Canucks: Projecting the opening night lineup

Defensive Pairing #1: Oliver Ekman-Larsson – Tyler Myers

The defensive pairings for the Canucks are the major debate for this upcoming season. How do you balance out the units in order to keep balance throughout the lineup? My best guess is that the Canucks look to model the style that the Montreal Canadiens adapted throughout last year’s regular season, and put their biggest LD with their biggest RD.

Tyler Myers and Oliver Ekman-Larsson together form a formidable physical pairing on the backend, setting up the Canucks for eventual playoff style hockey.

While this pairing may not be the fleetest on foot, they provide a physical edge that can be used to shut-down top opposing lines. Hopefully giving Myers a different defensive partner with a different set of skills like OEL, will get the best out of Myers in the coming years.

Defensive Pairing #2: Quinn Hughes – Travis Hamonic

This duo of Quinn Hughes and Travis Hamonic may end up being the Canucks best pound-for-pound defensive pairing. Going forward into the offensive zone, or when in the defensive zone, Hughes and Hamonic excel in both situations, and may very well become the Canucks leaders in ice-time on the backend.

Hughes offensive ability along with Hamonic’s defensive style should create a suitable dynamic on this pairing. Depending on how Hughes’ contract situation plays out this offseason, he may come into next season with a little extra motivation if he’s still looking to play for a long-term contract.

Defensive Pairing #3: Jack Rathbone – Tucker Poolman

Jack Rathbone and Tucker Poolman on the third pairing are the biggest uncertainty and unproven commodity on the Canucks backend. Poolman joins Vancouver after being with the Winnipeg Jets last year, and comes in with high expectations after being given a four-year, ten million dollar contract as an unrestricted free agent. His contract came with backlash as many fans considered it as an overpay, and Poolman must perform quickly in order to win over the fans support.

Poolman’s projected partner, Rathbone, looks to secure a full-time role on the Canucks back end after playing only eight games last year. The 22 year old comes with lots of untapped potential after being a fourth round pick in 2017, and his solid two-way game could become part of the future on Vancouver’s back-six.

Starting Goalie: Thatcher Demko 

No doubt about this one. Jaroslav Halák was brought in on a 1 year, $3 million deal, and will be a very good backup at age 36, however Thatcher Demko is the undoubted starter. After having an excellent campaign last year, Demko signed a long term extension at $5 million AAV, and should be the man to tend the Canucks net for the foreseeable future.

What are your thoughts on this potential lineup for the season opener versus Edmonton? What would your preferred lineup? Let us know all your thoughts down below in the comments!