Canucks 2023-24 Preview

After a disappointing loss in the Western Conference Finals to the Nashville Predators, the Canucks are back for another go at the cup. There are not many changes from the 2022-23 team, however, the clock is ticking on this Canucks group to win it all.  With a majority of the team out of contract at the end of the season, the pressure has been turned up significantly. A poor start could see several players traded away in hopes of regaining assets to speed up the retool. Some of the most notable names out of contract include Brandon Montour, Tyler Myers, and Jonathan Marchessault. 

The loss of Bo Horvat to free agency hurt, but there will still be one of the best top lines in the league with Ovi, Petey and JT. There is some depth as well, with Nick Schmaltz, David Perron and Marchessault, but this team won’t be as deep as they were last season. Defensively, there is a strong top 4 with Quinn Hughes, Brandon Montour, Tyler Myers and Brett Kulak, but the 6th defenseman could be a big competition, with Alex Goligoski, Brad Hunt, and Matt Irwin all fighting for the last spot. Thatcher Demko was hurt by a poor NHL season, but will be expected to keep the Canucks in games. 

Even with just a few changes, this was enough for the Non-Canuck Canucks GM to tinker the strategy just a bit, with more of a focus on defense and making sure the team wins games. The all out offense approach worked well last year, leading to 116 points and a Pacific Division title, as well as only missing the President’s Trophy by 3 points. There is no room for error this season though; getting 2 points every game is going to be the priority in the regular season, followed by a Stanley Cup in the playoffs