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VANCOUVER CANUCKS

2016-17 record: 30-43-9 (69 points)
Missed the playoffs
Captain: Henrik Sedin

2011 seems forever ago for the Vancouver Canucks, as last season was one long trek through the muck of one of their worst seasons in recent history. Now, they begin again with a new head coach, several stopgaps, and with any luck whatsoever, some youth that will finally inject much needed energy into the team. Of course, it's not going to lead to the playoffs, but marked improvement is priority one.

The offense was once again a black hole, as no one scored more than 20 goals, and the Sedin twins are going to be 37 when the season starts. It begins with Bo Horvat, who is the future of the team and looked like he was going to be great until he tailed off late in the season like the rest of the team. Sam Gagner and Alexander Burmistrov were signed to offer veteran presence for the young players. However, it will be Brock Boeser and Loui Eriksson that hold the key to improving the offense, as Boeser showed what he could do in a nine game trial after signing with the team out of college late in the season while Eriksson bombed out after signing a 6-year deal prior to last season. The defense was not much better, as injuries and generally ineffective play hindered this unit. Losing Nikita Tryamkin will set the unit back in its development, but overall health is key, especially with Chris Tanev and Alex Edler. Michael Del Zotto was signed to add depth, though the biggest question is whether Olli Juolevi can make the team to start the season. In goal, Ryan Miller was often under siege and underappreciated, as it could have been a lot worse for Vancouver the last two seasons. Now, it's Jacob Markstrom and Anders Nilsson who man the nets, and both will likely be in a time share until someone claims the job. Special teams were just like the 5-on-5, as in it wasn't pretty.

Prediction: 8th in the Pacific Division

The Canucks are in for another long season, and it's not going to be better for another few years. Even with improved health and career seasons from a few players, this is a team that is most likely headed to the top of the Draft Lottery.