Who really knows.
I can see them taking a step back, before taking 2 steps forward.
Really depends on the makeup of the squad next year, so TBD.

Expectations will definitely be higher tho.
- dbot

Also depends what they do this offseason. If they let Marky and TT walk and bring up more youth, can definitely see them taking a step back.

I think they'll be much the same next year: improved, but still a bubble team.

They're actually just full grown men. Reminds me of the times in youth soccer we'd play mens teams in exhibitions. The skill level may be comparable, but going in for a tackle with a guy that has 7 years and 30+ pounds on you is totally different
- NewYorkNuck

I think Benning has to make decisions and separating his feelings. Even though players like Stecher gave everything for Canucks is he the best option

I don’t converse with him, he’s as smart as your goalie stick, and that’s being generous. It’s a pointless exercise.
- Pacificgem

I've had good conversations with both.

Also depends what they do this offseason. If they let Marky and TT walk and bring up more youth, can definitely see them taking a step back.

I think they'll be much the same next year: improved, but still a bubble team.
- NewYorkNuck

Yeah, that's what i was tryna say.
Depends what the team looks like.
But either way, expectations will be higher.
Everyone this year was happy with a 2nd round playoff exit in the end.

Next year, being a bubble team and missing out on playoffs could be seen as a disappointment resulting in the predictable calls for Fire Benning, Green can't coach, etc.

Yeah, that's what i was tryna say.
Depends what the team looks like.
But either way, expectations will be higher.
Everyone this year was happy with a 2nd round playoff exit in the end.

Next year, being a bubble team and missing out on playoffs could be seen as a disappointment resulting in the predictable calls for Fire Benning, Green can't coach, etc.



- dbot

Can definitely see that

Love watching Vegas get shut out

Yeah, that's what i was tryna say.
Depends what the team looks like.
But either way, expectations will be higher.
Everyone was happy with a 2nd round playoff exit in the end.

Next year, being a bubble team and missing out on playoffs could be seen as a disappointment resulting in the predictable calls for Fire Benning, Green can't coach, etc.



- dbot

I think a lot of teams will take a step back

Tor Bos TB Fla Car Minny VGK Edm Cgy Ana Ariz SJ Chi Pens Blues Jets Preds

Can definitely see that

Love watching Vegas get shut out
- NewYorkNuck

I preferred the douchebags got shut out Friday. Anyway, Stars were lucky they scored first and could hang back cause they knew VGK were too drained from playing the Canucks to bring the high pressure game. Next game will be different plus Reeves will add his extra push.

I think a lot of teams will take a step back

Tor Bos TB Fla Car Minny VGK Edm Cgy Ana Ariz SJ Chi Pens Blues Jets Preds
- VANTEL

So you like Montreal's chances.

So you like Montreal's chances.


- dbot

Not really but I think teams like Montreal Det Buff Ott NJ can only go in one direction . It hard to go lower than the basement.

I think a lot of teams will take a step back

Tor Bos TB Fla Car Minny VGK Edm Cgy Ana Ariz SJ Chi Pens Blues Jets Preds
- VANTEL

you got to like how people lower expectations to not get disappointed. I'd add the Stars to your list as well.

you got to like how people lower expectations to not get disappointed. I'd add the Stars to your list as well.
- NuckUp

The point is the flat cap is going to force teams to shed. Tor just gave up Kapanen for a draft pick so right there they have regressed and they are probably just getting started.

The point is the flat cap is going to force teams to shed. Tor just gave up Kapanen for a draft pick so right there they have regressed and they are probably just getting started.
- VANTEL

The Blues started as well. MTL has one of the better Goalie tandems in the league now.

The Blues started as well. MTL has one of the better Goalie tandems in the league now.
- Load Management

True about the Blues.

Yeah Mtl I think is heading in the right direction but are a few years away . Also I don't think their draft picks are in the same ballpark as Canucks

The Blues started as well. MTL has one of the better Goalie tandems in the league now.
- Load Management

I'll take Demko/Markstrom any day.

I'll take Demko/Markstrom any day.



- dbot

Me too. They make a mediocre coach like Green look like a genius.

The point is the flat cap is going to force teams to shed. Tor just gave up Kapanen for a draft pick so right there they have regressed and they are probably just getting started.
- VANTEL

Absolutely. Good thing the Canucks have a good prospect pool.

True about the Blues.

Yeah Mtl I think is heading in the right direction but are a few years away . Also I don't think their draft picks are in the same ballpark as Canucks
- VANTEL

Really? Who do the Canucks have in their prospect pool that’s head and shoulders above what the Canadiens have? We used to have one of the best prospect pools in the league but most of the really talented kids are now in the NHL, our pool is pretty mediocre now, it’s still good, but not two years ago good.

Montreal’s had 15 first, second and third round picks in the past three drafts, that’s an incredible amount of quality prospects.

Really? Who do the Canucks have in their prospect pool that’s head and shoulders above what the Canadiens have? We used to have one of the best prospect pools in the league but most of the really talented kids are now in the NHL, our pool is pretty mediocre now, it’s still good, but not two years ago good.

Montreal’s had 15 first, second and third round picks in the past three drafts, that’s an incredible amount of quality prospects.
- Pacificgem

That is what I meant Hughes Petey Brock

That is what I meant Hughes Petey Brock
- VANTEL

Yeah, clearly they don’t have the same caliber of young players as Pettersson, Hughes and Boeser but they’re not prospects. I wasn’t sure if you were talking young NHL’ers or actual prospects.

Kotkaniemi and Suzuki were really good in the playoffs, both really young (19 & 20) and they’ve drafted some quality kids the past couple years.

Yeah, clearly they don’t have the same caliber of young players as Pettersson, Hughes and Boeser but they’re not prospects. I wasn’t sure if you were talking young NHL’ers or actual prospects.

Kotkaniemi and Suzuki were really good in the playoffs, both really young (19 & 20) and they’ve drafted some quality kids the past couple years.
- Pacificgem

Young core

That is what I meant Hughes Petey Brock
- VANTEL

Demko was a rookie too. Plus we got some more promising kids knocking on the door.

Young core
- VANTEL

Benning just needs to keep drafting really well, his greatest asset.

Benning just needs to keep drafting really well, his greatest asset.
- Pacificgem

Drafting next year is going to be hard league wide

Benning just needs to keep drafting really well, his greatest asset.
- Pacificgem

You realize they are trending up so these draft picks are 5 years away from any roles let alone impact.

You realize they are trending up so these draft picks are 5 years away from any roles let alone impact.
- NuckUp

There’s a lot of dead weight currently on the roster, there will be open spots galore sooner than later.