Vancouver Canucks Poised for the 2024-25 NHL Season After Playoff Taste

The Vancouver Canucks are gearing up for the start of the 2024-25 NHL season with high hopes and ambitions. Following a successful playoff run last season, the team is eager to build on that momentum as they face off against the Calgary Flames on Wednesday at 7 p.m. PT. Right-winger Brock Boeser expressed the team’s hunger for more success, saying, “Playoffs is a blast, and it was awesome that we had success. And I think it’s only going to help us for this year.”

During the 2023-24 regular season, the Canucks topped the Pacific Division with a 50-23-9 record. This achievement saw them hosting their first playoff game since 2015. After triumphing over the Nashville Predators in six games, the Canucks contended with the Edmonton Oilers in what became a grueling seven-game series, but they fell short of victory.

Head coach Rick Tocchet has set the bar high for his players this season. “To get to the next plateau, there’s higher expectations and it’s going to be hard,” Tocchet said as he reflected on the challenges ahead.

In preparation for the new campaign, the Canucks underwent several roster changes over the summer under general manager Patrik Allvin. Key additions include left-winger Jake DeBrusk, secured on a seven-year, $38.5 million contract. DeBrusk, who previously played for the Boston Bruins, is expected to enhance the offense alongside star center Elias Pettersson.

DeBrusk’s addition was part of an offseason strategy that saw the departure of players like Elias Lindholm and Nikita Zadorov to the Bruins, and notable exits such as backup goalie Casey DeSmith, veteran defenseman Ian Cole, and forwards Sam Lafferty and Ilya Mikheyev. New arrivals also encompass Danton Heinen, Kiefer Sherwood, Derek Forbort, Vincent Desharnais, Daniel Sprong, and goalie Kevin Lankinen.

The Canucks face an immediate setback with star goalie Thatcher Demko out due to a knee injury. Rookie netminder Arturs Silovs is expected to take the starting role against the Flames. Silovs, who gained substantial experience in the playoffs last season, posted a 5-5 record with a .898 save percentage and a shutout in ten postseason games. Tocchet showed confidence in the young goalie, stating, “We’ve put [Silovs] in some tough spots and he’s done a nice job for us.”

Canucks’ fans will have to endure a long wait during the middle of the season, as the team is slated to play several away games, limiting their presence at their home venue, Rogers Arena. Meanwhile, ticket prices have surged after last season’s playoff success, a situation confirmed by Kingsley Bailey from Vancouver Ticket Services, impacting fans’ ability to attend games.

The team will look to navigate these early challenges as they aim to compete at the highest level and make their mark once again in the NHL playoffs.