NHL Northwest Division: Offseason Grades

Vancouver Canucks
Departures: Mattias Ohlund, D; Jason LaBarbera, G; Curtis Sanford, G;

Signings/Trades: Henrik Sedin, LW; Daniel Sedin, C; Nolan Baumgartner, D; Mikael Samuelsson, RW; Lawrence Nycholat, D; Matt Pope, RW; Shane O’Brien, D; Andrew Raycroft, G; Tanner Glass, LW; Guillame Desbiens, RW; Matt Funk, D; Aaron Rome,D

Upcoming draftees: Cody Hodgson, C; Cory Schneider, G;

The good, the bad and the ugly

Good: Finally signing the Sedin twins at the last second was a life-saver for Mike Gillis, whose job was said to be at stake. By keeping the Swedish twins (calling them that is very disturbing), he prevented the Canucks from losing 164 points of offense, which would not have been replaced by anyone on the roster.

Bad: Letting Mattias Ohlund go was not ideal, however it seemed he was ready to move on. The money being thrown at him by Tampa Bay, plus the opportunity to mentor Victor Hedman is one that few would pass up.

But without finding a replacement for their top D-man, Vancouver has all but assured that most of their games will end with at least ten goals scored. Against them.

Ugly: Other than signing the Sedins, Gillis did very little to improve the team. The Canucks didn’t make it past the second round for the eighth time in their last eight playoff appearances. With an All-Star goalie in net and two of the best players in the league on offense, that is inexcusable.

Normally, I would mention that the Canucks have to advance past the second round or they’re management is in trouble, but we all know that’s not going to happen. And for all you nay-sayers, I give you three pieces of evidence: Detroit Red Wings, Chicago Blackhawks, and Vancouver’s defense.

You’re way too young to be an NHLer: Cody Hodgson is ready to make the jump. Being assigned to the American League for the playoffs at the end of last season, the Canucks’ management liked what they saw and are ready to test him in big boy training camp. Expect him to challenge for the Calder Trophy this season.

He said what? “It was pretty tough, I don’t think I’ve ever sweat so much in my life.” Evan Oberg on Canucks’ prospect camp.

Grade: B-

I would’ve given the Canucks a “C,” but they did bring in many young players that could take the reigns in a few years. Plus, keeping the Sedin twins is like signing two high-end free agents. Nonetheless, they are still horribly weak on defense.

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