Team: 2023-24 Vancouver Canucks

Initial Creation Date: Nov. 7, 2023

Published: Nov. 8, 2023

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

The Canucks are riding high on star performances, a hot goalie and some luck to start the season. They'll take it!

They still need one or two D upgrades to become a consistent threat IMO. Tocchet was praising Myers' after the last game, and he has been decent in a lesser role, but most guys on the team have been good during this stretch. We all still know they need a some defensive upgrades if they want to continue this roll later into the season and playoffs.

Every other team in the league knows the Canucks are looking for another RHD and to shed cap to make it happen. But the easier option may just be to bring back Ethan Bear after he's fully recovered in Dec. or Jan. He might accept a cheaper 1 year deal for the rest of season, as Bear can bet on himself to play well and get raise in the offseason while the team takes no risk with extra term. Depending on how he's played the first half of the season it might be worth it to move out Beauvillier with retention (assuming nobody wants Myers with retention) to gain that little bit of space. Bear and Hughes had good chemistry last year, which would allow Hronek to anchor his own pairing, vastly improving their overall depth with just one signing.

Finally, IF (and only if) he's ready after his college season is finished, I'd hope the team also pushes to sign Willander. At worst he'd get a few NHL games to get his feet wet before becoming a Black Ace and seasoning in the minors next year. At best he adds capable RHD depth to the mix for a playoff run this year.