Forwards
Consider the Canucks’ youth movement in effect.
For the first time since 2005-06, one of Vancouver’s top two scorers last year wasn’t named Sedin. 22-year-old center Bo Horvat led Vancouver with 52 points on 20 goals and 32 assists.
Big free-agent acquisition Loui Erikkson was a big disappointment tallying merely 11 goals and 13 assists in 65 contests. He’ll likely be pushed from the top line by new signee Thomas Vanek, who should also man the first power play unit.
Horvat, now with three NHL campaigns under his belt has emerged, increasing his points total each season from 25 to 40 to 52.
His linemate Sven Baertschi completed his second full NHL year with 18 goals and 17 assists and appears an important future piece at left wing.
Expect Calder candidate Brock Boeser to possibly join their second line after a fantastic nine-game run to end 2016-17 (four goals and an assist) and a stellar preseason.
In his first complete campaign Markus Granlund, also 24, is coming off a decent year with 19 goals and 13 assists. He should join third-line pivot Brandon Sutter who hit his usual points range with 17 goals and 17 assists.
Rounding out the trio, Jake Virtanen appears their right wing following a prolific six-game preseason (four goals and two assists) and an offseason of conditioning.
Free-agent signee Sam Gagner may resume power play specialist duties while anchoring the bottom line along with returning enforcer Derek Dorsett and versatile Alex Burmistrov.
Defense
Young rearguards Troy Stecher (23) and Ben Hutton (24) showed promise last year and joined Alexander Edler and injury-riddled, talented, trade rumor magnet Chris Tanev as staples.
Expect Stecher and Edler to form the top pairing, with Hutton and Tanev the second.
Often injured former Flyer Michael Del Zotto should team with holdover Erik Gudbranson on the bottom duo.
Goalies
In net, career backup Jacob Markstrom supplants long-time vet Ryan Miller who held the Canucks together during portions of last year.
He’s joined by another thus far number two, Anders Nilsson, following a reasonably solid campaign with the struggling Sabres.
They mind the net while uber-prospect Thatcher Demko marinates in the AHL. If not in 2017-18, the 21-year-old Demko will be something special before long.
Looking ahead to trade deadline – if sellers who could be on the move, if buyers what area might they need to improve? A contender might consider adding a Sedin or two, Eriksson’s long-term contract or Tanev. If Vancouver is out of contention by the trade deadline they’d surely take prospects over aging vets.
What rookies could make the team? Boeser seems a lock, along with maybe Virtanen. If Demko continues development and Markstrom and Nilsson flail, the rookie could assume primary net duties ahead of schedule.
Which player could take a step forward this season? Until the team catches offensive fire, Horvat has probably hit his ceiling. Boeser should put up good numbers and perhaps help Baertschi boost production. Virtanen looks motivated and ready to elevate his game. Markstrom or Nilsson will have to or things will get uglier in net quickly.
Which players could regress? The Sedin’s could keep slipping, and Gagner will be challenged to repeat his 50-point year. Del Zotto has registered decent totals in injury-limited play, but could regress with a growing club that may take time to gel.
Vancouver Canucks season primer
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