Canucks Starting Fresh

With the loss of guys like Markus Naslund, Brendan Morrison, and Trevor Linden, the Vancouver Canucks will have a very new and fresh look to them come training camp.  Gone are forwards who have been the face of this franchise for almost a decade. 

While it remains to be seen how the new players will fair in Vancouver, new General Manger, Mike Gillis is holding true to his word, promising a new look Vancouver Canucks team for the 08-09 campaign. 

The Canucks suffered a lot when it comes to goals, size, and strength on the front end last year. Gillis has tried to remedy that by bringing in the likes of Steve Bernier and Pavol Demitra, who both had sub-par seasons last year. But, both have proven to be able to score and be fierce competitors. 

The additions of Darcy Hordichuk and Ryan Johnson will add some grit and toughness to a team that was decimated much of last year by their Northwest rivals. As it stands, now Henrik and Daniel Sedin will be looked upon to provide much of the offense with Bernier and Demitra expected to chip in.

Of course, if the Canucks are somehow able to sway Mats Sundin into joining the team, that changes everything as he would immediately be thrusted into the spotlight and expected to lead the team offensively. 

The Canucks have the defense intact from last year and looking to stay healthy this time around. Mattias Ohlund (the likely choice as new captain unless Sundin comes in) returns, along with Sami Salo, Kevin Bieksa, and Willie Mitchell, to anchor a solid defense corps that is among the best in the league when healthy.

In goal, Roberto Luongo will be relied upon heavily to get this team back into the playoffs following a disappointing end to the 07-08 season.  If the Canucks are gonna have any hope of contending for the postseason it has to start with Roberto Luongo. 

If he can return to his form that made him a runner up for the Hart trophy, the Canucks can surprise many this season.

On paper, the Canucks do not look much stronger than they did a year ago. However, the game takes place on the ice not on paper. If this team stays healthy and Luongo is on form, there is no reason for Canuck fans not to believe they will at least make the playoffs. 

Big questions still remain. Can the twins handle the pressure?  Can the blueline stay healthy? Weather Sundin comes to Vancouver or not this team is not a contender. But, if they all play to their potential, they are more than capable of making the playoffs.