THN Predicts Canucks To Repeat As Pacific Division Champs

According to Adam Proteau, the Vancouver Canucks will win the Pacific Division.

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An offseason filled with solid forward depth signings and players getting healthy, the Canucks are primed to challenge for a second straight division title. Proteau does mention that a lot of the Canucks success hinges on the health of star goalie Thatcher Demko.

"We severely underestimated the Canucks last season, and we're not making that mistake again. If Vancouver has star goalie Thatcher Demko healthy and thriving, the Canucks are going to be one of the best teams in the league," Proteau wrote. "But even if Demko is sidelined again by nagging injuries, there's a great deal to like about Vancouver."

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The Edmonton Oilers seem to be the biggest challenger to the Canucks, and Proteau ranks them second. The reigning Western Conference Champions have had a strong summer but are dealing with their injury issues in Evander Kane.

Edmonton also lost two solid young players, Dylan Holloway and Philip Broberg, to the St. Louis Blues via offer sheets.

"Only one other team in the Western Conference – the Edmonton Oilers, who we'll discuss below – has the all-around excellence that Vancouver has, and we'd argue the Canucks have a better group on defense and between the pipes," Proteau writes. "Those factors are what Vancouver will use to win the Pacific and do great damage in the Stanley Cup Playoffs."