Vancouver Canucks profiles: Daniel Sedin looks to rebound

Here at The Canuck Way, we’ll take an in-depth look at the Vancouver Canucks players as we near the 2017-18 season. Next up is Daniel Sedin, who will try to rebound from a frustrating 2016-17 campaign.

Heading into the 2017-18 season, Vancouver Canucks franchise icon Daniel Sedin sits second in the franchise’s all-time scoring list — only trailing twin brother Henrik.

But despite all he’s done for the franchise, it’s quite possible that Daniel isn’t a Canuck after next season. The twins enter contract years, each making $7 million a season. They’re also turning 37 in September and are nowhere close to being point-per-game players again.

So the futures of both twins in Vancouver are bleak right now. Could they get traded at the deadline? Will they sign elsewhere next offseason as free agents? Will they retire? Head to Sweden? Re-up in Vancouver?

It’s impossible to know, with so many scenarios. But all Daniel has to be focused on is being a productive player in 2017-18, as he tries to bounce back from a disappointing campaign in which he scored just 15 goals an 44 points.

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The Canucks are hoping that new head coach Travis Green can squeeze out one more good year from the twins, as former bench boss Willie Desjardins wore them out by giving Daniel and Henrik far too much responsibility on the ice.

Bo Horvat is likely to assume the role as the No. 1 centre, meaning Daniel and his brother are likely to move down to the second or third line.

So this is where things get interesting for the Sedins. A new coach, less on-ice responsibility and contract years with speculation about them leaving.

It’s all going to make for a storyline-filled season for Daniel, but all that matters is that he produces on the ice.

Looking to bounce back

Daniel’s 15 goals and 44 points were his lowest in an 82-game season since 2002-03, suggesting that the 36-year-old was truly past his playing prime. But Daniel did keep the strong puck possession game going in 2016-17, finishing with a 56.2 Corsi For percentage.

He also had a woeful 6.9 shooting percentage — the absolute worst of his career. So you have to figure that Daniel’s due to bounce back, one way or another.

The Loui Eriksson experiment with the Sedins failed, so Green should be looking to arm the twins with a younger and faster linemate. Newcomer Sam Gagner makes plenty of sense, with his right-hand shot and all-around ability to score and set up plays.

Though Daniel’s undoubtedly past his playing prime and is nearing the end of his career, he and Henrik should be able to produce as quality second/third line players. With a new coach, less of a workload, better luck and a new linemate, Daniel should be able to bounce back from a disappointing 2016-17 season.

Projecting the stats

If Daniel can stay healthy and his line consists of Henrik and Gagner, then I love his chances of performing better in 2017-18. The twins have bounced back from forgetful seasons before (remember the year after John Tortorella was fired), and can do so again.

He’s not going to score 70-80 points again, but Daniel Sedin will play a lot better this upcoming season. Here is what I project his totals to be in 2017-18:

Goals: 19

Assists: 32

Points: 51

PIM: 36

+/-: -7

Corsi For %: 52.1

Nothing dramatic, but Daniel does boast a better statistical season in 2018 than he did in 2017. The strong puck possession game won’t go away, thanks to having that special connection with his twin and all.

Daniel Sedin bounces back nicely in 2017-18, as the reduced ice time and changes behind the bench and on the ice help him rebound from a forgetful season.

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