Memo to the Vancouver Canucks: somebody check Brayden Point. And keep an eye on Nikita Kucherov, too. I suppose the message is a little late, considering the Canucks <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/news/statsies-aatu-raty-over-80-xgf-vancouver-canucks-loss-lightning">won’t see Tampa Bay again until next season</a>. But the Bolts jolted the Canucks on Sunday, leaving fans in these parts wondering if the home team will ever again string consecutive victories together at Rogers Arena. Their next chance to start a streak comes Tuesday against St. Louis. 
To help fill a few moments of time between now and then, it’s time for another edition of the Monday Mailbag. You have questions, we try our best to answer. So here we go.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
How would you split the Demko/Lankinen starts rest of season?
&mdash; JB Canucks Podcast (@JbCanucksPod) <a href="https://twitter.com/JbCanucksPod/status/1865617962792857986?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
I figured it made perfect sense to start with a Thatcher Demko question since we all expect he will return to the crease on Tuesday against the Blues. It’s important to recognize that he’s not coming back to be the main man right away. And he conceded as much late last week. He gave Kevin Lankinen the credit he deserves and said Lankinen’s performance to date makes it easier for Demko to ease his way back. If it were my call, I would get Demko a few starts between now and Christmas and see how he feels. Between Christmas and the 4-Nations Face Off, I’d likely make it more of an equal job share constantly monitoring and taking stock of Demko’s progression. And, if all is well, then out of the February stoppage, I would ramp Demko up to be the starter for the stretch run and playoffs. It’s important to continue to give Lankinen starts, but ultimately it’s about Demko hitting his peak form in March and April so that he’s ready for a postseason run. There are 56 regular season games remaining, under this plan, Lankinen may actually play more of the games left on the schedule, but Demko would see the bulk of the starts over the final six weeks.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
Danton Heinen has been fine this year, but doesn’t seem to be working out as management expected. Is he a candidate to be dumped at the deadline for a mid round pick (like Curtis Lazar a few years ago) if he continues to play as he is?
&mdash; Chris (@cjwally) <a href="https://twitter.com/cjwally/status/1865462620222017678?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Danton Heinen is hard to figure out. As you said, he’s been fine. But is that enough? If he’s judged against where he started the season (in the top six with JT Miller and Brock Boeser), then he’s been a massive disappointment as he’s plummeted to the fourth line and has gone 15 games without a goal and nine games without a point. However, if he’s graded as a guy who was on a PTO not that long ago, then he’s been an adequate bottom six winger who has added some penalty killing utility. And actually, the Canucks have managed to outscore their opponents 14-12 at 5-on-5 with Heinen on the ice, so while very little is happening around him these days, he’s not hurting the hockey club. That said, he’s making $2.25M, and you’d certainly like to see more of a bottom line. The hope was the Langley product would be energized signing with his hometown team and provide something in the neighbourhood of the 17 goals he scored last season in Boston. That feels like a stretch at this stage. So with that in mind, it’s not out of the question that management could see this is a piece to move for a pick or as a piece to make the money work in a larger deal later in the season.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
Do you think the Canucks will re-sign any pending UFAs in-season?
&mdash; CSWC Andy (@CswcAndy) <a href="https://twitter.com/CswcAndy/status/1865484471824535838?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
They certainly have a big decision to make with Brock Boeser. Beyond that, Pius Suter, Kevin Lankinen, Noah Juulsen and Derek Forbort are on expiring contracts (while Erik Brännström is a pending RFA with arbitration rights). So there are certainly candidates. Lankinen and Brännström are both on one year contracts so neither is eligible for an extension until January 1st. That said, yes, I think this management group has shown a proclivity to get its financial house in order and cost certainty is always an asset. So I don’t know who’ll get an in-season extension, but I do think the Canucks will sign one of their pending UFAs before the season is through. Boeser is going to be tricky more on term than the money and both Suter and Lankinen are setting themselves up for raises (see below). So maybe they lock up Juulsen to an extension to ensure defensive depth with a premium on right shot blueliners.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
Assuming Suter finishes with 25 goals and continues functioning as this teams Army Knife (yes, purposefully avoiding the redundancy), what does his next contract look like?
