Canucks roundtable: Predictions for the 2021 season

Lucas’ predictions

Points leader – At only 22 years of age, Pettersson will be leading the charge for this young and exhilarating Canucks core for the upcoming season and beyond. It seems as though every time more expectations are put on him, he’s able to exceed them with ease. His talent is undeniable at both ends of the ice, but the 2020-21 season is when I feel his offensive output will especially shine. Will another year now under his belt, I expect him to be the team’s leading point-getter and hover around the top 15 in league-wide scoring.

Most goals – In his first season with the Canucks, J.T. Miller managed to smash his career-high in points with 72 in 69 games and added 18 in the playoffs. He also established himself as a well-respected leader in the locker room. His strong veteran presence has done wonders for an inexperienced group of players, so much so that I feel an A would be suitable on his sweater in the upcoming year. If he’s kept in his spot on Pettersson’s wing and on the first power-play unit (which he should), there’s no reason to believe he can’t repeat his production from last season and lead the team in goals this time.

Most assists – Hughes finished with an astounding 45 assists in his first season – the most of any rookie in the NHL that year and most of any rookie in franchise history. With a full season of pro hockey and a playoff run to build off of, the expectation is that he will only get better and grow more into the no.1 defenceman role that this organization has desperately needed for its prolonged history. To nobody’s surprise, he’ll be racking up the assists again and I expect him to be at the top of this category for the Canucks.

Best goalie – This may come across as a bold statement, but let me clarify one thing: this is Demko’s crease. He’ll be expected to fill in the starting goaltender role for years to come and hopefully flourish into an elite netminder. But if you feel that he’s going to go through his first full season as a no.1 goaltender with no bumps in the road, then you’re a very wishful thinker. That’s where someone like Holtby comes in. As a cup-winner and 10-year veteran who’s been through plenty of ups and downs himself, Holtby will step in as the 1B goalie to provide mentorship and shoulder the load when Demko is unable to. I believe he has all the tools to succeed in that role. I don’t think he’ll be the team’s best goalie so maybe I’m cheating a little bit with this pick, but his re-emergence as a quality starter with be crucial.

Best rookie – All the signs point toward a bottom-pairing role for Juolevi after a strong showing in training camp in July and a “short-but-sweet-enough-since-no-glaring-mistakes-were-made” appearance in the postseason. General Manager Jim Benning has put a lot of time and faith into the polarizing 2016 draft pick, and I predict that Juolevi will fit in as a dependable defender in the Canucks’s top six. For Benning’s sake, I hope my prediction is right.

Most improved – I would have liked to see Adam Gaudette extended for longer than a measly one-year, $950,000 deal, but it looks as though this season will be a prove-it year for the 24-year-old. He’s improved his point totals every season since entering the league, jumping up to 33 points after a 12-point rookie campaign the year before. If Gaudette wants to solidify his spot as a third-line centre and cement his place as an important member of the Canucks’ long-term plans, he’ll have to make significant strides in all areas of his game this season. I believe that by the 2020-21 season’s end we’ll have our answer: yes.

Nate’s predictions

Leading scorer – Pettersson is a fiercely competitive athlete. So, when the dust of a pandemic induced layoff settled, you can bet that Pettersson noticed he finished second in team scoring to linemate J.T. Miller. It would not be beyond Miller, a noted hype man and human who expresses emotion, to playfully rub that fact in. I predict that Mad Petey will take this years’ team scoring crown.

Most goals – One of the trickle-down effects of Tyler Toffoli signing with the Montreal Canadiens is that the Lotto 6/40/9 line will likely be reunited. In over 400 minutes together, Boeser, Miller, and Pettersson were stellar, outscoring opponents by a two to one margin. If Boeser can feed off the chemistry of his linemates and evolve his offensive in-zone movement, I think the Minnesota native will meet or exceed 30 goals for the first time in his career.

Most assists – In his first NHL season, Hughes registered 45 assists and tied with Miller for the team lead. Unlike last season, Hughes will play on the first powerplay unit from day one. Look for Hughes to pile up even gaudier assist totals in year two.

