*Regular Season Finish: 3rd in Western Conference’*Postseason Finish: Eliminated in Western Conference Semifinals’
The main story in 2009 for Vancouver Canucks was the destination of the Sedin twins. Contract discussions had stalled during the season, and it was decided to wait until the offseason before renewing negotiations. Once free agency arrived, all parties were aware that the Sedins would be one of the most highly coveted assets on the market, so it was of the utmost importance to the Canucks organization to make sure the twins were brought back into the fold as quickly as possible.
Fortunately for the Canucks, the Sedins were signed to five year deals worth $30.5 million apiece, basically assuring their place as the centerpieces of the franchise for the near future. With the Sedin twins up front and Roberto Luongo in net, the Canucks have quietly put together a very solid team from top to bottom. Adding to their offensive capabilities in 2009-10 will be Swedish winger Mikael Samuelsson]], who earned his first big paycheck with a number of solid seasons in Detroit, including the Stanley Cup championship season in 2007-08.
On defense, the Canucks still look as if they could potentially be making upgrades. Mattias Ohlund, who was the longest serving member of the team prior to his departure, signed with the Florida Panthers in the offseason, leaving a hole on the Canucks’ blueline that will need to be filled before the season starts. Ohlund had 25 points for the Canucks last season, along with 105 penalty minutes, as the physical Swede ate up over 21 minutes of ice time a game. Replacing a veteran presence like Ohlund won’t be easy, but Tomas Kaberle’s name has been circling around the organization for nearly a month now. The question seems to be whether or not Vancouver will be willing to give up top prospect Cody Hodgson in return for the talented puck mover from Toronto, as former Vancouver GM Brian Burke refuses to give up Kaberle for anything less than a top caliber forward.
The Canucks also signed Andrew Raycroft to a one year deal after allowing former backup Curtis Sanford to walk away unsigned. One final question that has not yet been answered is the destination of Mats Sundin, who joined the Canucks midway through the season last year. If Sundin can be convinced to stay, it will give the Canucks another significant scoring threat, but will also eat up a serious portion of their cap space.