#2: Will a forward (or two) be moved out before the season starts?
One way to get help for the defence is to get rid of a forward. They can potentially get futures for one too.
Here is how the Canucks projected forward lineup for opening night from Matt Sekeres of the Sekeres and Price show,
https://twitter.com/sekeresandprice/status/1552700417796096000
Of course, Miller’s name is the biggest name for trade bait but talks have been quiet. Conor Garland is also one but he should be traded only for the right offer. Tanner Pearson is an ideal piece to trade but the question is, will there be any interest in him? Jason Dickinson as a likely healthy scratch wouldn’t be ideal but it is very unlikely he gets traded.
It also doesn’t look right seeing Vasily Podkolzin on the third line. He progressed well in his rookie season and playing him in the top six could help him get to the next level. Höglander is also looking to bounce back after a tough sophomore campaign. It doesn’t look right seeing him on the fourth line.
Trading a forward or two could also elevate Podkolzin and Höglander in the lineup. But could the Canucks actually do it? Let’s find out.
#3: How will the newcomers do?
The Canucks did bring in a bunch of players in free agency. The most notable ones are Curtis Lazar, Ilya Mikheyev and Dakota Joshua.
The one that will be under the microscope is Mikheyev. The speedy Russian winger signed a four-year deal worth 4.75 million dollars per season with the Canucks. But will he build off his 21-goal season and live up to his contract? Mikheyev was signed to bring scoring and some defensive stability to the top six. Could he live up to expectations?
The Canucks hope Lazar is the defensive penalty-killing centre
Joshua is an interesting player. Apparently, Rutherford is quite fond of him which he told CHEK TV’s, Rick Dhaliwal.
Rutherford thinks F Dakota Joshua should be on line 3 or 4, he really likes this player.
— Rick Dhaliwal (@DhaliwalSports) July 28, 2022
Joshua is a player that brings some snarl and physicality to the Canucks fourth line. I feel like this is a player that could potentially become a fan favourite. He seems like a player that could also be a pest on the fourth line.