2014-2015 Review
The Canucks were able to again make their annual trip to the playoffs. The key to their return was the top line of the Sedin twins and Vrbata. The trio scored 59 goals last season and had 215 points. The team ended up 8th in GPG despite the fact that only those three players got more than 40 points.
The top defensive pairing of Alexander Edler and Dan Hamhuis were again dominant on the top line. Ryan Miller and Eddie Lack battled for time in net, with neither really prevailing even into the playoffs. The goalie controversy cost them in the playoffs, where they were ousted by Calgary in six games.
New Additions
Brandon Sutter
The power forward put up 21 goals for the second time in his career last season. The former Penguin was one of their better forwards defensively, and saw his ice time increase last season. Now, after being overshadowed by Crosby and Malkin, Sutter can finally be a second line center and show the world what he can do.
Matt Bartkowski
At age 27, he still has not played a full season. However, he has shown glimpses of a guy that could be a top 4 defender. Two years ago, he played almost 20 MPG with the Bruins and racked up a 22 +/-.
Brandon Prust
He may be a grinder, but he is also a responsible player in his own zone. Last year, he had a 6+/- to go along with his 134 penalty minutes. With Bieksa gone, Prust will bring some grit back to the Canucks.
Key Losses
Kevin Bieksa
Bieksa’s hard hitting game was perfect for the Canucks physical style. Without Bieska, the Canucks lost a top 4 defender that was perfect for his role. The Ducks recognized his value by signing him to an extension two days after getting him from the Canucks.
Nick Bonino
Was the fourth highest point getter last year with the Canucks. It was a bit suprising to see the Canucks choose the more defensive minded Sutter over the more offensive minded Bonino. Bonino should see his production improve on a more offensive minded team like the Penguins.
Eddie Lack
Lack fought with Miller till the end to be the Canucks starting goalie. Lack put up some good stats in the regular season, but fell apart in the post season. He probably wont have to worry about the post season, though, because he will be playing in Carolina.
Biggest Strength
Star Power
The Canucks are set when it comes to their top players. The Sedins and Vrbata make one of the best top lines in the NHL. The defensive pair of Edler and Hamhuis was one of the strongest last year. Without having to look over his shoulder anymore now that Lack is gone, Ryan Miller should return to being an elite goaltender. They are a big reason why both of the special teams units, power play and penalty kill, were in the top ten last year.
Biggest Weakness
Lack of Depth (Pun Intended)
The loss of Eddie Lack is just one way that the Canucks have less behind those top players than they did last year. They lost their fourth highest scorer in Bonino, their longtime defender Kevin Bieksa and were top heavy to begin with. They are hoping their young prospects can begin to take the pressure off the stars, but they are unproven and will take time to develop.
Bottom Line
The Vancouver Canucks have been a playoff contender for a long time now, but they have seen a lot of changes in the last few years. The Sedin twins, Edler and Hamhuis remain the cornerstones, but the team has lost depth. Ryan Miller, at his best, is an elite goaltender and is a former Vezina winner.
Radim Vrbata proved last year that he can be counted on to get 30 goals. But while those two new players do help, they need young players to step up if they want more success in the playoffs. It would be surprising if they miss the playoffs, but it’s hard to see them doing much better than what they did last year.
Fantasy Slant
Most Overrated: Brandon Sutter
While a lot of people may want to jump on the Sutter bandwagon, the problem is that the talent he will play with on Vancouver’s 2nd line will not be much better than the talent he played with on Pittsburg’s 3rd line. While 20 goals is likely from him again, he likely will not see a big jump in points.
Most Underrated: Radim Vrbata
For an electric goal scorer, Vrbata does not get much attention. Given that he was a late bloomer with the Phoenix Coyotes, it makes sense that he would fly under the radar. However, if you want a possible 30 goal scorer after the first couple of rounds, see if Vrbata is still available.
Biggest Surprise: Sven Baertschi
Young prospect with a lot of promise. Baertschi seemed to tap into that potential last year when he was traded to the Canucks, scoring two goals in only three games played. He also got 15 points in as many games with the Utica Comets, the Canucks AHL team. The team wants young players to step up and Baertschi will be given the chance to do just that.