NHL Season Preview: Vancouver Canucks

Vancouver Canucks



Last Season's standings: record- 42-32-8 for 92 points. The Canucks finishesd the 05-06 season in 9th in the Western Conference and 4th in the Northwest Division.

In: Roberto Luongo G (via trade w/ Florida Panthers); Lukas Krajicek D (via trade w/ Florida Panthers); Taylor Pyatt F (via trade w/ Buffalo Sabres); Willie Mitchell D (prev. team: Dallas Stars); Ryan Kesler F; Jan Bulis F (prev. team: Montreal Canadiens); Marc Chouinard F (prev. team: Montreal Canadiens); Lee Goren F; Tyler Bouck F; Kevin Bieska D; Rory Fitzpatrick D (prev. team: Buffalo Sabres); Alex Burrows F; Trevor Linden F

Out: Alex Auld G (via trade w/ Florida Panthers); Todd Bertuzzi F (via trade w/ Florida Panthers); Bryan Allen D (via trade w/ Florida Panthers); Dan Cloutier G (via trade w/ LA Kings); Ed Jovanovski D (new team: Phoenix Coyotes); Anson Carter F (new team: Columbus Blue Jackets); Eric Weinrich D (retired); Nolan Baumgartner D (new team: Philadelphia Flyers); Keith Carney D (new team: Minnesota Wild); Jarkko Ruutu F (new team: Pittsburgh Penguins); Jason King F (new team: Swedish Elite League); Wade Brookbank D (new team: Boston Bruins)

Season Outlook: Fair. The Canucks underwent a major shake-up this off-season after failing to make the playoffs last year. The biggest acquisition was star 'keeper Luongo who should solve their goaltending questions provided he is consistent and doesn't suffer any significant injury(ies). Their defense is not nearly as deep as last year with six out of the nine defensemen used last year gone, either to new teams or retired (Weinrich). Up front, the Sedins are looking at yet another new linemate as Carter decided to take a higher offer. The team is also going to experience a whole new philosophy as Crawford was fired and replaced by Alain Vinneault who fired all the Assistant Coaches and hired his own coaches. No one is happier to see Willie Mitchell on his side than Captain Markus Naslund who has been hounded by the pesky defensemen up until this year when he signed on with his hometown team. Expect the Canucks to have another roller coaster year as they adjust to each other and Vinneault's style.

Season Prediction: The Canucks will make the playoffs again this year, finishing as the #6 seed and 2nd in the Northwest Division.