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Vancouver Canucks: Where they stand in the Pacific Division

By Alex Hoegler

VANCOUVER, BC - FEBRUARY 28: Right Wing Brock Boeser (6) is congratulated by Vancouver Canucks Left Wing Sven Baertschi (47) after scoring a goal during their NHL game against the New York Rangers at Rogers Arena on February 28, 2018 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. New York won 6-5. (Photo by Derek Cain/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
VANCOUVER, BC - FEBRUARY 28: Right Wing Brock Boeser (6) is congratulated by Vancouver Canucks Left Wing Sven Baertschi (47) after scoring a goal during their NHL game against the New York Rangers at Rogers Arena on February 28, 2018 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. New York won 6-5. (Photo by Derek Cain/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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Though the Vancouver Canucks didn’t add any major impact players this offseason, they look much better on paper. Where does this team stand in what looks like a wide open Pacific Division?

The Vancouver Canucks didn’t have to make any blockbuster trades or free agent signings to upgrade their roster, and this team has all the makings to be considerably better than the 2017-18 squad.

We can expect 2017 first round pick Elias Pettersson to make the team in 2018-19, so the Canucks will have a world class talent right there.

Jonathan Dahlen also has an outside shot, and it’ll be enticing to see more ice time from Nikolay Goldobin and Adam Gaudette, if head coach Travis Green can fit them into this crowded lineup.

If Brock Boeser and Bo Horvat can stay healthy, the Canucks will have a pair of 60-70 point players. Maybe Sven Baertschi reaches 20 goals for the first time in his career. Again, health is the key here.

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Though general manager Jim Benning overpaid for tough guys Jay Beagle, Tim Schaller and Antoine Roussel, this team will undoubtedly be a lot tougher to play against. The Anaheim Ducks, Los Angeles Kings and San Jose Sharks won’t be able to throw their weight around this undersized Canucks team eas easily.

What’s more, the Canucks saw all three California teams exposed during the postseason. The Ducks were exposed by the faster Sharks.

The Kings and Sharks were exposed by the faster and more skilled Vegas Golden Knights. No doubt the Canucks will be a little bit faster as those teams, and definitely more skilled than the Kings.

The Edmonton Oilers are simply way too talented to not bounce back. Connor McDavid will surely lead the Oilers back to the playoffs. The Calgary Flames will also be a postseason team, with the additions of James Neal, Elias Lindholm and Noah Hanifin (remember when the Canucks wanted him?)

Vegas kept most of their core together, though losing David Perron and Neal could hurt them quite a bit. As for the Arizona Coyotes, they are also rebuilding and don’t look ready to contend again anytime soon. Consider them below the Canucks for now.

The Canucks will be better next year, as they inject more youth, skill and speed into their lineup. This doesn’t bode well for the three California teams, who are devoid of elite talent and whose core players are in their 30s. Vancouver should be faster than these teams, it’s just about getting more consistent goaltending and better defensive play.

For me, the Oilers and Flames look like the two best bets to make the postseason in 2018-19, given the amount of young starpower and roster depth. I’m not as confident in the Ducks, Kings or Sharks. Vegas won’t surprise anybody next year, and the Coyotes need more time.

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So, as crazy as this sounds, the Canucks have the potential to be a surprise playoff team in the Pacific next year. A lot has to go right, but they’ve definitely upgraded, while the others have gotten worse. Don’t be shocked if the Canucks manage to be third or fourth in the division by the end of next season. Seriously.

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