Team: 2022-23 Vancouver Canucks

Initial Creation Date: Sep. 6, 2022

Published: Sep. 6, 2022

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

Oh boy getting in to another one of these. I’m going to try and end be as unbiased as possible

Looking at the top 6 and considering it can look very different depending on where Pettersson plays. If he goes back to the 1st line or man’s the 2nd/3rd line with the wingers. But let’s say this lineup projection I have here is what’s in plan. This top 6 can provide alot of offence and have a few heart and hustle type of players(Miller, Garland, Mikheyev? I feel like he was always hustling every time he played)and they can provide so much for Vancouver and can be players that set the tone of the top 6. Even if Miller doesn’t produce the way he from last season again, I think he’ll be still an elite producer. I really feel like this top 6 can be strong enough to help for a playoff spot. The top line I’d imagine would get alot of scoring from both Mikheyev and Pearson with Miller. Miller can really run the offence on his own line without a Boeser or Petterson. The second line is a line that could create alot of scoring chances especially for Bo. He was a pretty good goal scorer last season and I feel like he should keep doing what he’s doing, he can be a 40 goal scorer if he keeps playing the way he does. Garland and Boeser can have really good years I think. They both can create a lot of scoring chances for themselves and for others and I think that could push Bo over the top with goal scoring. The bottom 6 for me would be quite an interesting one for sure. It’s starting the Russians with Petey. I think Petey can do fine where he’s at even if it’s on the 3rd line but he’d be playing with two high potential wingers and help them find their game. The 4th can be a defensive kind of line with a kick or offence. They should be able to compete better than most would think maybe. I’m not sure what everyone is thinking.

There isn’t too much to comment on the defence. Elite production from Hughes obviously. Luke Schenn was never talked about or appreciated for his role as Hughes partner. I think he did fine. OEL and Myers are decent but geez they are still heavily overpaid. They are decent but just not the calibre players they are paid for. The top 6 really depends on Poolman’s status but other than that they are still decent. Defence needs some work and improvements. Hoping that Hughes becomes more reliable defensively and for OEL to find his offensive touch again.

The goaltending is in a good place with Demko. I’m just not sure if Spencer Martin will totally hold his own for 20+ games. I’m hoping he does.

Overall they are a team with playoffs written all over them I think. With BBQ Bruce behind the bench again I think this team finds more consistency to win more games. I personally feel like can place 3rd/4th in the Pacific. Whatever holes they need to fill, it’ll probably be added next off-season.