&mdash; Jay (@TheHeartPlumber) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheHeartPlumber/status/1865475736053878872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Why do I feel like Nashville is waiting to offer contract year Suter a five-year deal worth $20 million on the open market? And if not the Predators, perhaps the Calgary Flames or Anaheim Ducks. Somebody will step up if he continues to score at the rate he is. The Canucks have to be careful about overspending on a very handy player who is off to an incredible start to the season. Suter is a coach’s dream. As low maintenance as they come and about as versatile, too. Suter turns 29 in May. He’s been a consistent 15-goal, 30 point guy wherever he’s played. This season has all the hallmarks of a contract year bump that teams have to be wary of. That said, if Suter remains productive and one of the team’s top penalty killers, he’s going to be able to command a three or four year deal worth north of $10M. I could easily see a team going three years at $3.5M. The question is would the Canucks be willing to step up at that level? 
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-135438 size-full" src="https://publish.canucksarmy.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/12/Screenshot-2024-12-08-at-7.49.35 PM.png" alt="" width="1194" height="326" srcset="https://publish.canucksarmy.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/12/Screenshot-2024-12-08-at-7.49.35 PM.png 1194w, https://publish.canucksarmy.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/12/Screenshot-2024-12-08-at-7.49.35 PM-300x82.png 300w, https://publish.canucksarmy.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/12/Screenshot-2024-12-08-at-7.49.35 PM-1024x280.png 1024w, https://publish.canucksarmy.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/12/Screenshot-2024-12-08-at-7.49.35 PM-768x210.png 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1194px) 100vw, 1194px" />
I’ve seen this question asked in a number of places. I think there are a couple of things at play. One is that the player has to agree to a minor league assignment and I don’t know if that’s something that interests Thatcher Demko. By practicing with the Canucks, he is facing National Hockey League shooters and while practice can’t replicate game action, the AHL can’t offer him a chance to face the best players in the world. Now, would he benefit from being in a competitive environment after being out of game action for seven months? That seems like a legitimate question. However, the AHL may not offer the same benefits for a goaltender that a skater would reap by getting his heart rate up and blood pumping in game action. For obvious reasons, the AHL is not nearly as skilled as the NHL and perhaps for that reason, it isn’t the grand plan that many believe it would be. Plus, have you seen the cost of gas these days? Driving all the way to the Fraser Valley and back? Forget about it.
<blockquote class="bluesky-embed" data-bluesky-uri="at://did:plc:3dqkwlzxk5yrrxwxwfvwchmb/app.bsky.feed.post/3lcqeuaa7ck2w" data-bluesky-cid="bafyreiecztjj7rrdbh5awfvizajzvzg43awtqifght3jkanu3sm7iwuvne">
What is Canucks record when wearing the black skate jersey? It seems they usually come out flat when they wear it (like CBJ game &#8211; 2 shots in first period &#8211; what the…?) and often lose (unlike CBJ game). I like it but am starting to dread seeing it.
&mdash; <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:3dqkwlzxk5yrrxwxwfvwchmb?ref_src=embed"> (@toestubbins.bsky.social)</a> <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:3dqkwlzxk5yrrxwxwfvwchmb/post/3lcqeuaa7ck2w?ref_src=embed">2024-12-07T18:57:35.945Z</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://embed.bsky.app/static/embed.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
The Canucks are just 2-3-1 in the six games so far this season in the Black Skate jersey. However, they are a nearly identical 2-3-2 when decked out in traditional blue. So maybe they need to try something bolder like pink polka dots. Or maybe the jersey colour doesn’t matter if no one is willing to defend the front of the net at Rogers Arena. The Canucks will wear black again on Tuesday against St. Louis. And then they’ll shelve the alternate threads for the remainder of the homestand. But they’ll be back again for games on December 21st against Ottawa, December 23rd against San Jose and December 28th when Seattle comes to town. I’m saying if the team isn’t 6-3-1 in the Black Skates by the end of December, then they ought to do away with them altogether. Of course, it’s quite possible that the Black Skates will look much better with JT Miller and Thatcher Demko wearing them here in short order.
<h2>PRESENTED BY GREAT CLIPS</h2>
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-161242 alignnone" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2099/02/54669-002-GC-Logo-727x404-CA3.jpg" alt="" width="727" height="404" />
<a href="https://www.greatclips.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Great Clips</a>, the world’s largest hair salon brand, is a 100% franchised company with more than 150 hair salons across Canada that are owned and operated by Canadians. Great Clips prides itself on making it easy for customers to get a great haircut at a great price at a time and place that’s convenient for them. They’ve also made it easy for customers to make Great Clips their hair salon of choice with services like <a href="https://www.greatclips.com/online-check-in" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Online Check-In</a> and <a href="https://www.greatclips.com/clip-notes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Clip Notes®</a>. From bobs and layers to kids’ haircuts, bald fades and more, Great Clips has a look that’s great for you.

