2014-2015 Canucks Preview: Tort Reform

After suffering back-to-back first-round playoff exits the previous two seasons, the Canucks were looking to rebound heading into the 2013-2014 season. With a new coach in John Tortorella, the team entered the season in search of a different identity. Unfortunately, the coaching overhaul didn't help, as Vancouver finished 12th in the West, missing the playoffs for the first time in six years.

Most players struggled to adapt under Tortorella, including franchise cornerstones Henrik Sedin and Daniel Sedin, who went on to post their lowest full-season point totals in 10 years. Linemate Alexandre Burrows didn't score his first goal until March, while former fantasy stud Alexander Edler posted the worst plus-minus in the league. Roberto Luongo began the season as the starting goalie, but was shipped to Florida at the trade deadline, leaving Eddie Lack as the team's No. 1 by season's end.

With the pressure mounting following three straight seasons of disappointment, the Canucks took action in the offseason, canning Tortorella and GM Mike Gillis. Willie Desjardins, the former coach of the AHL Texas Stars, takes over coaching duties, while ex-Bruins assistant GM Jim Benning has been named the new head of the front office.

Moves were made in the offseason to revamp the offense and alter the locker room culture. Veteran center Ryan Kesler was traded to Anaheim in exchange for youngsters Nick Bonino and Lucas Sbisa, while the Canucks also signed unrestricted free agent Radim Vrbata. The 33-year-old former Coyote is only three years removed from a 35-goal season, while Bonino is coming off a career-high 22-goal, 49-point campaign with the Ducks. Both players are expected to give a big boost to a Vancouver power play that dropped to 26th overall last season.

With some uncertainty regarding the goaltending situation, the Canucks went out and signed 2010 Vezina Trophy winner Ryan Miller to a three-year contract. The former Buffalo goalie enters the season as Vancouver's clear-cut starting netminder.

A culture change in Vancouver has many believing the team could return to the postseason in 2014-2015, but the Western Conference remains as tough as ever. Nonetheless, the offseason additions of Vrbata and Bonino should give a big boost to the offense, while Miller is reliable in goal behind a solid group of defensemen.

The Big Guns

Henrik Sedin, C (RotoWire Position Rank*: #70): Sedin struggled mightily during the 2013-2014 season, posting his lowest full-season point total since the 2003-2004 campaign. The 33-year-old, usually known for his reliable scoring on a game-to-game basis, was wildly inconsistent throughout the season, once going 12 straight contests without recording a point. He only managed 50 points (11 goals) on the season and saw harsh drops in almost all of his stat totals. Yes, Henrik should rebound, what with a new coach and a former 35-goal scorer in Radim Vrbata set to start with him and brother Daniel on the top line. But it's fair to assume his 80-plus point days are over.

*RotoWire Position Ranks reflected for points-based leagues*

Daniel Sedin, LW (RotoWire Position Rank: #10): Much like brother Henrik, Daniel had an awful 2013-2014 campaign. His 16 goals and 47 points were a far cry from the point-per-game game pace we have grown accustomed to seeing from the 33-year-old winger, and it was just the second time in 10 years that he failed to reach the 50-point mark. Sedin saw almost all his numbers tail off last season, including his shooting percentage, which dropped to a career-low 7.1 percent. Daniel is only four years removed from a 41-goal, 104-point season and still possess all the tools to be an elite fantasy player. With the offseason addition of former 35-goal scorer Radim Vrbata and a new coach in Willie Desjardins, the Canucks and the Sedins are expected to bounce back this upcoming season. Ninety points now seem out of the question for this talented Swede, but it's fair to assume Sedin could put up 30 goals and land in the 60-to-70 point range in 2014-15.

Radim Vrbata, RW (RotoWire Position Rank: #26): After spending the last four seasons with the offensively-challenged Coyotes, Vrbata signed a two-year deal in the summer to join forces with the Canucks. The 33-year-old sniper will get a chance to play with two of the more dynamic playmakers in the game in Henrik and Daniel Sedin, though the twins have both noticed diminished effectiveness the last couple of seasons. Vrbata is coming off a solid 2013-2014 campaign in which he netted 20 goals and 31 assists and was especially dominant on the power play, where his career-high 21 power-play points (10 goals) made Phoenix one of the better teams in the league with the man advantage. With his shot still proving lethal and the chance to play with some more talented linemates in Vancouver, Vrbata could see his point totals climb in his first season as a Canuck.

