Welcome to the new Vancouver Canucks season. Here we’ll highlight some of the news that drops every day about the Canucks. Come back throughout the day as we update with all the news you need to know. If you haven’t done so already, sign up for our Canucks Report to get our stories delivered to your inbox every day.
In case you missed it, here’s some of the coverage our experts have brought you prior to the season:
Ben Kuzma wrote on what the season holds for Canucks captain Quinn Hughes. And there’s Hughes talking about his development as a Canuck.
Patrick Johnston wrote about how the Canucks are actually one of the younger teams in the NHL and what that means for their future.
We also wrote about some roster implications injuries and other issues are causing, but what that means for players Braeden Cootes and Victor Mancini.
After a season from hell, Ben brought you a piece on how the vibes seem so much better going into the new season.
As we get ready for the new season, Ben also took a look at what the first week holds in store for the Canucks.
Steve Ewen highlighted how new head coach Adam Foote is putting his stamp on the team this season, while Ben breaks down what it’ll take for this team to make the playoffs.
And Patrick brought you a story on how the player at the top of mind for every Canucks fan, Elias Pettersson, hopes this season offers a throwback to his elite past.
And here’s what other media is saying about the Canucks:
The Athletic says the Canucks will miss the playoffs. They don’t come right out and say it, but if you figure it’ll take at least 90 points to make the playoffs (The Calgary Flames had 96 points and still didn’t qualify last season) and the Athletic has them finishing just shy. The Athletic has the Canucks projected to finish with 89.9 points. Which technically translates to a 50 percent chance of making the playoffs.
And of course everyone is wondering what missing the playoffs would mean for Quinn Hughes: “That this is where the Canucks land in the thick of Hughes’ prime is not a good thing. If this season plays out as expected, it might not be good enough to entice him to stay. Potential mediocrity has never been more riveting.”
Can Pettersson keep the focus on winning?
We are all familiar with the drama on ice and off that resulted in a nightmare season for our Canucks last year. TSN’s Craig Button rightfully says this season is on Elias Pettersson: “What the Canucks are hoping for is that they don’t have a Season 2 of the same drama. And the hope in that lies with number 40 EP Pettersson. What they need from him is the ability to find a form that is closer to the superstar form that he showed earlier in his career prior to signing that long term contract.”
ESPN says Flames will be better than Canucks
In their predictions ESPN’s Ryan S. Clark and Kristen Shilton have the Canucks finishing 23rd in the league; that’s two spots behind the Calgary Flames. Even worse, they predict the Canucks to only collect 79 points. “Fantasy outlook: Maybe a freshly signed Brock Boeser returns to his 70-plus point-scoring ways. Perhaps new Canuck Evander Kane can keep his body intact for a near 30-goal run. A lot of fantasy maybes in Vancouver, except for Quinn Hughes, the only top-tier sure thing.”