Brayden Ursel
Best forward: The Sedin twins
Something so magical about the Vancouver Canucks in the 2010s was the fact they had two elite players in the Sedin twins.
A once in a lifetime brotherhood chemistry made up of an incredible cycle game, revolutionary passing ability and the creation of the move dubbed “The Sedin Tip” helped cement the Swedes as the faces of the franchise.
They were the heart and soul of Vancouver for over a decade, and they brought the Canucks within one win of their first Stanley Cup. Winning back-to-back Art Ross Trophies was remarkable to see: Henrik first in 2009-10, followed by Daniel in 2010-11. Playing their entire careers for the Canucks, they became the only two brothers to each reach 1,000 points.
Without a doubt, the Hall of Fame. should come knocking soon enough.
Best two-way forward: Ryan Kesler
The overall fan feeling on the dearly departed Ryan Kesler is a mix of love and hate, to say the least. Nonetheless, Ryan Kesler trumped Bo Horvat as best two-way player of the decade — having reached feats beyond the young career of Vancouver’s current captain
He is a multi-time nominee for Selke trophy, even winning it in 2010-11. He recorded two 70-point seasons, and he could play at every aspect of the game. He reached 41 goals in the 2010-11 season, and he completely took over the second round of the Canucks’ series against the Nashville Predators in 2011 — where Vancouver emerged victorious in six games.
Best defenceman: Alexander Edler
Alex Edler has been a star here in the 2010s, notoriously growing into the club’s No. 1 defender. The Swede and his family felt right at home in Vancouver, and they planted their roots deep within the pacific community.
Last season, Edler became the franchise all-time leader in points for a defenceman. His presence and ability to eat large amounts of minutes have simply made Vancouver a better team. Even at age 33, he still has enough gas in the tank to be a part of the team as they embark into their next tier as a playoff contender.
Best goaltender: Roberto Luongo
A retired jersey in Florida and a suitable candidate for future Ring of Honor glorification in Vancouver makes Roberto Luongo the goalie of the decade.
The former captain of the Canucks put everything he had into this team including a 72-save performance in his first playoff game (2007 against the Dallas Stars). In 2006-07, he made a whopping 76 stars, and let’s not forget the four shutouts Luongo posted in the postseason.
He is a class one and future Hall of Fame goaltender who finished his career third in all-time wins (489), and Luongo is the Canucks’ best goalie of their 50-year existence. Luongo was mistreated, which in the end led to his exit — a big mistake by the organization that tainted a very special relationship between goalie and franchise.
Now, it’s Jacob’s turn to reveal more awards.