Today started with a walk around my block with a stop at Tim Hortons to get set for the day. My day consisted of watching Trade Centre on Sportsnet and TSN in hopes the Canucks make a big splash and move some valuable assets at peak price.
When I checked Twitter I thought I saw the Canucks shipping Connor Garland to Boston for a player and a pick. This was just a rumor as things unfolded.
I'm disappointed about how things turned out. Just a fourth and younger defenseman added over the last 30 hours.
To me, this means that the management believes that the run that this team has been on is not a fluke and it is sustainable next year. They decided not to break up the core that was established by Jim Benning over the last seven years.
At this point of rollercoaster that the Canucks have been on since 2011 it is hard not to interrupt that its not playoffs or bust in 2023.
Without playoffs, their would have to be player movement. The coach doesn't look like it will ever be a problem. Won't be able to fire the GM for at least two full seasons and we can't fire the owner.
The other thing to look at is this team won't be young forever. Are top players minus Pettersson and Hughes will be entering their prime the next couple of years and this is the NHL of 2022 where 30 is almost feels old nowadays in a league dominated by U25 players.
Here is a look at where the Canucks stand next year for forwards:
|
Garland |
Pettersson |
Boeser |
|
Pearson |
Miller |
Hoglander |
|
Dickenson |
Horvat |
Podkolzin |
|
Lammikko |
|
Highmore |
Eleven forwards are under contract. Next trade deadline will be very interesting if the Canucks are not in the playoff race next year. We will still need a fourth line Center but that shouldn't be too difficult. Full disclosure, these are not projected lines, just laying it out as easily as possible. There will also be trades, I don't expect all eleven to be on the team next year.
We are deep at Center and still thin on defense. I can talk about the Defense later but we have a imbalance of players on this team. That needs to be sorted out eventually.
It's too early to judge this day. However, if things don't pan out, this day will be looked at as a huge missed opportunity. At 29, I would have loved to get a player under 24 and a third a bare minimum.
We need to keep every door open but now I can't wait for the offseason. I love the rebuild that Benning put together and it was completely ruined by Covid. The Bubble Tournament didn't quince my thirst for playoff hockey and I think if we would have had electric nights at Rogers Arena in the 2020 playoffs it would have been more easier to be more patient today.
