It’s very curious that a team that lacks depth at center amidst a season of locker-room strife acquired an aging winger with a reputation for wearing out his welcome. Maybe the Canucks did try and get help, but their efforts bore no fruit in a crucial moment of the franchise’s trajectory.

Even if Elias Pettersson returns with a strong campaign, even if Thatcher Demko managed to stay healthy, the future of the Canucks lies in Quinn Hughes, who has one year left remaining on his six-year deal before becoming an unrestricted free agent. Hughes’ status will cast a cloud no matter how well the Canucks fare this season, though it goes without saying that a successful campaign – playoffs at the very least, and perhaps winning a round or two – will be the most convincing argument the Canucks can make for their captain to stay.

Drop a comment and share your perspective.