in 82 games, tallying another 10 in just 13 playoff games. While he is small in stature at only 5’10”, his skillset overwhelms opponents and he can dictate the pace of play every time he is on the ice. There is no doubt that he will have another stellar season, and has already started this campaign with 6 points in 7 games. Hronek on the other hand carved out his identity as a top-pairing defenseman last year in his first full season in Vancouver after being acquired from Detroit. He lost most of his regular season effectiveness the moment the playoffs began, so he will need to find a way to maintain his success and translate it to the postseason if the Canucks are planning to make a deep playoff run.

Pair 2
There has been a shaky start to this pair so far this season, and they will need to rebound to produce at a rate that a second pairing is required to. So far they have posted an abysmal 39.6% xGoals For % along with a net -0.78 xGoals For Per 60 Minutes, which makes them more of a third pairing across the league. However, defensive coach Adam Foote will need to find suitable matchups to deploy this pair so they can be an effective shutdown duo without becoming hemmed in or overwhelmed with their matchups. Soucy is a defensive-first strong defenseman who has never been the best skater but can position himself well in front of his own net or stay back when his parter joins a rush. He adds an element of toughness and tenacity that opposing teams will try to avoid most nights, making him a valuable contributor on the back end. Myers is a veteran of over 1000 regular season game in the NHL and renewed his game last season under the newly designed system that head coach Tocchet instilled into the team. He now longer carries the pressure of being a big cap hit player that was not living up to his price tag, so it will be intriguing to see if he can continue to embrace the role as the Canucks third best defender and remain effective as the season progresses.

Pair 3
This was the most interesting vision that General Manager Patrik Allvin had this offseason, bringing in both defenders in free agency and adding heaviness and size to his third pairing. While both defenders aren’t quick skater by any means, they bring a net front presence that is sure to keep their own crease clear and provide an open lane for their goaltenders to see the opposition plays unfold. Forbort found himself as an odd man out in Boston after dealing with some injuries the last few seasons, and most likely jumped at the Canuck opportunity of becoming a regular defensive option he was used to throughout his career. He will need to find his game again and his signing represents a low-risk, high-reward position for both player and team. Desharnais was an effective player for Edmonton these last few years, as he showcased his talents an a legitimate bottom pairing shutdown defenseman. However, the Oilers let him walk to free agency begging the question if he can be effective full time on the Canucks, who are desperate need for reliable defensive options. He has learned to use his size to his advantage, and barring any injuries, he should fit in nicely as a penalty killing specialist as well.

Goalies
To begin this season, the Canucks have been left without their star goaltender Demko as he attempts to put his body in a position where he can play full-time again. Since there is too much speculation regarding the timeline of his recovery and return, the Canucks made a wise decision to bring in Lankinen in free agency to mitigate the pressure and risk of stunting Silovs’ development. Lankinen has had a tremendous start to the season, posting 4 wins, a 1.95 goals against average, a 0.930% save percentage, along with one shutout in just 5 games played. If he is able to keep up this early season success, then the Canucks can remain patient with Demko’s return, ensuring he comes back at the healthiest he can be to avoid any risk of a long-term setback. Silovs was brilliant for the Canucks last playoffs and stepped in unexpectedly to carry the Canucks to a second round loss at the hands of the Edmonton Oilers. However, he is still early on in his development trajectory and it was wise for the Canucks to take pressures off with Lankinen being added to the fold. Nevertheless, Silvos projects to be an important part of the future crease for the Canucks, regardless of his poor performances to start this year.

Scratches
The Canucks made a smart play this offseason adding depth pieces that can be reliable in injury stricken moments. Aman has been a bottom-six rotational player for the last three season, and has the potential to anchor the fourth line full time this season or the future. He has already seen 4 games to start this year and has put up 2 points proving he can play at this level. Brannstrom is a project player who still has the potential to find his footing as a top-four defender in the league. Yet, he will need to find the right system for his offensive skill set in order to balance his liabilities on the defensive end of the game. The Canucks took a bet on him and are hoping they can mold him into the player he was projected to be as a rookie. Demko is a scratch due to health reasons mentioned prior, along with the uncertainty surrounding his eventual return. While there is no time table, we can assume that when he does return, it will make the Canucks a substantially better team both morale and skill wise.

Keys to Success

For the Canucks to capitalize on their offseason investments and compete at the highest level, several critical components must fall into place. First, the addition of forward depth in players like DeBrusk and Sprong will be essential for maintaining balanced scoring. Vancouver’s past struggles often stemmed from an over-reliance on Pettersson, Miller, and Quinn Hughes to generate offense, resulting in predictable and narrow attacks. Now, with increased options in the lineup, the Canucks can spread out scoring responsibilities, offering a more dynamic threat in various situations, including power plays, penalty kills, and five-on-five play. This balanced offensive attack will make the Canucks harder to shut down and allow stars like Pettersson and Miller to play to their strengths without being overburdened.

