Pacific Division Preview 2014-15: Vancouver Canucks

2014-15 NHL Pacific Division preview: The Vancouver Canucks are now a team in transition with a new GM, coach, goalie and offensive system.

MORE PACIFIC PREVIEWS:Kings | Sharks | Coyotes | Flames | Ducks | Oilers

COACH:

​2013-14 RECORD: 36-35-11, 83 points (fifth in Pacific, missed playoffs)

VITAL SIGNS: 2.33 goals-for per game (28th); 2.63 goals-against per game (T-14th); 15.2 power play pct. (26th); 83.2 penalty kill pct. (9th); shootout record: 5-7 (20th)

NOTABLE ARRIVALS: G Ryan Miller, F/RW Radim Vrbata, F/C Nick Bonino, D Luca Sbisa, F/RW Derek Dorsett, F/RW Linden Vey

NOTABLE DEPARTURES: C Ryan Kesler, D Jason Garrison, LW David Booth, C Mike Santorelli, C Zac Dalpe

PROJECTED DEPTH CHART

Forwards
Daniel Sedin — Henrik Sedin — Radim Vrbata
Alex Burrows — Nick Bonino — Zack Kassian
Shawn Matthias — Linden Vey -- Jannik Hansen
Chris Higgins — Brad Richardson — Derek Dorsett
Tom Sestito

Defensemen

Dan Hamhuis — Kevin Bieksa
​Alex Edler — Chris Tanev
​Luca Sbisa — Ryan Stanton

Goalies
Ryan Miller
Eddie Lack
Jacob Markstrom

Best case scenarios for Western Conference teams

 the veteran core has left and if Vancouver's notoriously fallow farm system will be able to provide enough young talent to rejuvenate this proud franchise's fortunes.

• Vrbata looking forward to playing with Sedins

PLAYER TO WATCH: Zack Kassian

Kassian is a throwback forward: mean, aggressive and big (6-foot-3, 214 pounds) with an underrated scoring touch to complement his intimidating presence. Cast out of Buffalo just after his 21st birthday, Kassian, now 23, certainly has the frame and snarly disposition to be a threat, but the hope is that the revamped offense will unleash his offensive upside and enable him to top his career highs of 14 goals and 29 points that he reached last season. 

PREDICTION: 94 points (fourth in Pacific)

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