Game Notes Countdown To The NHL - #19 Vancouver Canucks

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NHL TEAM: Vancouver Canucks

CONFERENCE: Western

DIVISION: Pacific

2022-23 Recap: The Canucks had a season to forget but the hiring of Tocchet was a step in the right direction. The team showed more structure and fight towards the end of the season. Timrå IK legend Elias Pettersson returned to form and broke 100 points for the first time in his career.

Biggest Loss: Bo Horvat - Traded during last season yes, but when you lose your Captain and a consistent goal scorer of his caliber it's still your biggest loss heading into next season.

Biggest Addition: Filip Hronek - Traded from Detroit to Vancouver at the end of last season. He is a top 4 D-man that will replace the minutes lost to Ekman-Larsson and Schenn leaving town. Right-handed shot D who gets 30-40 points each year does not grow on trees. I just hope he has eliminated this foolish move from his repertoire when he's breaking out the puck.

2023-24 Outlook: Tocchet will have this team playing the right way and Pettersson will have another massive year. I think the coach's structure, Hughes' elite play on the backend, and a big year from goaltender Thatcher Demko will steal them the last Wild Card spot.

Check out this week's Spittin' Chiclets to hear former Canuck Kevin Bieksa's thoughts on the upcoming season in Vancouver.

Player To Watch: Linus Karlsson - Talk about a meteoric rise from Division 1 in Sweden to breaking records in the SHL and now completing a great season in the AHL.  He is a right-handed center that is needed in Vancouver but he might start on the wing as he continues to learn the North American game. Do the Canucks have their next Swedish dynamic duo? I think he’d look great on the right side of Pettersson and add that extra offense they need. 

2023-2024 Season Bet: Over team regular season points 87.5 -110

Twitter: mattmurley19

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