Best goalie – While there are only two options to choose from, (sorry Mikey D.) Demko is the superior goaltender at the moment. Demko just authored a playoff goaltending performance for the ages against the Vegas Golden Knights, a performance that made many Canuck fans more willing to part with Jacob Markstrom. Since he was drafted, Demko has held the mantel of ‘goalie of the future’. In 2021 he will be the Canucks’ goalie of the present.

Best defenceman – This one is easy. With no disrespect to Nate Schmidt or Alex Edler, this category won’t be close. As Huggy Bear would say at Cactus Club, “Check, please!”.

Best rookie – Nils Höglander signed a standard ELC with the Canucks in April 2020. This means the teenage left-winger could be playing in the NHL as soon as the 2021 season. Given the lack of high-end talent amongst Vancouver’s sea of bottom nine forwards, expect Höglander to have every opportunity to earn a spot in the Canucks’ lineup. However, if he does make the team, there should be no surprise in the market when Travis Green scratches Höglander for the first few games of the season.

Most improved – I felt that this category was the toughest to predict. Would any Canucks observer be surprised if Quinn Hughes or Elias Pettersson took a dynamic leap forward in their development? No. Or at least they shouldn’t be. But my money is on Demko. I like the signing of Brayden Holtby as a veteran backup who will play a significant number of games and give Demko substantial time to rest. I also like Demko getting another offseason to refine and adjust his game with Ian Clark, using tape from NHL games in which he faced elite players. If his performance against Vegas teaches us anything, it’s that this sort of preparation is invaluable for a goaltender.

Joshua’s predictions

Leading scorer – I will go Pettersson here. His playmaking skills are only going to get better and I expect a lot of goals and assists from the creative Swedish centre.

Most goals – Pettersson’s shot will continue to improve especially the one-timer.  He is my pick as the man who will lead the Canucks in goals.

Most assists – Miller displayed great two skills and playmaking last season and I expect that to continue. He has been a great addition to the top line and will continue to lead it next season.

Best goalie – Holtby hasn’t been at his best the last few years but with a new team and Ian Clark as his goaltending coach, Holtby will be the best Canucks goalie in 2021.

Best defenceman – After a stellar rookie season, Quinn Hughes is the obvious choice. Hughes will continue with his smooth skating and quarterbacking the power play.

Most Improved – Jake Virtanen now has the opportunity to play in the Canucks top six and with a new deal and Toffoli gone. It’s a bold one but I’ll say Virtanen will have a better season than last year with Pettersson or Bo Horvat as his centre.

Best rookie – This is a tough one. I think I will go with Juolevi here. He’s had a long road to the NHL with his numerous injuries and he could potentially make the team next season. His defensive IQ with his stretch passes could help out the bottom pair. The only question is if he will stay healthy.

Zaahid’s predictions

Leading scorer – This one was pretty easy. Pettersson, who is coming off a 66-point season, has proven that he’s a legitimate franchise center with explosive speed and a cannon of a slapshot. The 22-year-old Swedish forward is entering the last year of his entry-level contract and, like most rookies in the league, is ready for a big pay-day. If last year’s playoff run was any indication, it’s safe to say that he’s only scratched the surface of his offensive prowess, and that should be reflected on the scoresheet next year.

Most goals – It’s hard to believe that it was only three years ago that Boeser was lighting the lamp in his rookie season, scoring 29 goals in just 62 games. Unfortunately, injuries have plagued his career since then, and Canucks fans haven’t been treated to the same dynamic scoring touch as a result. Could this be the year that Boeser regains his form? With an opening spot on both the top-line and on the first powerplay unit, it’s not a far cry to predict that Boeser could hit the 30-goal mark for the first time in his career.

Most assists  – Last season, Hughes racked up an impressive 45 assists, and was well on his way to surpassing 50 before the league was paused due to concerns surrounding the coronavirus. There aren’t many defensemen who can walk the line like Hughes, and his play-making vision was on full display throughout the entire year. Even though he won’t be playing with Chris Tanev this upcoming season, Hughes has proven, time and time again, that he can be a true offensive threat anywhere on the ice, no matter who his defensive partner is.