On the defensive end, Vancouver now boasts impressive depth with additions like Deharnais and Forbort, along with depth defenders like Brannstrom, Wolanin, Noah Juulsen, and Mark Friedman. These players provide Vancouver with a reliable pool of capable fill-ins, minimizing the impact of injuries that inevitably arise over an 82 game season. Their defensive depth also allows Tocchet to rotate players based on matchups and game demands, providing stability and versatility.

Tocchet’s system is another means for the Canucks success. His coaching philosophy that emphasizes a cohesive, organized, and physical approach, has resonated well with the team. The Canucks aim to bring Tocchet’s system to fruition once again this year, applying disciplined, hard nosed hockey that relies on defensive accountability and a counterv attacking style. Tocchet’s blueprint has been crafted with playoff resilience in mind, and if Vancouver can execute consistently, this system will give them a strong competitive edge in both regular season and postseason play.

Potential Downfall

While the Canucks have bolstered their roster significantly, some potential pitfalls could disrupt their season if not carefully managed. The most pressing concern is Thatcher Demko’s health. As one of the league’s top goaltenders, Demko’s presence between the pipes is a crucial component of Vancouver’s success. His popliteus muscle issue has kept him off the ice thus far, and the timeline for his return remains uncertain. While Kevin Lankinen has shown himself to be a reliable option in net, Demko’s elite ability to handle high danger shots and control the pace of play is unmatched on the Canucks roster. If Demko’s absence becomes prolonged, Vancouver will be forced to rely on Lankinen and Arturs Silovs to bridge the gap, which may challenge the team’s ability to remain competitive with the league’s upper echelon.

Another potential issue is the adjustment period required to incorporate the new players effectively. Chemistry is essential for any team, especially one with the Canucks ambitions, and while DeBrusk, Sprong, Kiefer Sherwood, and other newcomers have the skill to impact the roster, building synergy with existing stars like Pettersson and Miller may take time. Integrating new additions seamlessly is key to ensuring the Canucks don’t experience scoring droughts or defensive lapses, as an incomplete team dynamic could hinder their chances against stronger opponents. Tocchet’s role will be crucial in this regard, as he’ll need to continue to identify which line combinations and defensive pairings work best without disrupting the flow of the early season games.

Future Outlook

The Canucks future is as promising as it has been in years, largely thanks to a top tier pipeline of prospects who are poised to complement their current core and provide critical depth in the coming seasons. Jonathan Lekkerimaki, the highly skilled forward known for his lethal shot and offensive creativity, stands out as one of Vancouver’s brightest young talents. Lekkerimaki’s potential as a goal scorer and playmaker has generated considerable excitement, and he projects to be a valuable asset on the wing alongside play driving stars like Elias Pettersson.

Another promising prospect is defenseman Tom Willander, whose mobility and intelligent play have drawn praise since his draft selection. Willander’s ability to contribute at both ends of the ice makes him a future top-four blue line stalwart, adding to a defensive core that values puck movement and accountability. Willander’s progression could eventually enable the Canucks to round out their defense with skilled, two-way defenders which should be a crucial element in the team’s long-term plans to remain competitive.

Arturs Silovs has already shown he can handle the spotlight in goal. Last season, Silovs made his NHL playoff debut after Demko’s injury and delivered a remarkable performance, playing ten postseason games with a .898 save percentage, a 2.91 goals against average, and a crucial shutout in a series clinching Game 6 against Nashville. His poise under pressure and ability to step up in Demko’s absence were promising signs for the Canucks goaltending depth. Silovs projects as a key backup to Demko in the short term and a potential starting option down the line, providing Vancouver with stability in net as Demko works through his current health concerns.

Beyond their top prospects, the Canucks boast impressive prospect depth, with players like Aatu Räty, Arshdeep Bains, Vilmer Alriksson, Melvin Fernstrom, Lucas Forsell, Elias Pettersson (the defenseman), and Kirill Kudryavtsev adding layers of talent across positions. Räty, a center with strong two-way skills and offensive upside, has the tools to develop into a versatile middle-six forward. Meanwhile, Bains and Forsell bring energy and tenacity, both fitting the mold of hard working forwards that coach Rick Tocchet’s system values. On defense, Pettersson and Kudryavtsev offer solid puck moving abilities and physicality, attributes that align well with the Canucks commitment to strengthening their blue line in the future.

Final Thoughts

This season represents a pivotal opportunity for the Vancouver Canucks to move from potential into performance. After several years of falling short and a disappointing result in the playoffs last year, the current roster possesses the depth, versatility, and experience necessary to compete with the NHL’s best. Key additions in both offense and defense have addressed major roster gaps, allowing Vancouver to spread out scoring and add a defensive backbone that can support their run toward the playoffs. Yet, Demko’s health remains a critical factor and if he can return healthy, Vancouver’s ceiling becomes significantly higher.

Under Tocchet’s leadership, the Canucks are expected to bring a level of grit and discipline that makes them dangerous in playoff hockey, where tight defense and reliable scoring are often the difference makers. If Vancouver’s offseason adjustments pay off and the team finds its chemistry quickly, this could be the season that sees the Canucks finally deliver on their potential, asserting themselves as legitimate contenders in the league.