Retooled, new-look Canucks begin the new season versus the Sharks

Vancouver Canucks ready for 2014-2015 seasonLooking to put their disastrous 2013/2014 season behind them, the Vancouver Canucks have been selling the notion of change to their fans. After falling just one game short of a Stanley Cup in 2011, the Canucks fell off the wagon with two consecutive first-round playoff exits in 2012 and 2013, and then missed the playoffs altogether in 2014 for the first time since 2008. The tail end of the 2013/2014 campaign saw the franchise part ways with its coaching staff, general manager, and several marquee players. Time will tell if the changes will translate to immediate success, but expectations have never been lower for the Canucks with the term “rebuild” no longer a four-letter word.

Notable departures:

  • Foward Ryan Kesler
  • Forward David Booth
  • Forward Mike Santorelli
  • Goaltender Roberto Luongo
  • Defenceman Jason Garrison
  • Coach John Tortorella
  • General Manager Mike Gillis
  • Notable additions

  • Forward Radim Vrbata – Signed as a UFA, expect him to be paired up with the Sedin twins to start the season.
  • Goaltender Ryan Miller – After being a rock in net for a bottom-feeding Buffalo Sabres franchise for eight seasons, the Canucks signed the veteran Miller to provide stability in net. The two-time Olympian will likely be given the starting role with Eddie Lack serving as a capable backup.
  • Forward Nick Bonino – Acquired from Anaheim in the Ryan Kesler trade.
  • Defenceman Lucas Sbisa – Acquired from Anaheim in the Ryan Kesler trade.
  • Coach Willie Desjardins
  • General Manager Jim Benning
  • It remains to be seen whether these changes will translate to a return to the playoffs, but it is clear that Canucks are responding to last year’s debacle with some fresh, up-and-coming faces.
    Do you think the changes will be enough to earn the Canucks a post-season berth?
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