Welcome back to Puck Drop: NHL Preview 2013-14, where our hockey department gives you a detailed look at each team from around the NHL leading to the start of his hockey season. Check back often as new teams are added to our Puck Drop page. Today we take a look at the 2013-14 Vancouver Canucks.

Last Year:

The Canucks entered last season on somewhat shaky ground after reaching the Stanley Cup Final in 2011 followed by a poor showing in a first round exit at the hands of the Los Angeles Kings in 2012. Adding to the trepidation was franchise goaltender Roberto Luongo’s request for a trade, a request that proved to be a distraction all season long.

Finally, before the puck was even dropped for game one, the team had to deal with injuries to former Selke Trophy winning center Ryan Kesler as well as winger David Booth – two thirds of their second line.

To say the mood was sour in Vancouver before last season even began would be an understatement. Making matters even more complicated was the ascension of Cory Schneider to starting goaltender over incumbent Luongo. In the very first game of the season Schneider allowed five goals on 14 shots against Anaheim, prompting Luongo to replace him in goal to a standing ovation from the crowd. What a mess.

The season was not, however, without it’s high points. Captain Henrik Sedin became the franchise’s all-time leading scorer, surpassing Markus Naslund during a 45 points in 48 games season. His brother, Daniel Sedin, likewise had another (and unsurprisingly) solid offensive campaign with 40 points in 47 games.

After his inauspicious first game as a starter, Schneider turned his season around and was excellent the rest of the way. He finished with a 2.11 goals against average and a .927 save percentage (both of which were among the league leaders) and won the Cyclone Taylor Trophy as the team’s MVP.

On defense, Dan Hamuis had an excellent season. He proved game after game to be a rock on the back-end, and chipped in nicely on offense too with 24 points in 47 games. At 30 years old, Hamhuis has emerged as one of the premier tw0-way defensemen in the NHL.

The team finished the regular season with a record of 26-25-7, good for third in the West and bringing the Canucks their fifth consecutive Northwest division title. It’s also their last, as the team is set to join the newly formed Pacific division in 2013-14.

It’s worth noting at this point that the only division the Canucks had a losing record against in 2013 was the Pacific. I don’t want to say that’s a harbinger of things to come, however their performance against the San Jose Sharks in the first round of last year’s playoff could be.

Frankly, it was an embarrassment for all involved. The Canucks were swept aside rather easily, showing little in the way of grit or determination until game four, and by then it was too late. They were simply outmatched by the Sharks in nearly every aspect of the game we call hockey. Daniel and Henrik Sedin, the team’s most dynamic offensive weapons, didn’t score a goal between them. The season ended not with a bang as they had hoped, but with a whimper.

Offseason:

So, after two lackluster first round exits, it became apparent to GM Mike Gillis that the team was in need of change, and boy did they get it. Two weeks following the sweep they fired head coach Alain Vigneault and most of his coaching staff. Vigneault leaves as the Canuck’s franchise leader in games coached and games won, though the team had grown complacent under him in recent years and his time was clearly done.

He was replaced with former New York Rangers coach John Tortorella, who many fans hope can light a fire under this group of players and bring them back to elite status. Despite his history of aggression with the media, Tortorella seems to be saying all the right things in Vancouver, and the players like the new approach he brings.

Of course all of that was overshadowed by the real story of the offseason: the resolution of the goalie situation. However, it wasn’t the outcome that most suspected, as it wasn’t Luongo who was traded, but instead Schneider who was sent to the Devils in return for a first round pick in the 2013 draft, a pick used to draft two-way center Bo Horvat.

So while the issue of who the starting goaltender in Vancouver will be is resolved, the situation is far from over. Luongo spent a long time after the trade before responding to the media, and even then his answers did little to alleviate the fanbase’s concerns. While it appears that Luongo will approach the season with the professionalism that he always has, the love and passion for playing in Vancouver seems to be gone.

So with a new coach, and a new (old) starting goalie, it’s time to look at the roster changes. Gone are stalwarts from the glory 2011 days Mason Raymond, Manny Malhotra, Maxim Lapierre and Keith Ballard. Very little was brought in to replace them however.

