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Canucks: What needs to happen to them to make the playoffs

By Joshua Rey

SPOKANE, WASHINGTON - SEPTEMBER 26: Tucker Poolman #3 of the Vancouver Canucks reacts against the Seattle Kraken in the third period during a preseason game at Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena on September 26, 2021 in Spokane, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
SPOKANE, WASHINGTON - SEPTEMBER 26: Tucker Poolman #3 of the Vancouver Canucks reacts against the Seattle Kraken in the third period during a preseason game at Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena on September 26, 2021 in Spokane, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /
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Oct 3, 2021; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson (23) checks Winnipeg Jets forward Pierre-Luc Dubois (80) in the first period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 3, 2021; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson (23) checks Winnipeg Jets forward Pierre-Luc Dubois (80) in the first period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports /

New acquisitions prove their worth

There are a bunch of new faces on the Canucks this year.

Oliver Ekman-Larsson is the biggest name. He’s had a rough last few years in the desert so a fresh start in a hockey-mad market could be the spark to getting back to form. He has declined heavily defensively and has a bloated contract but can still put up points, quarterback a power play, and is still an excellent puck mover. The Canucks don’t need him to return to his 2016 form but he has to be better than he was in the last three or four seasons in Arizona.

Poolman has been solid defensively so far in the preseason. (The pairing of him with OEL is likely going to start together on opening night.) He was in the right places at the right time and made simple but effective defensive plays. Fans (Well, not all) and media disliked his four-year contract and 2.5 million AAV. If he can prove everyone wrong with his defensive play, that would be a nice surprise.

Conor Garland is someone that can thrive in the top six with his forechecking, goal scoring, and feisty attitude and Jason Dickinson is a reliable third-line centre. Both players are great acquisitions and better come as advertised or be even better.

There are also the rookies, Vasily Podkolzin and Jack Rathbone looking to prove they can be impact NHL players and other depth signings such as Hunt, Luke Schenn, Phil Di Giuseppe, Justin Dowling, and Nic Petan who could become serviceable depth players.

Obviously, not everyone will impress but the Canucks will need their new acquisitions to show everyone what they’re made of.

Next. Canucks reduce 2021 preseason roster by 16 players. dark

Other things need to happen for the Canucks to make the playoffs. Staying healthy is one of them but injuries are inevitable and hopefully, the injury bug doesn’t go too hard on the Canucks this year. What are some other things that need to happen for the Canucks to make the playoffs? Let us know in the comments below!

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