{allcanada} Vancouver Canucks preview: Window might be closing soon

 

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2014-15 results:48-29-5, second in the Pacific

Arrivals: C Brandon Sutter (trade with Pittsburgh Penguins), LW Brandon Prust (trade with Montreal Canadiens), D Matt Bartkowski (free agent)

Departures: D Kevin Bieksa (traded to Anaheim Ducks), LW Zack Kassian (traded to Montreal), C Nick Bonino (traded to Pittsburgh), G Eddie Lack (traded to Carolina Hurricanes)

Goaltending: Isn't a goaltending controversy a requirement in Vancouver? Veteran Ryan Miller (29-15-1, 2.53, .911) is No. 1, but lost the job during the playoffs. GM Jim Benning has said teams called with interest in acquiring Miller, but the fact that he wasn't moved means the Canucks believe he is their best option for this season. Miller played well early last season but wasn't as sharp after an injury, and coach Willie Desjardins went with Lack in the postseason. Despite Miller's impressive resume, he still has something to prove in Vancouver.

Analysis: The Sedins are turning 35. Alexander Burrows and Radim Vrbata are 34. Miller is 35, is the oldest starting goalie in the Western Conference. Chris Higgins is 32. Dan Hamhuis turns 33 in December. The Canucks are trying the tricky maneuver of staying to stay in the hunt while turning over the roster. They brought in Sutter, 26, and signed him long term. He's the hard-nosed No. 3 center the team coveted. At some point, the Canucks must decide what to do with Hamhuis, who will be an unrestricted free agent next summer. Several teams improved dramatically this summer, but the Canucks weren't among them.

What advanced stats say: In trading Bonino, the Canucks gave up the only player they had who averaged better than two points per game per every 60 minutes played in 5-on-5 situations.

Breakthrough candidate: After a quality rookie season, C Bo Horvat, 20,seems ready for an expanded role. He scored 13 goals in 2014-15, 10 in the second halfHe scored 10 of his 13 goals in the second half. He could hit 20 and is strong on faceoffs., particularly for such a young player.

Youngster to watch:RW Jake Virtanen, 19, picked No. 6 overall in 2014, has a good shot to make the roster. He's is an elite prospect with exceptional skating skill. His energy makes him a force every time he hits the ice.

What the team really needs: A fountain of youth. The Canucks need additional young assets, particularly on defense. They don't seem to have an elite prospect on defense. The Canucks are married to the Sedins for at least three more seasons. They are still highly productive, but it is time to start preparing for life without them. That means stockpiling young prospects and working in younger players at a more aggressive rate.

Key question: Did the Canucks trade the wrong goalie? Their decision to deal Lack and keep Jacob Markstrom as Miller's backup and eventual successor didn't sit well with fans. Lack was popular and had a .921 save percentage last season. But in fairness to the Canucks, Markstrom had enjoyed an outstanding season in the American Hockey League (1.88, .934). He has a sub-.900 NHL save percentage.Plus, Markstrom is younger and Lack will be an unrestricted free agent next summer. The only concern for the Canucks is that Markstrom hasn't looked sharp in his limited NHL experience. In 57 NHL games, his save percentage is below .900.

Forecast: The Canucks are the 100-point team from last season that could fall the most. They might miss the playoffs.

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