Docs Website

53 Years Strong! A Trusted Leader In Sports Picks, Best Bets and Predictions Since 1971.

Main Menu

2024-25 Vancouver Canucks Predictions and Odds to Win Stanley Cup Finals

by Ryan Cobbett - 10/2/2024

Vancouver Canucks predictions Thatcher Demko

Last season was a wild one for the Vancouver Canucks, as they far exceeded expectations and quickly became the biggest surprise team in the NHL. Their 44 regulation wins were tied for the second most in the NHL, and they secured the Pacific Division as they finished with 109 points. They entered the postseason with high expectations, before two goalie injuries cut down their chances. They managed to sneak past Nashville in the first round, but they ultimately met their match in the second round and were eliminated by the Edmonton Oilers in seven games.

The Canucks ranked sixth in the NHL in scoring, as they averaged 3.40 GF/G, but their special teams were just average. They finished with a PP% of 22.6% and their PK% was 79.1%, both ranking in the middle of the league. J.T. Miller led the team with 103 points, which also put him inside the Top 10 in the league. Behind Miller was blueliner Quinn Hughes, who finished with 92 points and a team leading 75 assists. At 92 points, Hughes ranked first among defensemen in the league, and his 75 assists ranked fourth in the NHL. Elias Pettersson tallied 89 points on 34 goals and 55 assists, while Brock Boeser rounded out the top four on the team with 73 points and a team leading 40 goals.

Vancouver also had strong goaltending, which really catapulted them forward. The Canucks ranked sixth in the NHL in GA/G, allowing 2.70 GA/G on a .909 SV%. Thatcher Demko had an unreal year last season, allowing 2.45 GA/G, which ranked fifth in the NHL, while also ranking third in the league with a .918 SV%. Casey DeSmith was reliable as Demko’s backup, as the veteran netminder allowed just 2.89 GA/G. Arturs Silovs was the third netminder to appear for the Canucks as the youngster appeared in just four games, allowing just 2.47 GA/G.

Doc’s Sports offers NHL expert picks for every game on our hockey predictions page.

Seasons come and go, so now it’s time to take a look at what we can expect from the Vancouver Canucks in 2024-25:

Vancouver Canucks Key Additions/Losses

The Canucks traded away three role pieces in Ilya Mikheyev (31 points), Sam Lafferty (24 points), and Vasily Podkolzin (two points/19 games). Backup netminder Casey DeSmith left for Dallas, while Ian Cole (11 points), Nikita Zadorov (20 points), and Elias Lindholm (44 points) have also moved on to new teams.

Though losing their rentals in Lindholm and Zadorov hurts, they brought in Jake DeBrusk (40 points) to fill the hole. The Canucks also did a good job in replacing DeSmith, as they brought in Kevin Lankinen, who posted similar numbers in a backup role with the Nashville Predators last season. Vancouver also added veteran blueliners Derek Forbort (four points) and Vincent Desharnais (11 points) while also adding veteran forwards in Danton Heinen (36 points), Kiefer Sherwood (27 points), and Daniel Sprong (43 points).

Vancouver Canucks X-Factors

Thatcher Demko’s Health- While Arturs Silovs did well in the postseason, and Kevin Lankinen has been a solid goalie two over the last few years, the Canucks need Demko to perform the same way he did last season, even after suffering the lingering knee injury.

Depth- While the Vancouver roster still features guys like Elias Pettersson, Quinn Hughes, Brock Boeser, J.T. Miller, and now Jake DeBrusk, the depth will be key for the Canucks success. First and foremost, Boeser and Miller are coming off of career years last season, which makes you wonder if the established veterans have reached new heights in their career or last season was just a one off. Dakota Joshua (32 points), Kiefer Sherwood (27 points), and Danton Heinen (36 points) are other examples of Canucks players who put up abnormal production. If all of these skaters repeat their success, then Vancouver should be able to compete with Edmonton for the top spot in the Pacific. If not, then Vancouver will take a huge step back.

Vancouver Canucks Goalie Outlook

As mentioned, the success of this goalie group begins and ends with Demko’s ability to deal with his lingering knee issues and perform well. Kevin Lankinen was solid during his time in Nashville, as he allowed 2.79 GA/G over his two years there. Arturs Silovs, though rushed into action, was actually quite impressive in the postseason for the Canucks. He appeared in 10 playoff games last season, allowing just 2.91 GA/G against the likes of Nashville and Edmonton. Both of those guys could eat up some games and allow for Vancouver to remain competitive, but the Canucks need Demko back in the net for 40-50 starts and post numbers similar to his season last year.

Grade: B

Vancouver Canucks Key Schedule Stretch

March 5th-March 18th- This is a quick 13 day stretch for Vancouver that could end up being a crucial part of their schedule. First and foremost, this stretch is after the trade deadline, which means we will see how Vancouver looks after any additions they make. There are eight games in this two-week period, seven of which are on home ice and only three of them are against other playoff caliber teams. The stretch starts with a four-game homestand against Anaheim, Minnesota, Dallas, and Montreal before they head to Calgary for a game. Vancouver will then return home for three games against Chicago, Utah, and Winnipeg. The weaker opposition in this stretch should allow the Canucks to not only add to their point total, but it could allow them to get hot at just the right time as the season enters the final stretch of games.

Vancouver Canucks Notable Odds

Stanley Cup Champions: +2300

Conference Winner: +1100

Division Winner: +430

Vezina Trophy- Thatcher Demko: +1000

Hart Trophy- Quinn Hughes: +4000

Hart Trophy- Elias Pettersson: +7000

Vancouver Canucks Prediction

While I don’t think the Canucks are going to be able to repeat what they did last season, I think they will still be a playoff team and should be able to lock up a guaranteed spot in the Pacific Division. They are still a step ahead of both Vegas and Los Angeles. And if their depth pieces can produce as they did from a season ago, the Canucks will be competitive with Edmonton. This Canucks team will reach the 100-point mark again if Demko remains healthy. There is some value at +430 for the Canucks to win the Pacific Division if they can repeat their regular season success and/or Edmonton has a few setbacks. Regardless, Vancouver should find themselves in the playoff picture and will once again be a tough out, especially if Demko is in the crease for the entirety of the postseason.

Over 96.5 Team Total Points

Get NHL picks on every single game, or if you want our very best bet premium picks by the experts, sign up for your free $60 account with a guarantee.

 

Most Recent Hockey Handicapping

One E-mail A Week Is All You Need!
Our weekly newsletter is loaded with exclusive free picks,insight and advice from our expert handicappers