It’s the first week of 2024 and let’s face it there isn’t much that has gone according to how we all thought it would. But for the best! Let’s take a look at some of the biggest storylines we are expecting and maybe one we’re not!
1. Elias Pettersson Contract
This might be the biggest contract since 2009 in Vancouver. Elias Pettersson is ELITE and needs to be paid as such. Insiders are all saying that there is no rush from Pettersson’s side of the deal and that the dollar amount is large enough for generational wealth. Not quite Shohei Ohtani money but still life changing money. It’s all about term and the Canucks aren’t afraid to do middle term for their big players in the past. Looking at the Sedin brothers in 2009 signing a 5-year, $30.5 Million Contract then signing for 4-years in November 2013. I also think this could be the best thing for the team and the player but time will tell.
2. Playoff Run
Well, if you bet me $50 at the beginning of the year that the Canucks would finish in the top 3 of the pacific I would have taken it (And I did with 2 different friends). But that was me being OVERLY optimistic as I usually am during the start of the season. Now not only do these bets look genius, the question isn’t make the playoffs it’s How far can we go? Now in my opinion, if Demko gets bubble Demko hot, and Petey, Hughes and Co play like they did for the first month, they could be a Western Confrence Finalist. There are very few teams that I could see beating us in a best-of-7 series but the lack of experience might be the downfall of us all! A total failure would be out in the first round in my opinion.
3. Cap Management
This might go hand in hand with point 1, but Cap management moving forward is going to be tight but I have faith in this front office. As per Capfriendly, we have 12 people signed for 2024-25 and almost $31 Million in cap space. That doesn’t leave a lot of allocation for our roster if we sign Petey to a contract that starts with an eleven. But again, I have faith, plus some of our young prospects might be able to fit in on the bottom end of our roster and players might be willing to take a pay cut to play with a contender (Maybe wishful thinking)
4. The Regression
Okay, so I know everyone thinks I am negative… and well I am just basing this off of the results over the last 30 years of being a fan. But, the regression is going to come, whether it’s this year or next there will be a regression but how big of a step back will it be? Will they be contenders or no?
What are you looking forward to in 2024? What stories will emerge as the year goes for the Canucks?! and don’t forget to listen live to the Hughes Sports Podcast Every Monday at 6pm PST Here!
Ep. 67: Can the Canucks Close the series? Plus the rest of the NHL Playoffs – Hughes Sports Podcast- HSP
- Ep. 67: Can the Canucks Close the series? Plus the rest of the NHL Playoffs
- Ep 66: Arland Bruce IV Joins the Show Prior to the NFL Draft PLUS breaking down the Canucks Series
- Ep. 65: NHL Playoff Preview Extravaganza! Plus Catching up on all the NHL News with Special Guest Darren Dupont
- Ep. 64: Canucks Playoff Bound! Who's the Matchup? Ft. Kelly Kellner (Cool Bets)
- EP 63 – Canucks Clinch! Can They Conquer the Elite? CFLon a new marketing adventure!
