2025-26 Prediction Thread

[donlever]

Why the change?

Anything specific.

[donlever]

Forwards:

So, if I am reading the tea leaves correctly here.

With Hoglander out until mid-December, we assume our lineup looks like this...

DeBrusk EP Brock
Kane Chytil Garland
X X X
O'Connor Bleuger Sherwood

...we thus have 3 holes to fill.

6 players are currently in play to slot into the openings.

Sasson - waiver exempt
Cootes - waiver exempt
Lekkerimaki- waiver exempt
Raty - waivers
Bains - waivers
Karlsson- waivers

Raty is in, no way we risk him to waivers (as he would be picked up) and his skill in the faceoff circle is best on squad.

Time to shine for Atu.

Sasson I believe goes down if only because he is exempt and it clears a body. He will see NHL play this year clearly though.

That leaves 4.

Bains...meh, imo if we lose him we lose him, he is not long term roi positive.

So 3 guys, 2 spots.

I think Lekkerimaki makes the team.

So, Karlsson or Cootes.

[rats19]

I’d say Cootes has the mental game and is strong enough to take the spot.. imho

Trevor Lindonish if you will

[donlever]

I’d say Cootes has the mental game and is strong enough to take the spot.. imho

I see more Kes in him but yeah, I get it.

..so if true, and it may well be, we are willing to risk Linus, who has not had a stellar camp or pre-season BUT was good in the Calder run last year for Abby and showed some positive, lower 6 role filling skills in the show last year.

[rats19]

I’d say Cootes has the mental game and is strong enough to take the spot.. imho

I see more Kes in him but yeah, I get it.

..so if true, and it may well be, we are willing to risk Linus, who has not had a stellar camp or pre-season BUT was good in the Calder run last year for Abby and showed some positive, lower 6 role filling skills in the show last year.

My linden reference was more to the 18 yr old making the team straight out.. not style of play

[Cousin Strawberry]

He makes those savy little passes to break out under the forecheck that most teenagers do not except for the odd top 5 pick (like a celebrini for instance)

If his 18 yr old body can hold up and his energy doesn't wane, what a phenomenal pick @15 he will . I imagine that pick was offered around the league and those GMs that opted out will soon come to regret that missed opportunity.

[donlever]

So rats, your decision is to waive and risk losing Karlsson then correct?

Cuz, he seems to have a little early chemistry with Lekkerimaki which is clearly a bonus.

Pre-season and obviously early yet but it is nice to be having this type of discussion at the very least.

[rats19]

So rats, your decision is to waive and risk losing Karlsson then correct?

Cuz, he seems to have a little early chemistry with Lekkerimaki which is clearly a bonus.

Pre-season and obviously early yet but it is nice to be having this type of discussion at the very least.

It was a karlsson or Cootes question I thought.. I’d choose Cootes

However playing his max games then shipping back to Seattle may be the smartest move.

[2Fingers]

I see a playoff team and once there I can see this team going out in the 1st round or making it the conference finals. Not sure if they are good enough to get to the finals unless Demko/Lankinen are lights out.

I don't see not having a proven #2 C at the start of the season will hurt the team, I see opportunities for others to step in and contribute. I hope to see some youth make it and add to the depth.

I am excited more today than I have in the last 10 years and I don't know how to handle that. Since the Sedin days I have had my heart broken time and time again by this team and I am prepare to have disaster occur again this year. After all isn't that what being a Canuck fan is all about?

I also want to shove it to TSN and SN to see the Canucks go further than Toronto, this would be the ultimate winning season.

[Tciso]

If Aman clears , then send Bains down asap, as they are interchangeable parts, and redundant. If we really need to, we can send both Willander and DPete downs to get to 23. Personally ,I’d love to see Cootes get his 9 games, and then the next guy up from Abby

[theman]

If the Canucks stay healthy, they make the playoffs, probably third in their division. I can’t decide if they are likely to win a round or two.

Their D and goaltending is top tier. Think their forwards will be mid of the pack and be just good enough.

[Tciso]

If the Canucks stay healthy, they make the playoffs, probably third in their division. I can’t decide if they are likely to win a round or two.

Their D and goaltending is top tier. Think their forwards will be mid of the pack and be just good enough.

That's sn OK place to be. We likely need another forward, but they are easier to find than goalies and dmen.

[Cornuck]

Just a reminder - 2025 Corner Hockey Pool is OPEN - SIGNUP

[Cornuck]

So only 12% think we'll miss the playoffs. Of course, anything can happen, and injuries will play a role like with any team.

I'm looking forward to the start of the new season and seeing some progress again.

[donlever]

To be fair 24% stated all the way.

So there is that.

Canuck fan surveys should be asterisked.