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As the Stanley Cup playoffs looms, I am left wondering what the future has in store for the Vancouver Canucks. I am thinking goaltender Roberto Luongo will want to go to the Florida Panthers. I am hoping for a Jonathan Huberdeau and Tomas Fleischmann for Luongo and a draft pick, but that might be wishful thinking. A trade like this would help the Canucks now and in the future.

Now, let’s talk about the present. I have been searching for positives while watching some very poor hockey from the team we love. Trade deadline acquisition Derek Roy has been an amazing addition to the lineup. Goaltenders Cory Schneider and Luongo have played well here and there, but consistency seems to allude them.

The month of April and the shortened 48- game regular season is coming to an end soon. Looking back, this season has been anything but regular. The limited practice time, tight travel schedule, and only playing teams within the Western Conference has made it difficult to win regularly. The familiarity of players, teams, systems, and weaknesses has made it somewhat easier.

I am still hoping that every player in this group will be able to pull their weight as the second season begins. The Canucks knows what it takes to win in the Stanley Cup playoffs after they came within one game of winning it all just two years ago. As soon as the first round starts, we will see what our team has left in the tank in this injury-ravaged shortened season.

With excellent goaltending, specialty teams rounding into form, and key players returning to the lineup in time for the playoffs, I can foresee a long playoff run for the Canucks culminating with the 2013 Stanley Cup Championship.

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As I sat watching the trade deadline coverage hoping for the big trade that will put the Vancouver Canucks in the Stanley Cup conversation, I am yet against disappointed by general manager Mike Gillis. As a true fan and I would like to think I am a person with hockey intellect, I do understand the difficulty in trading goaltender Robreto Luongo’s ugly contract, but it was Gillis who signed Luongo to it.

There were many teams who pushed aside future considerations for the good of the team today. The fans in Vancouver know the Canucks window is closing rapidly. Teams such as the Edmonton Oilers, who embarrassed the Canucks last Saturday, as well as the Chicago Blackhawks, Ottawa Senators, Montreal Canadiens all have young talent that will be hard to beat in the years to come.

So where does that leave Vancouver in the scheme of things? I have to say in limbo, but I love the team the Canucks have when they are healthy. There lays this season’s playoff riddle. If the Canucks get their core players back, there is a chance for a deep run in the playoffs. So, as fans, we should sit back and hope for the speedy return of the core players. The Canucks cannot go into the NHL playoffs with the Chicago Wolves as one-half of its starting roster.

For the rest of the year, the Canucks have two amazing goaltenders that fans can pin their hopes on. However, do not hold your breath after watching the recent on-ice performances against the Edmonton Oilers and San Jose Sharks.

Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

As we watch this shortened season play out in this ice it brings to mind the highly competitive National Hockey League of this era. With the new collective bargaining agreement in place, teams will have a difficult time putting truly dominant products on the ice.

With one look around the Western Conference, I see very few “gimmies.” Every game is vitally important to success this season. With so many three point games, there will be a log jam to get into the playoffs. The product the Vancouver Canucks have on the ice today is not good enough to take on powerhouse clubs like Chicago Blackhawks, San Jose Sharks, or Anaheim Ducks. Looking beyond these teams, they have to worry about the Stanley Cup Champions—the Los Angeles Kings.

It matters little who the Canucks end up facing in the playoffs—assuming they make it—because the Canucks will be in tough against their opposition regardless. I truly love the group here, but with the injuries and uncertain play of key members of the team, any fan has to have their doubts this season.

Having two skilled goalies in Roberto Luongo and Cory Schneider with proven track records, the Canucks have the parts to make a deal and add depth at the forward and defence positions. This will make the team that much better and deeper.

It might be difficult moving Luongo since no trade offer may appear “fair,” but tying up over $9 million to two goaltenders when only one can play is not beneficial at all.