The window.

There is so much talk in the NHL about the window. When it opens. When it closes. The opportunity to either go on a long playoff run, or, actually win the Stanley Cup.

The Bubble playoffs gave the Canucks fans some hope of the . They ended up getting into the second round of the playoffs. And thanks to Thatcher Demko, and probably only Thatcher Demko, the Canucks rallied from a 3-1  deficit to force a seventh game  The Vegas Golden Knights.

Besides the Demko performance, there were three other stories that came out of this run.

1) The Leadership of Bo Horvat. I don’t think this was talked about enough. Horvat was a first-year captain that replaced two Vancouver legends in the Sedin’s. He had 4 goals against the St, Louis Blues, including an overtime game-winner. He brought a  new intensity and maturity. In terms of leadership, the Canucks are in great shape

2) Quinn Hughes. Did he have some struggles? Yes. But when he was on, he was the most important Canuck on the ice. 16 points and 17 playoff games. 9 power-play points. Whether or not he wins the Calder trophy this year remains to be seen. However, there is no question at this point, there is no doubt he will win a Norris for best Defenceman.

3) Elias Pettersson. 18 points in 17 playoff games. 4 power-play goals, 10 power-play points. For a first-year in the playoffs., Peterson showed no jitters. Even when the Canucks were hemmed into their zone and nothing was going right, Pettersson was finding ways to create opportunities.

In Pettersson, Hughes, and Horvat, the Canucks have three of their cornerstones in places for years to come. This helps that so-called window for winning for the Canucks. However, what happens this offseason will tell us where the Canucks will go. There are 3 big free-agent decisions General Manager Jim Benning needs to make by October 9.

1. Markstrom.

This is the most difficult decision. Markstrom was the team MVP this year. The 30-year-old was a top 5 goalie in the NHL.

Regular Season stats. 23 Wins 16 Losses. 2 Shutouts. 2.75 GAA

Playoff Stats: 8 wins 6 losses 2.85 GAA.

He will be sought after in the Free Agent Market. Including the Calgary Flames and the Edmonton Oilers. Expected salary range would be at about 5 Million dollars as season ,

But you also have Thatcher Demko. The 24 year old had an outstanding performance in the playoffs. He also held his own when Markstrom was hurt during the regular season. He’s younger and cheaper. However, this is still a small sample size. And we’ve seen the stumbles of young goalies like Matt Murray,Jordan Binnington, and even to a lesser extent, David Rittich. The two other equations to factor in is the flat cap for the next 2 years. As well as the Seattle Kraken expansion draft where the Canucks would have to protect one goalie.

Do you let Markstrom walk and hand the reigns to Demko? Do you keep Markstrom and trade Demko? Or, do you keep both.

I would sign Markstrom. This should be the  Canucks number 1 priority. The expansion draft is not for another year. So much can happen during this time. Besides, we do not know when, or even how long the season is. It is quite likely you will need 2 goalies next year.

2. Chris Tanev.

Warrior. That is a one word description I would have for Chris Tanev. Blocks shots. Gives it his all. He was a huge influence in the development of Quinn Hughes. While he’s not an offensive defenceman, Tanev tied his career high for points in 20. And for the first time in his career,Tanev  played a full season this year.

Tanev, like Alex Edler before him is life long Canuck. He was on the 2011 Stanley Cup Final.He has said his desire is to play in Vancouver. But, he has earned his payday. And I do think, even in a flat cap era, Tanev will be sought after in Free Agency.

This is where I would let Tanev explore free agency. There are teams that will over pay him. Winnipeg could be a possibility. Toronto could be a possibility. Even Vegas with a lack of right handed shot defence man could be a possibility. Let him explore his options. If he gets a good deal, wish him well. If he doesn’t ‘, you can bring him back. Remember, the Canucks also have Brogan Rafferty on the back end as well. Not the same style of defenceman. But there are options on the team. And possibly free agency.

3. Tyler Toffoli

It wasn’t as high as J.T. Miller, but Jim Benning paid a significant price to acquire Tyler Toffoli. On February 17, 2020 Toffoli was acquired for Tyler Madden,  a 2020 2nd round pick, a conditional 4th round pick in 2022 and Tim Schaller. He had 10 points in 10 games for the Canucks. He was brought in because Brock Boeser was injured. In the playoffs, Toffoli was injured but had 4 points in 7 games.

Toffoli solidifies the Canucks top 6. With a top 6 of Horvat, Pettersson, Boeser, Miller, Pearson, and Toffoli, the Canucks would be fine going forward. The question comes down to cost. Like Tanev, there will be more teams interested and room to pay him. However,while Toffoli has not expressed a specific desire to play in Vancouver, he does want to play on the West Coast.

This would be my number 2 priority. With the uncertainty of Jake Virtanen, the possibility of buy-outs of veterans like Loui Ericksson and Brandon Sutter, Toffoli is great option. The question is length. Prospects like Kole Lind, Nils Hoglander, and Valeri Podkolzin coming up, you don’t have to go too long. But the Canucks would be better with him.

So my free agent priorties.

1. Markstrom

2. Toffoli

3.Tanev

Either way, Canucks fans will be watching this offseason with high anticipation and excitement. It appears the window is opening. And in the most important off-season of his tenure, it’s up to Jim Benning to keep opening the window.

What are your free agency priorities? Let us know in the comments.