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Canucks a formidable force in competitive western conference

It was only a short while ago that the Northwest Division was home of the most competitive and physical teams in the NHL. Those days may be in the past, but the Vancouver Canucks are preparing to undergo perhaps one of their most important campaigns in recent years.

Given that the Canucks kept a large part of the core from last year's team, it's no surprise that the franchise will move forward under the leadership and play of captain Roberto Luongo and the Sedin twins. Even so, the key additions to the blueline and the forward ranks bolsters and quickens a Vancouver squad that looked weak, slow and tired against the Chicago Blackhawks in the second round of the playoffs last spring.



23-year old Russian prospect Sergei Shirokov signed with the Canucks in the summer and has dazzled fans and players alike during his training camp and pre-season trials. Not only did Shirokov lead the team in pre-season scoring with 7 points, but he did so even with a small injury mid-way through the pre-season schedule after suffering a sprained knee. While hyped prospects Cody Hodgson and Michael Grabner failed to make the scoreboard and consequently the team, Shirokov is the only legitimate rookie playing for the Canucks this season-- but early reports suggests a potential Calder trophy competitor for best rookie.

Mikael Samuelsson signed away from the mighty Detroit Red Wings in order to play top-6 minutes with the Sedin twins and that opportunity may arise if Alex Burrows finds trouble in reproducing his career year last season. Samuelsson is explosive with his shooting and is literally willing to shoot from anywhere on the ice; a trait that should be welcome for Vancouver fans who can be so frustrated with the Sedins' passive cycle play. The native of Mariefried, Sweden will provide versatility on the powerplay with the ability to play the point as well as the half-board with his hard slapshot.

On the blueline, the team let go of lifelong Canuck Mattias Ohlund to free agency and traded for Christian Ehrhoff and Brad Lukowich. While the veteran Lukowich was waived on Tuesday night, Ehrhoff has cemented his position as a top-4 defender averaging nearly 22 minutes a game. Noted for his offensive capabilities, Ehrhoff will look to improve from last year's career season with the San Jose Sharks where he notched 42 points with 8 goals.
Mathieu Schneider was also a free agent pick-up, but the 40-year old veteran will not be available until November due to a shoulder injury that will keep him on the long-term injury reserve. Schneider and Ehrhoff will significantly increase a passive powerplay that failed to intimidate opponents last season.

In the always-competitive western conference, the Canucks are in a position for a second consecutive Northwest Division title. With divisional opponents Edmonton, Minnesota and Colorado struggling to improve during the off-season and the Flames decidedly getting defensive over the summer, the Canucks have made the most significant strides in all aspects of team play. With head coach Alain Vigneault extended for 3 years, the Sedin twins locked for 5 and Luongo in for the long haul with a massive 12-year contract, the Canucks are looking to contend for years to come.



There are valid reasons to be excited for the Canucks' chance at making a deep run into the playoffs this year and it starts with Ryan Johnson.

The valiant shot-blocking hero is looking to have a rebound season after the veteran center broke his index finger midway through the season last year. The finger severely hampered Johnson's play and faceoff abilities, but Johnson expects to return to good form after a long summer of surgery and rehab.

The continued development of Ryan Kesler as a significant two-way player can not only mean good things for the Sedin twins, but it can also intimidate opponents looking for an easy win. After being named a finalist for the Frank J. Selke trophy last year as best defensive forward, Kesler has motivation to improve his play, both offensive and defensive, after a very unSelke-like playoff exit to the Blackhawks.

Kevin Bieksa and Alex Edler should both take steps forward in their development and become top blueline figures in the western conference. With both able to log more than 23 minutes worth of ice time, opponents will see a lot of #3 and #23 next season.

With Willie Mitchell entering unrestricted free agent year, the veteran blueliner needs to prove that his game still fits the Canucks style of play. Considered a reliable and safe shutdown defenseman, Mitchell appears to be an outcast on a team that intends to move into a quick, possession-type team. Even so, if Mitchell can continue the success he had from last year's regular season, it'll make it very difficult for the Canucks to part with the B.C-native.

While some "legitimate" top teams in the western conference felt the need to acquire big-name talent, the Canucks used the off-season to make quiet and effective additions.

The season ahead promises to be full of excitement.

For the Orca Zone, I'm Canorcas.