The Vancouver Canucks have languished for several years in the NHL’s also-ran category. They finished the 2017-18 season at 31-40-11 and despite a few flickers of success over the course of the campaign, the Canucks were never a threat to make the post season in the Pacific Division. There were and are simply too many good teams ahead of them.
There wasn’t much to really brag about; their defense was porous with a 3.21 goals against average with 259 goals surrendered.
Exacerbating those numbers were the 218 goals scored for a 2.66 goals per game. 
Special teams were split with the penalty kill ending with a 78-.3% success rate and the power play clicking at 21.5% on the power play, good enough for ninth in the league for the season.
The big news was released during the season in that Daniel and Henrik Sedin had opted to retire after the season. That decision leaves a hole in the lineup but also forces the Canucks to get younger and respond to the loss of talent.
Jacob Markstrom has been the number goalie in Vancouver but has suffered at the hands of a poor defense and an offensive corps that did not back check.
Markstrom was 23-26-7 with a 2.71 goals against average and a 0.912 save percentage.
Brock Boeser was the leading goal scorer for the Canucks with 28 strikes and 55 points in 62 points.
Goalie Jacob Markstrom (#25) of the Vancouver Canucks
Daniel Sedin had 55 points on the season as well on 23 goals; his brother Henrik had 50 points on 47 assists. But they were -21 and -22 respectively.
Thomas Vanek, who had 17 goals in Vancouver, signed with the Detroit Red Wings as a free agent.
The much maligned Michael Del Zotto had a decent season on the blue line with six goals and 22 points. He skated in all 82 games for the Canucks.
With the Sedin salaries off the table, the Canucks have gotten to work signing players and their first catch was Jay Beagle who left the Washington Capitals after winning the Stanley Cup.
Beagle, 32, signed a four-year contract for $2 million annually.
“Jay is a detailed player with championship experience, who can handle a big defensive workload,” Canucks general manager Jim Benning said on NHL.com. “He’s grown and developed his game with a core group of players and won at every level of pro hockey. We’re excited to add a player with his caliber of character and experience to our team.”
Beagle kicked in two goals and eight points in the playoffs.
Antoine Roussel signed a contract with similar terms to Beagle.
Roussel, 28, had five goals and 17 points on the season with the Dallas Stars.
“Antoine is a competitor with a skill set that benefits our team,” Benning said. “He’s a physical player, hard to play against with the ability to contribute offensively. We’re pleased to welcome Antoine as a member of the Vancouver Canucks.”
Vancouver also signed former Boston Bruins forward, Tim Schaller to a two-year deal worth just under $2 million annually.
Defenseman Michael Del Zotto (#4) of the Vancouver Canucks
“Tim adds size to our forward group and can play throughout our line-up,” Benning said. “He’s responsible defensively and last year showed he can make regular offensive contributions as well. We’re excited to welcome him to the Vancouver Canucks.”
Schaller, 27, had 12 goals and 22 points in a full regular season slate with the Bruins.
Sven Baertschi, a restricted free agent, signed a three-year agreement with an annual rate of $3.367 million.
“We’re very pleased to sign Sven to an extension,” Benning said. “He’s a talented offensive player. We look forward to seeing Sven further develop his complete game and become a consistent contributor to our success.”
Baertschi, 25, struck for 14 goals and had 29 points on the campaign.
The problem is that these signings don;t do much for the Canucks. There was better talent available prior to these signings and the $12 million for Beagle and Roussel will not sit well with the fan base.
Benning has been maligned for his free agency deals and the 2018 decisions will not do much to improve his standing among the Canucks’ faithful.
Vancouver may need to wait for the draftees to mature to NHL-level readiness.
Photos courtesy of Lewis.Bleiman@prohockeynews.com
You must be logged in to post a comment.