Alexander Edler, D (RotoWire Position Rank: #27): Upon seeing his production dip the previous season, Edler took yet another step backwards in 2013-2014. The 28-year-old defensemen struggled mightily, posting a league-worst minus-39 rating and notching only 22 points (seven goals) in 63 games. Nothing went right for the Swede in a disastrous season that saw the Canucks miss the playoffs for the first time in six years. Edler saw only 2:51 of power-play time, almost a minute less than the previous year. He also posted a career-low 3.9 shooting percentage, which undoubtedly factored into his lowest goal total in five seasons. With the departure of Jason Garrison to Tampa Bay, Edler has a chance to reclaim his role as the main quarterback on the Canucks' power play. Only three years removed from his 49-point season, Edler still possess all the tools to be a middle-tier fantasy defenseman. He seems due for a bit of a bounce-back given the new coaching staff and offensive firepower (Radim Vrbata and Nick Bonino) the team will add to the mix.

Ryan Miller, G (RotoWire Position Rank: #9): After the Blues chose not to keep Miller around following a disappointing first-round playoff exit, the 34-year-old veteran goalie signed a three-year deal with the Canucks in the summer. Miller posted a 25-30-4 record split between the Sabres and Blues last season, recording a .913 save percentage and a 2.60 GAA. He is an elite goalie who will get a big opportunity to turn the tides in Vancouver following a disappointing season that saw the Canucks miss the playoffs for the first time in six years. With the departure of Ryan Kesler and the additions of Miller, Radim Vrbata and Nick Bonino, the Canucks will have a different makeup this season, which could allow the team to improve. It's now Miller time in Vancouver, but youngster Eddie Lack is sure to be knocking on the door all season. Expect Miller to play around 60 games, with the potential of returning to elite status behind a solid group of Canucks defensemen.

On the Rise

Zack Kassian, RW (RotoWire Position Rank: #45): Kassian hit his stride in 2013-2014, establishing career-highs with 14 goals and 29 points. Though he struggled at times earlier in the year, he did finish the season hot, tallying 10 points (three goals) in his final 10 games. His 15.4 shooting percentage was quite impressive, and his 124 PIM made him even more appealing to fantasy owners. Kassian has slowly been improving every season and could be primed for an even larger breakout in 2014-2015. Kassian's chance to play with the Sedin twins is likely in jeopardy given the Orcas' offseason signing of former 35-goal scorer Radim Vrbata, but a second-line gig is possible. A permanent role in the top-six would do wonders for the 23-year old winger.

Chris Tanev, D (RotoWire Position Rank: #139): Tanev was one of the few bright spots for the Canucks in 2013-2014, posting a career-high six goals and 17 points in 62 games. He was arguably the most consistent Canuck throughout the season, recording a plus-12 rating and averaging a career-high 20:44 of ice time. And at only 24 years of age, his best is yet to come -- he is on the rise. While he hasn't been used on the power play, Tanev has become a fixture on the Canucks' penalty kill, averaging 3:00 of shorthanded ice time per game last season. Tanev also delivered two game-winning goals and a shorthanded tally, proving his ability in the clutch. While it's hard to see Tanev turning into an elite offensive defenseman, he is well on his way to becoming a solid top-four blueliner in the NHL. And with the departure of Jason Garrison to Tampa Bay, Tanev's role will only expand this upcoming season.

Two to Watch

Nick Bonino, C (RotoWire Position Rank: #46): Bonino and Luca Sbisa arrived from the Ducks in an offseason deal that saw star forward Ryan Kesler head south. Bonino is coming off a great year in Anaheim in which he recorded a career-high 22 goals and 49 points. He was absolutely lethal on the power play, recording seven goals and 20 points. And he proved his regular season was no fluke later on in the playoffs, helping the Ducks to the second round with four goals and eight points in 13 postseason games. With his new squad, Bonino should slot in as the team's second-line center, while serving as a fixture on the power play. Much is expected of Bonino, but he's no Ryan Kesler. Prior to last season, the 26-year-old had never recorded more than 18 points in a season. He should be a decent fantasy contributor in Vancouver, but don't expect much more than 20 goals.

