Upcoming 2013-2014 Vancouver Canucks Season

Hello Canucks fans, the 2013-2014 hockey season is quickly approaching.  While it has been a major disappointment over the past couple of seasons, 2013 is a new season for the club.  For the first time in seven years, there is a new voice behind the bench.  His name is John Tortorella.  You may have heard of him... in a real negative tone...

Torts brings his brash personality and spark into the Canucks dressing room.  He brings with him a Stanley Cup Ring that he won with the Tampa Bay Lightning back in 2004.  Glen Gulutzan and Mike Sullivan round out the new assistants on his staff.  He is expected to help the Canucks get over the hump and win the elusive Stanley Cup.

Back to the old...

The goalie controversy was the highlight of the 2012-2013 season for the Vancouver Canucks.  Canucks management made their decision this offseason and decided to go with Roberto Luongo over Cory Schneider.  It was a tough pill to swallow, as Luongo's contract was deemed immovable by ownership.  Trading Schneider helped the Canucks restock the prospect pool as they were able to obtain a top 10 pick in the 2013 NHL Draft with which they selected Bo Horvat of the London Knights. 

Youth movement

The Canucks decided to retool this offseason.  The club locked up some key free agents like Chris Tanev, Andrew Alberts, and Dale Weise.  The Canucks were able to acquire Brad Richardson, Yannick Weber, and Mike Santorelli from the thin 2013 NHL free agent class.  Being under cap constraints, the Canucks did not make a huge free agent splash this offseason.  The new players brought in for this season are depth maneuvers.

Training camp

Camp is among us and the NHL season is merely weeks away.  There are still holes in the lineup that need to be filled.  Canucks prospects Jordan Schroeder, Bo Horvat, Brendan Gaunce, Nicklas Jensen, Frank Corrado, and Hunter Shinkaruk will have a close eye from coaches and management.  The competition will be fierce as there is no more than three spots to be filled.  It will be interesting to see who makes the best impressions during training camp.

HOCKEY IS BACK!

Sharpen your skates, tape your sticks, and put your pads on.  This upcoming Canucks season will be one of the most entertaining in recent memory.  How do you think the team will respond with a new voice behind the bench?  Will they be able to overcome their recent history of playoff failures.

Coming up next... Pacific Division preview!
Until next time, stay classy. -George