Finally, there’s hope in the market.
Not just, “oh look, this rookie could be really good” kind of hope (although that does exist with Quinn Hughes). We’re talking about real, legitimate playoff aspirations for a team with the third longest playoff drought in hockey.
Elias Pettersson burst onto the scene in 2018-19 as the best rookie in the NHL. He now leads a promising nucleus of young players who now hope to lead the Vancouver Canucks back to the playoffs. Jim Benning did bolster the line-up through signings and trades. Even if there are questions about some of the prices he paid, this team is better on paper than it was last season.