NHL Power Rankings Week One: Capitals, Lightning, Predators, And Ducks Are Favorites

Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports

NHL Power Rankings: #25 – Vancouver Canucks

The Vancouver Canucks had a troubling offseason. They are a team that is growing older. Despite that, they aren’t rebuilding and they aren’t going all-in. They’re just making terrible moves.

STRENGTHS: Henrik Sedin and Daniel Sedin give the Canucks the chance to have a great team. They both had a career revival last season, bouncing back after both of them had down years in 2013-2014. Alexander Edler is a very solid defenseman. Radim Vrbata might be separated from the Sedins despite having a career season with them. However, he’s the kind of player who should have success no matter where he plays. Bo Horvat, Jared McCann, and Jake Virtanen are all exciting young players.

WEAKNESSES: They’re getting old and their young players aren’t taking steps up like they should. They traded for Brandon Sutter. He hasn’t hit 40 points in the NHL since roughly five years ago. He’s not the kind of guy who should be playing alongside the Sedins. Yet that’s something that might actually be happening. Brandon Prust gives them a bit of grit, but he certainly doesn’t give them scoring. Ryan Miller is definitely trending downward. Which reminds me, why did they trade Eddie Lack?

OUTLOOK: The Canucks aren’t looking like they’re going to contend. Of course, they have the Sedins, so they can’t be completely counted out. However, it’s not looking good for them.

Next: #24