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Canucks Bold Predictions for 2023-24 Season |
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The 2023-24 regular season is rapidly approaching. The Vancouver Canucks play their first game of the season on Oct. 11 against Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers. This matchup will be here before we know it, so let's have some fun. In this post, I will share some bold predictions that I have for the Canucks' 2023-24 campaign. Feel free to share some of your own in the comments.
1. Canucks Sneak Into Playoffs
The Pacific Division may not be the strongest in the NHL, but it still possesses some good teams. The Edmonton Oilers, Vegas Golden Knights, Los Angeles Kings, and Seattle Kraken all made the playoffs last season. The Calgary Flames just missed out. Due to this, the Canucks have plenty of competition in their division, but I think this will be the year that they sneak into the postseason with a wild card spot.
Although the Canucks did not bring in any stars this summer, they did strengthen their roster. Carson Soucy and Ian Cole should improve their defensive group, while their bottom six have gotten a nice boost with the additions of Pius Suter and Teddy Blueger.
2. Vasily Podkolzin Breaks Out
After posting a 14-goal and 26-point campaign with the Canucks in 2021-22 as a rookie, Vasily Podkolzin was a breakout candidate for 2022-23. However, this past season was a step back for the 2019 10th-overall pick. In 39 games, he posted just four goals and seven points. Although it was a frustrating year, I am predicting that he will not only bounce back but also break out.
The potential for Podkolzin to become a middle-six NHL forward at least is still there. If given more chances with the Canucks this season, we should finally see him take that much-needed next step in his development.
3. Brock Boeser Finally Hits 30-Goal Mark
Brock Boeser is a player to watch very closely this season. The 26-year-old ended the season with decent offensive totals, posting 18 goals and 55 points in 74 games. However, for the 2023-24 season, I see him rediscovering his previous scoring touch and finally hitting the 30-goal plateau in a season.
Boeser has come close to this mark multiple times in his career, with 29 goals in 62 games being his best. If he stays healthy and consistent, 30 goals should be a slam dunk for him.
4. Thatcher Demko Bounces Back, Gets Vezina Consideration
The 2023-24 season was a frustrating one for Thatcher Demko. He dealt with injury trouble and struggled to find consistency because of it. In 32 appearances, he had a 14-14-4 record, a 3.16 GAA, and a .901 SV%. These numbers are just far too low for Demko's standards, but he noticeably improved during the final portion of the season.
Due to this, with a clean slate, I not only expect Demko to bounce back but be in the running for the Vezina Trophy. When playing at his best, Demko is an elite netminder, and we should see that again this year.
5. Quinn Hughes Records 90 Points
Quinn Hughes has become one of the NHL's top offensive defensemen over the years. Yet, at just 23 years old, Hughes still has the potential to improve even further. Due to this, I am predicting that Hughes will take another big step forward offensively this season and end the year with 90 points.
After posting a 68-point campaign in 76 games in 2021-22, Hughes reached a new career-high with 76 points in 78 games in 2022-23. Now, let's see if 90 is in the cards for the star.
What are your bold predictions for the new season? Share them in the comments!
Vancouver Canucks Blogger • 
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