The Canucks managed to sign bottom six center Brad Richardson, though they still have a hole at center which they hope can be filled by one of their younger players. The Canucks also brought in Yannick Weber from Montreal, a young, right-sided defenseman that the team hope can bring balance, depth and offense to the D corps. Aside from that though, there were very few additions to a team that already boasts depth at most positions and is looking for younger players to fill in the gaps.

Story Lines To Watch:

How will Tortorella change the team? Or perhaps the more pertinent question is how the team will react to Tortorella. This is a core of players that had grown too complacent over recent season under Vigneault, and I personally believe that Tortorella will do wonders for them, if he can keep his mouth shut publicly. There was too much of a country club atmosphere in Vancouver, and Tortorella should be able to bring the accountability and work ethic that has been lacking lately. That being said, this is a situation that could just as easily blow up in everybody’s face.

Speaking of which, how will Luongo perform as the starter? Though this is a story line that everyone, particularly the Vancouver media, will be watching with rapt attention, I doubt it’s one that will ultimately become a problem. Luongo is the consummate professional in how he approaches his game, through his work ethic and focus. He seems to be taking a “day at a time” mantra for this season, and I expect he should perform as he usually does now that he’s the main man between the pipes again.

The more important goaltending question may be: Who’s the back-up? The Canucks will be turning to a pair of Swedish rookies to fill that hole this year, and the fight between them should be interesting. Eddie Lack has been in the system for a while, and seems to have the inside track after success at the AHL level, and with a one-way contract in his pocket. However, newcomer Joacim Eriksson has an outstanding pedigree as one of the best goaltenders in Sweden’s SEL and will give Lack a run for his money.

has been in the system for a while, and seems to have the inside track after success at the AHL level, and with a one-way contract in his pocket. However, newcomer has an outstanding pedigree as one of the best goaltenders in Sweden’s SEL and will give Lack a run for his money. Can the new generation make an impact? The Canucks, long suffering due to trades that weakened their prospect pool, finally have some depth and players that could make an impact on the roster very soon. 2013 first round picks Horvat and Hunter Shinkaruk both look to be top line players in the NHL one day. Though neither appears quite ready yet, one or both may sneak his way onto the team. The same can be said for Brendan Gaunce and Nicklas Jensen , who will be given very long looks at training camp. Regardless if any of them make the opening night roster or not, it’s clear that there is finally a new era of players ready to take over for the current core.

both look to be top line players in the NHL one day. Though neither appears quite ready yet, one or both may sneak his way onto the team. The same can be said for and , who will be given very long looks at training camp. Regardless if any of them make the opening night roster or not, it’s clear that there is finally a new era of players ready to take over for the current core. Can the Canucks challenge for the Cup? This is a story line that really needs no more clarification. The window is closing, and the team needs to win now.

Players To Watch:

While all eyes will be on Luongo, there’s a bevy of other players that are worth watching this season. In my mind, first and foremost is Ryan Kesler. It’s long been said that Kesler is the engine that drives the Canucks, look no further than his performance during the 2011 playoffs if you need proof. Kesler has been somewhat ineffective in recent seasons however, and his shine has diminished.

Something’s different this year though, as for the first time in three years Kesler didn’t have to spend all or part of the summer rehabbing from injuries. Kesler is entering training camp fully healthy, and with a massive chip on his shoulder. From all accounts he’s fired up, and ready to have the best season of his life. I wouldn’t doubt for a second that he will…if he stays healthy.

The other player that I will be watching with keen interest is the heretofore unmentioned winger Zack Kassian. Still only 22 years old, Kassian will be given every opportunity to break out this season, as evidenced by Tortorella’s intentions to play him with the Sedins. Only in his third NHL season, the young power-forward is still learning the ropes, but has the potential to become a force. Whether he’s the next Todd Bertuzzi or the next Steve Bernier, Canucks fans will just have to wait and see.

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Main photo credit: clydeorama via photopin cc