Best defenceman – This was another easy one. Most fans would agree that Hughes is the franchise defenseman that this team has been looking for, and there’s no doubt that the sky is still the limit for the 21-year-old blueliner. Like Pettersson, Hughes is also entering the last year of his entry-level contract, and he wants to prove to management why he’s one of the best young players in the league. Even though he didn’t win the Calder Trophy, many will agree that a Norris Trophy is well within his sights for the near future.

Best goalie – When Jacob Markstrom signed his 6-year, $36 million dollar contract with the Calgary Flames, many fans expected Thatcher Demko to take over between the pipes. Enter Braden Holtby. Even though the former-Vezina winner had a subpar season last year with the Washington Capitals, his .916 SV % and 2.53 GAA indicate that he can still be an effective number 1 netminder. He’s only 31 years old, which means he has a few more years of hockey left in him, and most fans are hopeful that Ian Clark, one of the most highly regarded goalie coaches in the league, can help rejuvenate Holtby’s game. Don’t be surprised if Holtby takes on the 1A role and leads the Canucks to a successful season.

Most improved – This one is a gamble. Virtanen, who inked a 2-year, $5.1 million dollar contract during the offseason, has had his fair share of criticism from Canucks fans and management alike. Despite his defensive inconsistencies, the 24-year-old Abbotsford native has shown flashes of speed, size and scoring in the past, and this might be the year that Virtanen is able to round out his game for the better. He seemed to fit quite nicely on the top line with Pettersson and J.T. Miller during last year’s playoff run, and he has a great chance at solidifying that spot for the upcoming season.

Best rookie – It’s Olli time. Juolevi, who was selected by the Canucks in the 2016 draft, has spent the majority of his professional career playing for the Utica Comets. Unfortunately, Juolevi has battled numerous injuries in the past and, as a result, was never able to crack the roster. Until now. After losing Troy Stecher and Oscar Fantenberg this past offseason, the 3rd defensive pairing is up for grabs, and many fans would like to see the former 5th overall pick fill one of those slots. The Canucks have had great success drafting defensemen over the years, so don’t be surprised if Juolevi establishes himself as one of the top rookies in the league next season.

Matthew’s predictions

Leading scorer – Pettersson will take an even larger step forward in 2020-21 and lead the team in scoring. It will be a tight race with JT Miller, but I believe his determination and drive will ultimately push him over the edge. He’s already working out and skating in Vancouver, so he clearly isn’t satisfied with how 2019-20 ended.

Most goals – Miller will prove that last season’s career-high of 27 goals and 72 points was no fluke. He will once again lead the team in goals and continue to cement his legacy in Vancouver. His chemistry with Pettersson was unmatched, so I see him just continuing to build on the success he had in 2019-20.

Most assists – If you thought Hughes was good last season, you ain’t seen nothing yet. Even though he struggled at times in the playoffs, he still finished with two goals and 16 points in 17 games, which was just two off of Pettersson and Miller’s 18 points. The fact that he was able to adjust his game shows me that he has a lot more in the tank. Expect him to rack up the assists next season, as he continues to gain more confidence in the NHL.

Best goalie – It has to be Demko, right? He will probably split the duties with newcomer Holtby, but he will prove that his performance in the 2020 bubble playoffs was not a flash in the pan. He may be the 1A on paper, but I see him as the full-blown starter by the end of the season. He’s just too good for it not to happen.

Best defenceman – As I said before, Hughes is an exceptional defenceman that is only going to get better. He will continue to be head coach Travis Green’s number one option five-on-five and on the power play and as a result, avoid the dreaded sophomore slump. If he’s partnered with another talented puck mover in Schmidt, the sky’s the limit for this kid. Heck, he will dominate even without him by his side.

Best rookie – I have said it multiple times in the mailbag, Nils Hoglander will make the team and be a factor alongside Gaudette and either MacEwen, Tyler Motte or Jayce Hawryluk. He will also spend time on the second power-play unit and finish the season with 15-20 goals.

Most improved – After what Motte did in the playoffs, I think he has a lot more to give points-wise in the regular season. If he’s able to elevate himself onto the third line with Gaudette, he could see more opportunities offensively, and maybe become a player like Jannik Hansen or Alex Burrows in 2020-21. I am going to make a bold prediction here and say he’s going to score at least 10 goals.

What do you think Canucks Nation? What are your predictions for 2021?