Canucks: 5 questions that remain unanswered this season
The Vancouver Canucks were expected to return to the ice last night to take on the Calgary Flames. That did not happen as the game was postponed due to coronavirus concerns.
According to reports, two members of the Canucks have tested positive for COVID-19, as well as member(s) of the coaching staff. More information should follow at some point today, but for now, Vancouver isn’t playing hockey games.
As the Canucks await what’s next, The Canuck Way ponders five questions about Vancouver that remain unanswered so far this season. Let’s dive into it, starting with the team’s injured star forward, Elias Pettersson.
When will Elias Pettersson make his return?
The mysterious “upper-body injury” that’s kept Pettersson sidelined for nearly a month, again kept him out of Wednesday night’s game. It was actually the postponement of the contest that did it, but either way, the Swedish forward is still nursing his wounds and isn’t ready to return to the game.
Pettersson still hasn’t skated in a full practice with the team, but he is on the ice individually. So, what’s going on here? What’s been holding him back this long?
The Canucks have remained tight-lipped when it comes to Pettersson’s injury, and there really isn’t much to look back on in trying to solve the case yourself. Not much for dangerous hits during his last game, or any awkward stumbles. Simply put, he’s hurt and he’s unavailable.
One thing is for sure though… the Canucks (and Pettersson) don’t seem overly rushed in getting him back in the lineup. And as much as Vancouver doesn’t want to admit that a playoff comeback is unlikely at this point in the season, it’s just not worth trying to bring him back early so that Vancouver has their best player available in a time of need.
With eyes to the future, the Canucks need to give Pettersson all the rest he desires. In a contract year, it doesn’t make sense for him to put himself in a position where he could potentially re-injure himself.
He’s just months ahead of signing the biggest contract of his NHL career and he’s been a franchise piece for Vancouver ever since he played his first game. Now is definitely not the time to pressure him into returning too soon.
Will Brock Boeser lead the team in points this year?
It’s been an incredible season for Brock Boeser. The 24-year-old has regained his shot from seasons past, and he’s used it to the best of his ability. He’s fully embraced the “shoot first, ask questions later” style of play, and it’s shaped him into a consistent goal-scorer the Canucks can count on.
Through the first 37 games of the 2021 season, Boeser has collected a team-leading 16 goals and 33 points. He’s already reached his goal total from the previous campaign, and he pulled off that feat in 22 fewer games — a remarkable improvement.
Boeser has been above and beyond the best forward on the roster. But can he continue his dominance over the next 19 games to solidify himself as a Vancouver Canucks all-star?
Because of injuries, Boeser has struggled at times to be a consistent threat in the past. If he can finish this season strong — and without injury — he stands a good chance of finishing the year back on top of the Canucks’ leader board.
Is Olli Juolevi ready to be a full-time NHL defenceman?
The Finnish defender finally got his taste of the big league, but unfortunately for him, head coach Travis Green prefers his defencemen be veterans and that they play on their proper side (if he can help it).
Despite a lot of resistance in his journey to NHL stardom, Olli Juolevi put the non-believers to bed this year. The 22-year-old arrived at camp in the best shape of his life (since being hurt) and he landed himself a spot on the opening night roster (potentially because Jordie Benn was on the COVID protocol list).
Juolevi’s ice time was limited at the NHL level at first, but slowly and surely, Green began to elevate his time the more he got used to watching him play. Paired with Tyler Myers for the majority, Juolevi provided a calm defensive demeanour in his game that allowed Myers to roam a little more freely.
Juolevi wasn’t much of an offensive spark-plug, but his mistakes in the defensive end proved to be few and far between. He scored his first NHL goal on January 25th in a win against the Ottawa Senators, got benched the following game, and has only laced up the skates in eight more contests since.
Benn has been given the nod over Juolevi ever since the Canucks blueline got healthy, but there seems to be this energy within the fanbase that wants to see Juolevi take over the sixth defensive position full-time.
Considering Benn is on the back nine of his career and Juolevi is the up-and-comer, wouldn’t it make sense for Juolevi to get in some game action? It would. It really would… But unfortunately, Green will likely keep the status quo until the Canucks are mathematically eliminated from the playoff race. Until then, Juolevi will likely remain a healthy scratch for Vancouver.
Will Jim Benning make a splash at the Trade Deadline?
When it comes to reeling in a big fish or selling high at the NHL Trade Deadline, Canucks’ general manager, Jim Benning, hasn’t had the best of luck. Quite honestly, he’s been overly quiet on that front for several years. But what about now? Does Benning have the guts to make a big move?
The answer may be “yes”, but the real question is whether or not there happens to be a buyer out there who is ready to cough up a pretty penny for a playoff rental. Players that fit that mould would be Tanner Pearson, Alex Edler or potentially J.T. Miller.
Pearson would be the one most likely to be dealt, but with rumours swirling that the Canucks want to sign him to an extension, Benning might not have the pieces worth moving to find a decent return. What he needs to focus on is trying to ship out a player who is dropping in value, but still has a contract in Vancouver for next year.
He might have to add a sweetener to the pot to make it work for both sides, but if Benning can move out a player like Jay Beagle or Antoine Roussel, it might be worth it. It’ll be interesting to see what Benning does at the TDL, but if I was a betting man I’d say fans are in for another letdown.
Will the Canucks make the playoffs?
At this point… probably not…
Seriously though. As much as I would like to say that the Canucks will make the playoffs, the answer remains unlikely. Mathematically, the numbers just don’t add up in their favour. Not to say it’s impossible, but it’s pretty close to it.
Placed in sixth inside a seven-team North division, Vancouver is still four points back of the Montreal Canadiens for the fourth and final playoff spot. That’s only two wins, but in reality, the Canadiens still have five games in hand. It’s a steep mountain to climb, but not impossible.
Next. Canucks: Alex Kerfoot is the perfect trade target. dark
What do you think Canucks Nation? What unanswered Canucks questions keep you up at night?