2011-12 record: 51-22-9 (111 points)
Lost to Los Angeles in conference quarterfinals
Captain: Henrik Sedin
For the second year in a row, the Canucks were the President's Trophy winners. However, that felt like less of an accomplishment than before, and those fears were founded in the opening round loss to Los Angeles. These were clearly not the Canucks that were a win away from the Stanley Cup in 2011, and certainly, they won't be that team this coming season. For one, Cory Schneider is now the starting goaltender, whether Roberto Luongo is there or not. The jury is still out on whether trading away Cody Hodgson for Zack Kassian was a good idea, as Kassian certainly has the size and fight necessary, but does he have the discipline and motivation? Not having Ryan Kesler for a month or two will be a big deal, as he hasn't been healthy since the 2011 playoffs, and his health is a major thing to look at if the Canucks wish to make a deep run again. Defensively, Jason Garrison was brought in, and he will be counted on to be a younger version of Sami Salo, who left for Tampa Bay. There is no real number one defenseman, but there are plenty of solid players in the group, but there is likely room for either Kevin Connauton or Chris Tanev to crack the lineup. Offensively, good health willing, the Canucks will be secure in this area.
Prediction: 1st in the West
Band: Judas Priest
Judas Priest is near the top when it comes to heavy metal in all eras. However, they are second (and possibly third) fiddle in their own country. The Canucks are near the top, but have never reached the top. Does that change this year?
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