Top Five at 15: The Canucks’ Top Five Performers In The First Half Of December 2024

Welcome back to another instalment of Top Five at 15/30. Last time, we looked at the Canucks’ top performers from November 15 to 30. This time, we’ll be looking at the best performances from players throughout the first half of December. Here are the top five Canucks for December 1 to 15.

5. Max Sasson

Most notable game: December 12 vs. Florida Panthers

Points since the 1st: 1G, 2A in 7GP

Max Sasson’s “career game” may have come in Thursday night’s matchup against the Florida Panthers, but the undrafted forward has been solid throughout his time with the Canucks. Though Saturday’s game against the Boston Bruins went poorly, he managed to net his first NHL goal. He’s tied for sixth on the team in blocks since the start of the month and has cemented himself a spot in the lineup despite being sent down and called up three for cap relief since December 1. In the past seven games, he has a goals-for percentage of 50.00% and an expected goals-for percentage of 47.12%.

4. Teddy Blueger

Most notable game: For reasons other than his play, December 10 vs. St. Louis Blues

Points since the 1st: 3A in 7GP

The skills Teddy Blueger supplies the team with often fall under the radar, as he’s not typically known for putting up a lot of points. He is, however, relied on for situations such as locking up the middle of the ice and supporting whoever ends up on his wings. Since December 1, Blueger has taken 89 faceoffs, putting him third on the team in draws taken after Elias Pettersson and Pius Suter. He has won 52.8% of the faceoffs he has taken, with 62 of these faceoffs coming in the defensive zone. His biggest win, however, may be the six-figure 50/50 jackpot that his mom scored in Vancouver’s matchup against St. Louis.

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3. Elias Pettersson

Most notable game: December 10 vs. St. Louis Blues

Points since the 1st: 1G, 7A in 7GP

Elias Pettersson has quietly had a steady stretch of games for Vancouver while taking on both offensive and defensive responsibilities in the absence of J.T. Miller. He has taken the most faceoffs on the team since December 1, having been called in to take 118 draws. At the same time, he is tied for second on the team in points since the start of the month with a goal and seven assists.

2. Jake DeBrusk

Most notable game: December 1 vs. Detroit Red Wings

Points since the 1st: 7G, 1A in 7GP

Jake DeBrusk is currently averaging a goal per game, having scored seven times in the past seven games. He has scored in every game since December 1 except for the Canucks’ loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning. The start of the month was fruitful for him, as he registered his first hat trick as a member of the Canucks in a Sunday morning matinee against Detroit. He has put up the team lead in shots since the first with 25 in seven games and is currently tied for second in points accumulated throughout this period with eight.

1. Quinn Hughes

Most notable game: December 6 vs. Columbus Blue Jackets

Points since the 1st: 2G, 7A in 7GP

Previously, I had mentioned not including Quinn Hughes on these lists due to the fact that he’ll be on them every week — but honestly, this team wouldn’t be nearly the same without him, so consider this a “Quinn Hughes and the top-four” column moving forward. Hughes leads the team in a plethora of stats other than points and assists (though, he leads in those as well). In the past seven games, he leads the team in corsi-for percentage with 58.87%, goals-for with 17, expected goals-for with 12.13, high-danger scoring chances with 48, and many more.