Canucks: 4 positives from the dreadful 2020-21 season

2. Brock Boeser’s shot is back

Remember when Brock Boeser‘s name was involved in trade rumours last summer, with some fans going as far as suggesting a potential trade with Minnesota Wild’s Matt Dumba?

It’s safe to say that we’re thankful that Boeser stuck around.

Over 56 games, Boeser led the Canucks with 23 goals and 49 points. In a normal season, he’d be on pace for 33 goals and 71 points. The best part was that Boeser managed to stay healthy for all 56 games, considering the injuries that he has dealt with in the past.

Most importantly, it looked like Boeser’s wrist shot was back.  According to MoneyPuck, Boeser’s shooting percentage with his wrist shot was 12.5% in all situations, a big improvement over 6.8% the previous season.  His expected goals per 60 for all shot types improved from 0.98 to 1.10, and his overall shooting percentage went up from 7.4% to 12%

It looked like Boeser is well on his way to erasing the doubts that many had of him becoming a sniper.

With his defensive game and playmaking skills improving as well, we can confidently say that the “trade Boeser” talk has been silenced.

3. The emergence of Nils Höglander

Nils Höglander impressed at training camp and slotted into the top six on opening night. Many weren’t sure if he would stay there, but he proved them wrong.

For the majority of the season, Höglander was on a line with Tanner Pearson and Bo Horvat.

Most games, Höglander was the best Canuck on the ice. His compete level was off the charts and he made the most out of every shift. The former 2019 second round pick seemed to be able to do it all, scoring 13 goals in 56 games, getting involved in puck battles, forcing turnovers, creating offence and making things happen on the ice. He also provided lots of great stick handling and creativity.

It’s been a small sample size for the young Swede, but if he continues to play as this level, it’s probably safe to say that he was worth the hype.  Sportsnet Canucks play-by-play voice John Shorthouse even went so far as to call him “a little pepper pot.”

Höglander’s 13 goals were sixth among rookie, and his 27 points were good for seventh. Only thing missing? His signature lacrosse goal. But we’ll have to wait until next season for that.