Jeff Paterson's weekly Vancouver Canucks mailbag.

Memo to the Vancouver Canucks: somebody check Brayden Point. And keep an eye on Nikita Kucherov, too. I suppose the message is a little late, considering the Canucks <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/news/statsies-aatu-raty-over-80-xgf-vancouver-canucks-loss-lightning">won’t see Tampa Bay again until next season</a>. But the Bolts jolted the Canucks on Sunday, leaving fans in these parts wondering if the home team will ever again string consecutive victories together at Rogers Arena. Their next chance to start a streak comes Tuesday against St. Louis. 

To help fill a few moments of time between now and then, it’s time for another edition of the Monday Mailbag. You have questions, we try our best to answer. So here we go.

https://twitter.com/JbCanucksPod/status/1865617962792857986

I figured it made perfect sense to start with a Thatcher Demko question since we all expect he will return to the crease on Tuesday against the Blues. It’s important to recognize that he’s not coming back to be the main man right away. And he conceded as much late last week. He gave Kevin Lankinen the credit he deserves and said Lankinen’s performance to date makes it easier for Demko to ease his way back. If it were my call, I would get Demko a few starts between now and Christmas and see how he feels. Between Christmas and the 4-Nations Face Off, I’d likely make it more of an equal job share constantly monitoring and taking stock of Demko’s progression. And, if all is well, then out of the February stoppage, I would ramp Demko up to be the starter for the stretch run and playoffs. It’s important to continue to give Lankinen starts, but ultimately it’s about Demko hitting his peak form in March and April so that he’s ready for a postseason run. There are 56 regular season games remaining, under this plan, Lankinen may actually play more of the games left on the schedule, but Demko would see the bulk of the starts over the final six weeks.

https://twitter.com/cjwally/status/1865462620222017678

Danton Heinen is hard to figure out. As you said, he’s been fine. But is that enough? If he’s judged against where he started the season (in the top six with JT Miller and Brock Boeser), then he’s been a massive disappointment as he’s plummeted to the fourth line and has gone 15 games without a goal and nine games without a point. However, if he’s graded as a guy who was on a PTO not that long ago, then he’s been an adequate bottom six winger who has added some penalty killing utility. And actually, the Canucks have managed to outscore their opponents 14-12 at 5-on-5 with Heinen on the ice, so while very little is happening around him these days, he’s not hurting the hockey club. That said, he’s making $2.25M, and you’d certainly like to see more of a bottom line. The hope was the Langley product would be energized signing with his hometown team and provide something in the neighbourhood of the 17 goals he scored last season in Boston. That feels like a stretch at this stage. So with that in mind, it’s not out of the question that management could see this is a piece to move for a pick or as a piece to make the money work in a larger deal later in the season.

https://twitter.com/CswcAndy/status/1865484471824535838

They certainly have a big decision to make with Brock Boeser. Beyond that, Pius Suter, Kevin Lankinen, Noah Juulsen and Derek Forbort are on expiring contracts (while Erik Brännström is a pending RFA with arbitration rights). So there are certainly candidates. Lankinen and Brännström are both on one year contracts so neither is eligible for an extension until January 1st. That said, yes, I think this management group has shown a proclivity to get its financial house in order and cost certainty is always an asset. So I don’t know who’ll get an in-season extension, but I do think the Canucks will sign one of their pending UFAs before the season is through. Boeser is going to be tricky more on term than the money and both Suter and Lankinen are setting themselves up for raises (see below). So maybe they lock up Juulsen to an extension to ensure defensive depth with a premium on right shot blueliners.

