2005 record: 42-32-8 (92 points)
2005 offense rank: 12th (3.07 goals per game)
2005 defense rank: T-14th (3.06 goals allowed per game)
Key Additions: G Roberto Luongo, RW Jan Bulis, D Lukas Krajicek
Key Losses: RW Todd Bertuzzi, D Keith Carney, RW Anson Carter, G Dan Cloutier, D Ed Jovanovski
Overview: After a disappointing 2005 season, the Vancouver Canucks made wholesale changes to their roster during the offseason. Standout defenseman Jovanovski and leading goal scorer Carter were not re-signed, and troubled RW Bertuzzi was dealt to Florida for G Luongo. Carter led the team with 33 goals and was a mainstay on the power play, and his absence will definitely hurt the Canucks offense. The loss of Jovanovski weakens an already thin defensive corps, and the Canucks are hoping that Luongo can step into the net and make up for the Canucks' defensive deficiencies. Luongo is widely considered one of the top goalies in the world, and he will be put to the test early and often this season. D Sami Salo was injured for a good part of the 2005 season and the Canucks are hoping he can stay healthy.
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WagerWeb.com odds: +2500 to win the Stanley Cup
Players to Watch: Luongo is now the main man in Vancouver and needs to play huge every night. With the loss of Bertuzzi and Carter, more of the scoring load will fall on the Sedin twins (Henrik and Daniel), who need to score more than the 42 total goals they put up last season.
Outlook: With a shaky defensive unit and a depleted offense, it will be up to Luongo to carry the Canucks this season. Many sportsbooks are projecting Vancouver will finish near the bottom of the Northwest Division this season and miss the playoffs once again. Unless Vancouver can quickly find some more scoring and shore up its defense, NHL betting fans may be wise to stay away from the Canucks.
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