Vancouver Canucks: Daniel and Henrik Sedin to retire

On Monday morning, Henrik and Daniel Sedin penned a letter to fans and announced they will retire at the end of the season, and a remarkable 18-year journey will come to an end.

Vancouver Canucks fans waited for a decision, and now they’ve been informed that franchise icons Daniel and Henrik Sedin plan to retire at the end of the season.

The team shared a statement from the twins, where they thanked the city of Vancouver and mentioned it’s time to spend more time with the family. With that, they’ll have three games left before their epic careers take the final bow.

This news may shock many, as the Sedins have continued to play at high levels (both could finish north of the 50-point mark), and continually said they’d like to keep playing — especially to help mentor the younger players.

We all knew a decision was coming soon, and that retirement was on  the table. But it hits you hard once you actually hear the news. And just like that, the Canucks will be saying good-bye to the two greatest players in their history.

More from The Canuck Way

• Which team won the Bo Horvat trade?
• What to expect from newcomers Anthony Beauvillier, Aatu Räty
• Back to the future: How the skate uniforms became a regular Canucks’ feature night
• Canucks kick off 2023 with disappointing 6-2 loss to Islanders
• 2nd period penalty trouble sinks Canucks in 4-2 loss against Winnipeg

The Sedins have two more home games on the season, the last one being on Thursday against the Arizona Coyotes.

After that, the final game of their careers will take place on the road against the Edmonton Oilers this Saturday. You have to think Oil Nation will give the twins a sendoff they deserve.

With the Sedins set to retire, the Canucks will now have a tough time finding suitable replacements in the offseason.

Their combined $14 million cap hit comes off the books, giving general manager Jim Benning plenty of room to sign one or two impact players — if he so desires.

Many immediate questions come into play now. Who will become the new captain? Will any new leaders step up? Will Benning chase veterans in the offseason?

Does this mean Elias Pettersson and Jonathan Dahlen make the team next season? And more importantly, will the Sedins consider taking a role in the front office, or will they enjoy the retirement life for the time being?

The Canucks probably weren’t ready to embrace the next stage without the twins, and it’s not going to be an easy time for the front office. It’s an emotional time for all the players and fans as is, but we must respect the decisions of Daniel and Henrik. They made Vancouver their home, and gave it everything they had for nearly 20 years.

Next: Vancouver Canucks top prospects of week 24

This journey isn’t over just yet. There are three games left for the twins to do more slick cycling before they hang up the skates for good. But in the mean time, fans can only sulk up the news and reflect on what’s been a story-filled and adventures 18 years of watching two Swedish twins turn this franchise around.