Can the Canucks copy the Flames’ model for success next year?

The Future of the Canucks

A large portion of the fanbase believes that the Canucks will be bad for years to come unless they sell at this year’s deadline. Looking at the Flames’ example, this is not necessarily true.

The Canucks’ point percentage since Boudreau took over is .667. Over the course of a full season, they would earn 109 points. That’s enough to win the division. If they keep up that pace, next season could be the turning point for the Canucks.

2021-22 is a write-off season because of the bad start. Had Boudreau taken over from the beginning and kept this pace, the Canucks would be buying at the deadline— not selling. With a full season under Boudreau next year, that’s the type of team we can expect the Canucks to be, just like the Flames are this year.

People will argue, saying, “We don’t have any prospects – we’re just perpetuating the Benning Cycle of Mediocrity.” Here’s the thing: the Canucks already have their core, and a good one, at that. They’ve already built through the draft. It’s time to make a push.

Starting a re-build now would waste the prime years of Pettersson, Boeser, Thatcher Demko, Bo Horvat, Conor Garland, and others’ careers. While this is not the year to buy at the deadline, it would be irrational to sell everything and start over with so much young talent at its prime.

If management decides to give up on this season and sell at the deadline, they should sell depth players only; players that you can replace in free agency. This would give the Canucks a few extra picks and prospects, allowing them to stock the cupboards a little bit.

This is not a lost team. It’s just a lost season. Bruce Boudreau’s Canucks are good. Whether or not they make the playoffs this year, they will be contenders next year— but only if they don’t sell at the deadline.

What are your thoughts when comparing this year’s Canucks to last year’s Flames? Let us know in the comments!