Eddie Lack, G (RotoWire Position Rank: #54): It looked like Eddie Lack would be Vancouver's starting goalie heading into the 2014-2015 campaign, but the offseason signing of former Vezina winner Ryan Miller puts Lack at the end of the bench once again. The 26-year-old Lack did fine in his first full season in Vancouver, posting a 16-17-5 record, .912 save percentage and 2.41 GAA. However, his slow transition into the NHL was thrown out the window following a blockbuster deal at the trade deadline that sent starter Roberto Luongo to the Florida Panthers. Lack proceeded to start the following 19 games, getting worn to shreds while managing only eight wins. Miller has been a workhorse historically, which figures to limit Lack's start total to less than 30 games this season, but he should at least give the Canucks a fighting chance when he's called upon.

Don't Overrate

Alexandre Burrows, RW (RotoWire Position Rank: #75): Burrows is one of many Canucks who had an awful 2013-2014 campaign. Hampered by injuries, the 33-year-old managed only 15 points (five goals) in 49 games. Burrows posted a career-low minus-9 rating and saw his shooting percentage drop to a horrific 4.8 percent, but perhaps most notably, it took the formerly-consistent 20-goal scorer (and one time 35-goal guy) some 35 games to score his first marker in 2013-2014. The Canucks' offseason signing of Radim Vrbata looks like a clear signal that Burrows may have lost his spot on the Canucks' top line, which might prevent a full bounce-back from materializing. With no Ryan Kesler on the second line, it's likely Burrows will struggle offensively without any elite playmakers to feed him the puck. Ten or 15 goals are still a possibility, but a return to 50 points seems too much to ask for.

Dan Hamhuis, D (RotoWire Position Rank: #71): After stepping up offensively over the previous two seasons, Hamhuis noticed a backslide in production in 2013-2014. After posting 24 points in lockout-shortened 2012-2013, Hamhuis managed only 22 points in a full 2013-2014 campaign. It's hard to blame him, though, considering the Canucks had the 28th-worst offense in the league. He still put forth an altogether solid season, leading the team with a plus-13 rating while averaging 23:57 of ice time. A previous power-play contributor, Hamhuis saw his man-advantage time dip to 1:51 last season, managing only three assists. With the departure of Jason Garrison to Tampa Bay, Hamhuis is likely to see an upgrade in power-play time this upcoming season, but a return to his high water mark of 37 points in 2011-12 seems unlikely. Still, the 31-year-old is a rock-solid defenseman who can be counted on for around 20 to 30 points every season.

Top Prospects

Bo Horvat, C (RotoWire Prospects Rank: #22): Horvat had a chance to start last season with the Canucks, but was instead sent back down to the London Knights of the OHL. While there, Horvat dominated once again, recording 30 goals and 74 points to go with a plus-20 rating in 54 games. The 19-year-old will be given every opportunity to crack the Canucks' roster this upcoming season, and if he does, a gig on the third- or fourth-line could await. Horvat is going to be a key fantasy contributor one day, but just don't expect major results right away. Even so, the ninth overall pick of the 2013 NHL Draft should help boost a Canucks' team in need of some offensive help from the lower lines.

Jake Virtanen, LW (RotoWire Prospects Rank: #37): Virtanen, 18, was one of the younger players in the 2014 draft class, but he's already been tabbed as the best pure goal scorer of the draft. His game is really inconsistent, but that's part of his huge appeal -- what is he capable of if he's already this good? He scores a lot off the rush, but he's no Phil Kessel. And that means he needs to figure out how to use his fantastic strength to his advantage in the cycle. But his average hockey smarts will make that learning curve long and slow. He won't create offensive chances, but he sure will finish them if given a chance, in a James Neal or Evander Kane kind of way. His development hit a snag when he underwent surgery to repair a torn labrum in May that will keep him out until mid-October, but it shouldn't hinder his long-term outlook. Play watch-and-wait with Virtanen until you know he's shown he can expand his game.

