Lots of Changes for the Canucks

When GM Travis Fleming launched the Canucks into a rebuild three years ago, he promised there was a plan in place and the team would be back in contention soon. For a while, that seemed to be the case. The Canucks appeared to be building around young stars like Nico Hischier, Alex Debrincat, and Sam Reinhart and things were looking up.

Then the trade deadline hit and Reinhart was dealt. Fans were even more shocked when Debrincat was traded after the season was over. And just when it looked like the Canucks were getting younger, they dealt one of their top prospects Barrett Hayton, along with youngsters Casey Mittlestadt and Henri Jokiharju, for Andre Burakovsky and Hampus Lindholm.

So, is there really a plan, or are the Canucks just spinning their wheels with no direction?

“There’s definitely a plan,” said Fleming in a recent interview. “Initially I hoped we’d be ready to make a serious run at the playoffs this upcoming season. But some of our guys haven’t progressed the way they hoped they would. We’ve had to pivot a bit because of that, but the plan is still to get back to Cup contention.”

It’s interesting to note that Fleming didn’t just say playoffs, but rather “Cup contention.”

“I don’t play for participation points or second place,” said Fleming when asked about this. “When we do decide to end this rebound we’re not just looking to squeak into the playoffs. We’re going for the big prize. Our goal is to make a serious run in 2021/22.”

Going from a perennial bottom-feeder to Cup contender that fast is virtually unprecedented, so it’s yet to be seen whether this is doable or just wishful thinking on Fleming’s part.

Here’s a recap of some of the moves Vancouver has made so far this offseason and what we can expect moving forward:

Alex Debrincat Traded

Back in August the Canucks surprised everyone by trading arguably their best player, Debrincat, for Conor Garland, Anthony Angello, the 9th overall pick in the upcoming draft, and a 3rd round pick.

While it’s tough to see Debrincat go it’s understandable why the Canucks would make this move. The talented winger took a step back last season and it’s yet to be seen if he can be a consistent star in the EHE.

“I hadn’t planned on trading Alex,” said Fleming. “I still believe he’s going to be a great player in this league. But sometimes you’re offered a trade you can’t refuse. This was one of those cases. We believe Conor has some untapped upside and combine that with the 9th overall pick and this trade could really improve our depth.”

Who wins this deal will largely depend on whether Debrincat can bounce back and who the Canucks take with the 9th overall selection.

Canucks Acquire Burakovsky and Lindholm

Vancouver made another big splash by dealing Hayton, Mittlestadt, Jokiharju, a 4th round pick, and $2 million for Burakovsky and Lindholm.

At first glance this move seems to be out of place with the rebuild taking place in Vancouver. But if the Canucks are serious about competing next year then this trade definitely helps further that cause.

“We gave up three really talented players,” Fleming said in regards to the trade. “I think all of those kids can be really good players in this league and I wish them the best. However, we have a schedule we’re trying to stick to and we need players who fit that timeline. Andre and Hampus are going to be key pieces for us when we get back into contention.

John Cooper Decides to Explore Options

Longtime coach John Cooper elected not to resign with the Canucks and has opted to explore free agency. It’s yet to be seen whether he’ll take his services elsewhere or come back to Vancouver.

Cooper is the only coach the Canucks have ever had. Over six seasons with Vancouver he has a record of 233 wins, 225 losses, and 24 overtime losses.

Canucks Set to Pick Second Overall

Vancouver fans everywhere rejoiced when it was announced that the Canucks had won the second overall pick in this year’s draft. Adding a potential superstar with this pick could be just what the team needs to put them over the top and turn them into a contending team once again.

Quinton Byfield and Tim Stutzle are the obvious choices, but fans shouldn’t rule out Lucas Raymond or Jamie Drysdale either. Whoever the Canucks take, the pressure will be on for them to make the jump to the EHE and start making an impact quickly.

Vancouver also holds the 9th pick so this year’s draft should be an exciting one ofr Canucks fans.