No Playoffs a Blessing in Disguise for the Vancouver Canucks

Other than making it deep(and I mean deep) into the playoffs, this outcome is one of the best scenario's for the Vancouver Canucks.

If the Canucks somehow managed to squeek into the playoffs this season, and lost in the first or second round, there wouldn't be the urgency to improve that there is now. The Canucks have officially not made the playoffs for only the second time in seven seasons, there will be changes.

Since the Luongo era has begun, it has been very easy to see that the Canucks have issues scoring goals. Even last season when they won the Northwest division, there was lack of scoring. But when you've got a goaltender like Luongo, goal production doesn't necissarily have to be tops in the league. But there still needs to be some consistency. That has been a serious problem for the Canucks of the past two years. And now it's time for all of that to change.

Now that Markus Naslund's contract has expired, that free's up six million dollars in cap space. If he is to re-sign, it will be at a minute fraction of the six million he is enjoying now. Don't get me wrong, I like Naslund, but he is not the same player that signed that contract four years ago. He is still a good two way player and 25 goals with 30 assist is nothing to scoff at. Would he have much trade value? Or will he retire, as he has hinted at in the past? The Naslund era is on the bubble.

What about Luongo? He certainly hasn't been his best this season, but I really can't blame him. He just had a baby and towards the end of the season, he looked emotionally drained. Some people are saying the Canucks should trade him. 

I disagree with that motion. As long as Luongo doesn't ask for a trade(which is possible), I don't believe that management would let their vice grip off of Luongo. He has determination that very few people are gifted enough to have. Dave Nonis should be all over Luongo this golfing season for a contract extension....and willing to pay whatever it takes.

And then there is the Sedin twins. What to do with them? They have a lot of talent together but when it gets down to crunch time, I really don't think they have what it takes to score this team into the promised land. When the going gets tough, they seem to turn invisible. So if the Canucks can either get a gutter clearing Bertuzzi-like power forward to free up space for them to work their magic, OR get a significant return for both of them, I am all for either option. Either way, it can't stay the same as it is now. 

Captaincy. This is a really hot button issue these days. There are the loyal Naslund fans, and then there are those who can't stand him with the C. I would have to say I am more of the latter. He just doesn't play with the emotion that a typical(and successful) captain should have. He doesn't say much to help lift the teams spirits when they are down on themselves.

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