https://twitter.com/TheHeartPlumber/status/1865475736053878872

Why do I feel like Nashville is waiting to offer contract year Suter a five-year deal worth $20 million on the open market? And if not the Predators, perhaps the Calgary Flames or Anaheim Ducks. Somebody will step up if he continues to score at the rate he is. The Canucks have to be careful about overspending on a very handy player who is off to an incredible start to the season. Suter is a coach’s dream. As low maintenance as they come and about as versatile, too. Suter turns 29 in May. He’s been a consistent 15-goal, 30 point guy wherever he’s played. This season has all the hallmarks of a contract year bump that teams have to be wary of. That said, if Suter remains productive and one of the team’s top penalty killers, he’s going to be able to command a three or four year deal worth north of $10M. I could easily see a team going three years at $3.5M. The question is would the Canucks be willing to step up at that level? 

<img class="alignnone wp-image-135438 size-full" src="https://publish.canucksarmy.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/12/Screenshot-2024-12-08-at-7.49.35 PM.png" alt="" width="1194" height="326" />

I’ve seen this question asked in a number of places. I think there are a couple of things at play. One is that the player has to agree to a minor league assignment and I don’t know if that’s something that interests Thatcher Demko. By practicing with the Canucks, he is facing National Hockey League shooters and while practice can’t replicate game action, the AHL can’t offer him a chance to face the best players in the world. Now, would he benefit from being in a competitive environment after being out of game action for seven months? That seems like a legitimate question. However, the AHL may not offer the same benefits for a goaltender that a skater would reap by getting his heart rate up and blood pumping in game action. For obvious reasons, the AHL is not nearly as skilled as the NHL and perhaps for that reason, it isn’t the grand plan that many believe it would be. Plus, have you seen the cost of gas these days? Driving all the way to the Fraser Valley and back? Forget about it.

https://bsky.app/profile/toestubbins.bsky.social/post/3lcqeuaa7ck2w

The Canucks are just 2-3-1 in the six games so far this season in the Black Skate jersey. However, they are a nearly identical 2-3-2 when decked out in traditional blue. So maybe they need to try something bolder like pink polka dots. Or maybe the jersey colour doesn’t matter if no one is willing to defend the front of the net at Rogers Arena. The Canucks will wear black again on Tuesday against St. Louis. And then they’ll shelve the alternate threads for the remainder of the homestand. But they’ll be back again for games on December 21st against Ottawa, December 23rd against San Jose and December 28th when Seattle comes to town. I’m saying if the team isn’t 6-3-1 in the Black Skates by the end of December, then they ought to do away with them altogether. Of course, it’s quite possible that the Black Skates will look much better with JT Miller and Thatcher Demko wearing them here in short order.
<h2>PRESENTED BY GREAT CLIPS</h2>
<img class="size-full wp-image-161242 alignnone" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2099/02/54669-002-GC-Logo-727x404-CA3.jpg" alt="" width="727" height="404" />

<a href="https://www.greatclips.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Great Clips</a>, the world’s largest hair salon brand, is a 100% franchised company with more than 150 hair salons across Canada that are owned and operated by Canadians. Great Clips prides itself on making it easy for customers to get a great haircut at a great price at a time and place that’s convenient for them. They’ve also made it easy for customers to make Great Clips their hair salon of choice with services like <a href="https://www.greatclips.com/online-check-in" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Online Check-In</a> and <a href="https://www.greatclips.com/clip-notes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Clip Notes®</a>. From bobs and layers to kids’ haircuts, bald fades and more, Great Clips has a look that’s great for you.

JPat’s Monday Mailbag: How should the Canucks split the workload for Demko and Lankinen?

Recent articles from Jeff Paterson

Breaking News