The Canucks were mathematically eliminated from the playoffs a few days… weeks… or something ago. I don’t even know anymore. Realistically, they never had much of a shot.

It’s the second time in three years that the Canucks have missed the playoffs. On the whole, though, this side of the millennium has been pretty kind to Vancouver. So, basically, it’s all about perspective. Maybe things aren’t as bad as they seem?

Assuming that’s the case, I asked the Canucks Army staff what their silver lining’s been in an otherwise bleak and dreary season.

The growth of the Canucks prospects, providing a glimmer of hope for the future of the franchise. The emergence of players like Ben Hutton and Sven Baertschi prove that even in a year where there’s nothing much to cheer for, the young guys are still playing for jobs. Also, a crappy year means a great pick to add to the pool of prospects, and seeing players like Demko and Boeser achieve in college, it’s at least light at the end of the tunnel.

The high pick at the end, and the (hopefully) shrinking leash for this management group.

My silver lining for this season is that they all tried their best and had fun! Also, even when they’re slumping and not winning, it’s nice to always watch the Sedins play and I want to enjoy that as long as they’re around.

I like the look of this Shinkaruk kid. He might actually turn into a player. And Corrado really took a step up.

If we actually get the first pick that would top anything else; but seeing the emergence of Ben Hutton and the revamped Sven Baertschi has been quite satisfying. The goaltending hasn’t been awful but when you have no one to keep it out of the zone it will definitely get blamed.

All in all, we’ve learned we are ok with losing as long as there is a carrot at the end.

I gotta say, I’ve been really impressed with the way Ben Hutton is coming along. He’s eating huge minutes as a first-year professional and keeping his head above water, for the most part.

I knew Hutton was a good prospect. Didn’t think he could be this good this quick. I wouldn’t be surprised in the slightest if Hutton is a mainstay in the Canucks top four for years to come. A rebuilding team like the Canucks could use a few of those.

Honourable mention for Jake Virtanen, whose two-way game is hugely encouraging for a player of his age.