2015-16 record: 31-38-13 (75 points)
Missed the playoffs
Captain: Henrik Sedin
From an unexpected playoff push two seasons ago, things almost immediately fell apart for the Vancouver Canucks since then, as in most categories, they managed to hover near the bottom, including the standings. Yet, they opt to seek for a band-aid approach in a last-ditch effort to get the Sedins another playoff berth before they retire despite the need to eventually identify some young talent. It's going to be a wild ride in Vancouver, one way or another.
A team that features the Sedin twins should not be second to last on offense, yet thanks to various injuries, underperformers, and young players not quite reaching their potential, that's what happened. Their solution? Sign Loui Eriksson to a six-year deal, and while it may solve the revolving door that was the third forward spot on the Sedin line, it is still a chasm to fill, as only Daniel Sedin and Jannik Hansen scored more than 20 goals last season. Getting improved numbers from the likes of Bo Horvat, Sven Baertschi, and Emerson Etem are a must. They were only marginally better defensively, though a top pairing of Ben Hutton and Chris Tanev isn't going to scare anyone. To that end, the Canucks traded for Erik Gudbranson, which will add physicality to the blue line in need of it, though it came at the cost of Jared McCann. A healthy Alex Edler should help, as will improved depth that could see as many as two rookies on the blue line. In goal, things get murky, as Ryan Miller is in the final year of his contract, and despite posting mediocre numbers, enters the season as the starter. Jacob Markstrom earned an extension and should be cutting into the number of Miller's starts. The power play, predictably, was awful, and the hope is that Eriksson, as well as new assistant coach Doug Jarvis, can boost that unit. The penalty kill was middle of the pack, though it did miss Brandon Sutter for half the season.
Prediction: 7th in the Pacific Division
No one is quite sure what the Canucks are doing to ensure future success after the Sedins, as the rebuild has hit some snags. Truthfully, it would be no surprise if the Canucks are closer to the Nolan Patrick sweepstakes, otherwise known as the 2017 NHL Draft. The Canucks want the playoffs this season, but at what cost will it be to their future?
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