Hunter Shinkaruk, C (RotoWire Prospects Rank: #68): After an impressive preseason with the Canucks in 2013-2014, Shinkaruk was sent back to the WHL for another year with the Medicine Hat Tigers. He wasn't able to take a dramatic step forward in his development, however, as the 19-year-old put up five goals and 16 points in 18 games before suffering a season-ending hip injury that required surgery. Now healthy, he'll receive the chance to challenge for a roster spot with the Canucks this upcoming season. Shinkaruk possess tremendous skill and it will only be a matter of time before he becomes a household name in fantasy hockey. Still, patience is a virtue, as Vancouver's top-six is too crowded right now for him to make an immediate impact. But he's a must-own in dynasty formats -- his time will come soon enough.

Nicklas Jensen, RW (RotoWire Prospects Rank: #69): Jensen impressed in 17 games with the Canucks last season, recording three goals and six points to go with a minus-1 rating. The 21-year-old saw 15:38 of ice time per game, including almost two minutes of man-advantage time. The Swedish prospect was recalled from AHL Utica in early March and played well enough to remain on the roster for the remainder of the season. He had tallied 15 goals and 21 points in 54 games with Utica prior to the call-up. Jensen will challenge for a roster spot this season, likely competing with fellow prospects Hunter Shinkaruk, Dane Fox and Brendan Gaunce. Jensen isn't likely to make any major fantasy impact this season, but keeper leaguers should certainly know his name.

Thatcher Demko, G (RotoWire Prospects Rank: #81): Demko is yet another big (6-foot-4), athletic hybrid/butterfly twinetender with great lateral coverage. He's strong and aggressive, and loves to challenge shooters. He doesn't handle the puck very well and he doesn't always catch the puck clean. But his overall game is very, very good -- his positioning is strong, his focus is sharp and his feet are really quick. Star? Maybe, maybe not. But he's Vey signed a one-year contract with the Canucks in the offseason after being traded to Vancouver from the Kings in late June. The 23-year-old spent most of last season with AHL Manchester, registering 48 points (14 goals) in 43 games. He also appeared in 18 games for the Kings last season, netting five assists, while averaging 12:08 of ice time. Vey, who led the WHL in goals in 2010-2011, didn't get many opportunities with a very deep Kings team last season. But he has a real chance to center Vancouver's third line this upcoming campaign. Coach Willie Desjardins noted that Vey is yet another young player who will have to prove his keep before making the squad, so don't pencil him in quite yet. But we're keeping one eye on him in camp, just in case.definitely an above-average starter for a solid period of time. He'll continue to play at Boston College in 2014-15.

Linden Vey, RW (RotoWire Prospects Rank: NR): Vey signed a one-year contract with the Canucks in the offseason after being traded to Vancouver from the Kings in late June. The 23-year-old spent most of last season with AHL Manchester, registering 48 points (14 goals) in 43 games. He also appeared in 18 games for the Kings last season, netting five assists, while averaging 12:08 of ice time. Vey, who led the WHL in goals in 2010-2011, didn't get many opportunities with a very deep Kings team last season. But he has a real chance to center Vancouver's third line this upcoming campaign. Coach Willie Desjardins noted that Vey is yet another young player who will have to prove his keep before making the squad, so don't pencil him in quite yet. But we're keeping one eye on him in camp, just in case.

Frank Corrado, D (RotoWire Position Rank: NR): Corrado appeared in 15 games last season for the Canucks, recording one goal and a minus-4 rating. The 21-year-old blueliner spent most of last season with AHL Utica, where he notched six goals and 17 points in 59 games. With a deep defense in Vancouver, Corrado will be challenged to crack the Canucks' roster this upcoming campaign. He has gushing potential, though, and could very well inch his way into a roster spot. Corrado is a very strong skater who could find himself on Vancouver's third defensive pairing at some point this season.

Joacim Eriksson, G (RotoWire Prospects Rank: NR): Eriksson established himself in the AHL last season, posting a 24-24-1 record, .911 save percentage and 2.61 GAA with Utica. The talented Eriksson figures to assume at least a timeshare at the AHL level again this season, and could get an opportunity with the Canucks if injury strikes the goalie ranks. He's still developing, and with another strong showing at Utica, the 2015-16 campaign could mark his breakthrough to the NHL club.