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Canucks: Bold Predictions For The 2021-22 Season

By William Akers

VANCOUVER, BC - APRIL 18: The Vancouver Canucks take to the ice prior to the start of their NHL game against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Rogers Arena on April 17, 2021 in Vancouver, Canada. (Photo by Rich Lam/Getty Images)
VANCOUVER, BC - APRIL 18: The Vancouver Canucks take to the ice prior to the start of their NHL game against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Rogers Arena on April 17, 2021 in Vancouver, Canada. (Photo by Rich Lam/Getty Images) /
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EDMONTON, AB – JANUARY 04: Kaiden Guhle #21 of Canada skates against Vasili Podkolzin #19 of Russia during the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship semifinals at Rogers Place on January 4, 2021 in Edmonton, Canada. (Photo by Codie McLachlan/Getty Images)
EDMONTON, AB – JANUARY 04: Kaiden Guhle #21 of Canada skates against Vasili Podkolzin #19 of Russia during the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship semifinals at Rogers Place on January 4, 2021 in Edmonton, Canada. (Photo by Codie McLachlan/Getty Images) /

Bold Prediction #3: Canucks rookie Vasily Podkolzin has an excellent rookie year, topping 20 goals, and finishing second in Calder voting

After signing his three-year entry-level contract on May 30th, Canucks prized youngster Vasily Podkolzin comes into this year with high expectations, and I expect him to live up to and exceed these hopes.

After spending 68 games across three seasons in the KHL with SKA St. Petersburg , Podkolzin is ready to make the jump to the NHL and should be an instant contributor with the Canucks. Whilst Podkolzin may not have the same impact as fellow Russian Kirill Kaprizov had in his first year after jumping from the KHL to the NHL, expect him to be a key impact player for Vancouver throughout the entire season.

I’ll go out on a limb and say Podkolzin plays his way into the top-six group up front very quickly, and goes on to score 20+ goals in his first season. He finishes his rookie year second in Calder trophy voting behind Montreal Canadiens stud Cole Caufield.

Expect Podkolzin to be a lock on the first line by the time the 2022-23 rolls around.

Next. Canucks 2021-22 Prospect Pyramid. dark

What are your thoughts on my bold predictions for the Canucks? What do you expect of Vancouver for the 2021-22 season? Let us know your thoughts in the comments down below!

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