Looking ahead to what the Vancouver Canucks opening night lineup could look like to start the 2024-25 regular season.

The best way to describe July 1, 2024, was chaotic. NHL teams spent over a billion dollars on contracts, with over 180 players getting new deals. As for the Vancouver Canucks, they were not quiet, signing seven players on the first day of free agency. With this in mind, here is a preview of what the Canucks opening night 23-man roster for the 2024-25 regular season could look like based on Vancouver's free-agent signings. 

Forwards:

Starting with the forward group, the Canucks added three players who should feature on the opening night roster. According to GM Patrik Allvin, the plan is to have Jake Debrusk start next to Elias Pettersson, which gives Vancouver's superstar center a proven goal scorer on the wing. As for the other winger, that will most likely be Nils Höglander, thanks to his already built-in chemistry with Pettersson.

The other significant change is down the lineup, where Kiefer Sherwood and Danton Heinen could help form the Canucks fourth line alongside Vasily Podkolzin. Both players have some offensive upside to their game and could see time higher up in the lineup throughout the season. Both Heinen and Sherwood's additions should give Vancouver a more balanced lineup, with all four lines being able to produce consistently. 

Defence:

With the loss of Ian Cole and Nikita Zadorov, the Canucks blue line will look a little different next season. The top two pairs will stay the same, with the third pair now being made up of Derek Forbort and Vincent Desharnais. Both of Vancouver's new additions play a physical game and are projected to see significant time on the penalty kill. 

Goaltenders:

The goaltending picture is a little foggy at the moment, but as of right now, it is projected that the Canucks to enter the season with Thatcher Demko and Artūrs Šilovs as their goaltending duo. Šilovs, who is a restricted free agent, still needs a contract, but that should be sorted out as the summer progresses. It is also projected that new signing Jiří Patera will start the season with the Abbotsford Canucks, but as he is on a two-way contract, he could be called up in case of injury.

Ultimately, Vancouver did a good job of building a deep roster ahead of the 2024-25 season. Allvin and his team were able to bring in some speedy forwards while also maintaining physicality on the blue line. Fans' first opportunity to see this new lineup live will be on October 9, 2024, when the Canucks host the Calgary Flames. 

Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more.

BREAKING: Canucks Sign Vincent Desharnais To A Two-Year Contract

Familiar Faces, New Places; A Look At Where Former Canucks Signed On The First Day Of Free Agency

BREAKING: Canucks Sign Nate Smith To A Two-Way Contract

BREAKING: Canucks Sign Jiri Patera To A Two-Year Contract

BREAKING: Canucks Sign Derek Forbort To A One-Year Contract

BREAKING: Canucks Sign Kiefer Sherwood To A Two-Year Contract

BREAKING: Canucks Sign Danton Heinen To Two-Year Contract

BREAKING: Canucks Sign Jake DeBrusk To Seven-Year Deal