The Vancouver Canucks may have some outdated jerseys still available for purchase at their official store, as seen in a recent image shared by a local fan podcast. The jerseys in question belonged to former players David Booth and Maxim Lapierre, who were part of the Canucks team that won the Presidents’ Trophy in the 2011-2012 season but were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs. Lapierre himself joked about the jerseys, suggesting that the team should pay people to take them off their hands.
This image taps into a sense of nostalgic regret for Canucks fans. The 2011-2012 season marked the end of an era for the team, as it was followed by a disappointing playoff run the next year and the subsequent firing of head coach Alain Vigneault. However, looking back now, those short-lived playoff appearances in 2012 and 2013 have gained significance, as they mark the most recent consecutive playoff appearances for the Canucks.
Based on the team’s performance last year and the strategic moves made by Canucks management in the offseason, it is reasonable to expect the team to return to the playoffs in 2025. The Vegas sports books have priced the Canucks at an average of -240 “To Make the Playoffs,” indicating a probability of over 70 percent. This suggests that the Canucks are not just a probable playoff team but a team with enough quality and depth to potentially contend for the Stanley Cup.
Instead of focusing on what needs to go right for the Canucks to make the playoffs, it is now more important to consider their potential as a Stanley Cup contender. The key question is what improvements are necessary for the team to reach that level. One crucial factor is maintaining an edge at the top of the lineup. The NHL game is becoming more star-driven, and the performance of top players like Connor McDavid has a significant impact on outcomes. Last season, when Quinn Hughes played alongside Elias Pettersson or J.T. Miller, the Canucks dominated their opponents. To be a genuine contender, the team needs to sustain this level of performance from their top-end stars.
Another important aspect is maintaining elite defensive form. The Canucks’ defensive excellence was evident last season and played a significant role in securing the Pacific Division title. With a strong defensive game plan, disciplined execution, and reliable two-way talent, the Canucks have the potential to be a defensive powerhouse. Sustaining this defensive identity will be crucial for the team’s success.
Replacing Bo Horvat on the power play is another area that needs attention. Horvat’s abilities on retrievals, at the net front, and finding quiet ice were difficult to replace. Finding a player who can elevate the power play and complement the quartet of Miller, Pettersson, Hughes, and Brock Boeser will be essential for the Canucks to have an elite power play.
Improving the penalty kill is also crucial for the Canucks’ success. Last season, their penalty kill went from historically permissive to league average. However, to make a deep playoff run, a strong penalty kill is essential. The Canucks need to outright improve their penalty-killing performance to reach contender status.
Finally, the emergence of a surprise contributor from the prospect pipeline could significantly raise the Canucks’ ceiling. Players like Jonathan Lekkerimäki and Tom Willander, who were selected in recent drafts, have the potential to make an impact at the NHL level in the near future. If one of these prospects or another dark horse prospect can contribute meaningfully next season, it would greatly enhance the team’s potential.
In conclusion, while the Canucks’ past playoff disappointments may evoke nostalgic regret, the team is poised to return to the playoffs and potentially contend for the Stanley Cup in 2025. Maintaining an edge at the top of the lineup, sustaining elite defensive form, finding a suitable replacement for Horvat on the power play, improving the penalty kill, and potentially getting a surprise contribution from a prospect are all key factors in the team’s path to becoming a bona fide contender.