Canucks: 2 takeaways from the 5-1 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs

Let the kids play

The heading says it all.

With a 14-point difference between fourth and seventh place in the all-Canadian division, it’s safe to say that the Canucks’ playoff dreams have basically been extinguished.

Yes, the glass-half-full crowd might still be hopeful for a miraculous, never-before-seen winning streak to cap off the year, but it’s about time that we all face reality. Plus, we’re conditioned to be disappointed by this team on a yearly basis, and it’s important to keep grand traditions like that alive.

The Canucks have thrown in the towel on this year, which means that management and coaching staff should be looking to give their talented prospects more opportunities to play.

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And so far, the young guns haven’t disappointed.

Nils Höglander continues to build upon his strong rookie campaign, having recorded nine goals and 11 assists in 45 games. There’s no question that he has been one of the more impactful and high-energy players in the top-six forward group, with many fans hoping that he can maintain solid chemistry with Horvat on the second line.

Höglander even saw some time on the first powerplay unit on Saturday night, and should be a staple on the man advantage moving forward, even if he isn’t expected to play that role once Elias Pettersson returns from injury (whenever that may be).

Olli Juolevi and Jalen Chatfield have solidified their roles as bottom-pairing defencemen as of late, and should hopefully see small increases in their average TOI as the season winds down. There’s no doubt that both blueliners have aspects of their game that require significant improvement, but now’s the time to work on those defensive fundamentals.

Factor in Kole Lind, who has looked solid in his first two professional games, as well as Jonah Gadjovich, who has officially been recalled by the team and should be expected to make his NHL debut once his seven-day quarantine is completed, and the Canucks should be well-equipped with a handful of talented, eager prospects moving forward.

And if management plays their cards right, these players could drastically reshape the franchise for years to come.

The Canucks are set to return home on Monday night, where they’ll face off against Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers for the first of five straight games. Puck drop is at 7:00 pm PST.

What were your thoughts on the Canucks’ 5-1 loss against the Maple Leafs? Make sure to drop a comment below!