Vancouver Canucks 24-25 Season Preview

Vancouver Canucks
Pacific Division

2023-24 Recap
Record (W-L-OTL): 50-23-9
Over/Under: 41-37-4
Home Favorite: 23-11
Home Dog: 3-4
Road Favorite: 11-8
Road Dog: 10-11
Win Score 4 or more: 32 of 50
Lose Give Up 4 or more: 25 of 32
Puck Line Wins: 32 of 50
Puck Line Losses: 25 of 32
Front End Back-to-Back: 4-5
Back End Back-to-Back: 5-4
Goals Scored Per Game/ Rank: 3.40 (6th)
Goals Against Per Game/ Rank: 2.70 (6th)

Additions: Jake DeBrusk, Danton Heinen, Kiefer Sherwood, Derek Forbort, Vincent Desharnais
Subtractions: Elias Lindholm, Nikita Zadorov, Ilya Mikheyev, Ian Cole, Casey DeSmith

Vancouver’s 26-point improvement from a season ago was the largest in the league. They took their regular season success into the playoffs and pushed the Edmonton Oilers to the brink of elimination before bowing out in Game 7 of the second round. The Canucks should once again challenge for top spot in the Pacific Division.

Offense
You always hear coaches referencing the importance of starting games on time. No team scored the first goal more than the Canucks (53), who won 38 of those contests and earned a point in 4 others. The team's 279 goals scored were third-most in the west, and 6th best in the NHL, marking a significant jump from 13th overall the prior season. Brock Boeser had a breakthrough season hitting the 40-goal mark, while JT Miller cracked the century mark in points with 109. Elias Petterson saw a drop off in both goals and points, but coach Rick Tocchet feels part of that had to do with his rotating linemates. Look for a bounce back season from Pettersson.

With the decision not to resign Elias Lindholm, the Canucks spread out those dollars among three players. The trio of Jake DeBrusk (19), Daniel Sprong (18) and Danton Heinen (17) each outscored the departing Lindholm (15) and provide the Canucks with a deeper forward group than a season ago.

Defense
Vancouver made significant improvements to the defensive part of their game in Rick Tocchet's first full season as bench boss. They cut their goals against by almost a full goal per game, going from 25th overall in goals against to 6th overall, and the penalty kill rose from last in the NHL to 17th.

Norris Trophy winner Quinn Hughes and Filip Hronek formed a solid top pair, but the Canucks bottom pair won’t be as strong with Vincent Desharnais and Derek Forbort taking over from the departed Nikita Zadorov and Ian Cole.

Goaltending
When healthy, Thatcher Demko is arguably one of the top 5 goalies in the NHL. A knee injury forced Demko to miss a month of the regular season down the stretch, was re-aggravated in Game 1 of the opening round of the playoffs, and his season was done. Despite not being able to play a full season, Demko put up a career-high in wins with 35 and his 5 shutouts surpassed his career total of three entering the season. Demko’s return date remains in question. Rookie Arturs Silovs' playoff performance earned him a 2-year contract extension as he takes over as Demko’s backup from Casey DeSmith, who was allowed to become an Unrestricted Free Agent. The Canucks have added Kevin Lankinen on a one-year deal to add some depth in the position.

Outlook
Until there is clarity on the health of Thatcher Demko, it’s hard to gauge where I believe the Canucks will finish in the standings. If he misses any significant time, the Canucks will go from challenging for first in the Pacific Division to fighting for a Wild Card spot. If you’re looking for a futures bet – Jake DeBrusk over 48.5 points (-125). Playing alongside Elias Pettersson gives him a great opportunity to surpass his 42 points last season and match his career high of 50 two seasons ago.

Regular Season Point Total: 99.5 (Over/Under -115)
To Make the Playoffs: -320
To Miss the Playoffs: +250
To Win the Pacific Division: +425
To Win the Western Conference: +850
To Win the Stanley Cup: +1800