I know if you look at the standings and the stats the Canucks are pretty average. Outside from Quinn Hughes no Canuck player really pops out at you. Even with all the craziness the Canucks are still a very good. They just need a few pieces. We still have half a season to go and Canucks have time to turn things around. In this article I’m going to list three things the Canucks are going to need to do if they want to become legit contenders.
- Trade for a top-four defenceman
When Filip Hronek was absent we saw how abysmal the Canucks defence is. If Quinn Hughes doesn’t play the entire game it seems like we have no hope. Adding another top four defenceman is essential especially if this team wants to compete in the playoffs. One I think they should target is Marcus Pettersson from the Pittsburgh Penguins. He’s super well rounded and would be an upgrade on the second-pair. If the Canucks call up Erik Brannstrom that defence pair would do wonders.
2. Keep Jonathan Lekkerimaki in the NHL full time
When the 2022 first round pick has been in the lineup he has been nothing but electric. I love his shot and he can play in the top six. Its a good sign for the future but it’s also a good sign for the now. Lekkerimaki is taking big strides and the Canucks need all the scorers they can get. I don’t think they should give up assets for another forward because the defence is a bigger need. Keeping Lekkerimaki in the NHL full time would help a big problem for Vancouver.
Jonathan Lekkerimaki rips home his first NHL goal! 🚨 pic.twitter.com/g76JctILbV
— NHL (@NHL) November 15, 2024
3. Wake up Elias Pettersson and Nils Hoglander
Where did they go? Seriously Pettersson had a stretch when Miller was out of the lineup where he was putting up points again. Is that what it’s going to take? Petey waiting for a Miller trade to start scoring again. As for Hoglander it’s been a combination of bad luck and no ice time. I don’t think that’s an excuse though. Hoglander only averaged 12:06 of ice time last year and it drooped to 11:36 of ice time this year. He had 24 even strength goals last season. I think he just needs some puck luck to get back on track. These are two players the Canucks need to start producing to be legit contenders. Especially Pettersson but I’m not giving up hope I think it’ll just take some time.