Following the Vancouver Canucks’ disappointing 5-1 loss to the Boston Bruins, President of Hockey Operations Jim Rutherford joined Scott Oake and Ray Ferraro on After Hours.

In the interview, Rutherford touched on a number of topics, including the Canucks’ offseason acquisitions of Kevin Lankinen and Kiefer Sherwood, JT Miller’s leave of absence, and more. What really stood out though, was Rutherford answering this question from an After Hours viewer:

“With the team’s Cup window opening, do you think it’s time to open the cupboards a bit and bring in some high level players to bolster the roster?”

Here’s what Rutherford said.

“I think that’s a fair point that person is making, but it’s not like you can go to Costco and just pick up one or two of these players that you think can help you, you know? We’re living in a cap world, it’s hard to make deals, but yes, the point that this person’s making: we need to add a couple of players to really give ourselves a chance to contend.”

The Canucks have had their issues this season, and a lot of those issues have been on full display on home ice like they were on Saturday night vs. Boston. All season long, the Canucks’ bottom four defence group has been a major issue, and it’s felt like a foregone conclusion that they’d acquire a top four blueliner at the very least.

What’s been more up for debate is if the Canucks would need to make more than just that one move this season. Whether that be another defenceman or a centre (preferably a right handed one for both positions) remains to be seen, but Rutherford’s answer tonight certainly suggests that we’ll see more than one move ahead of the March 7th NHL Trade Deadline.

With a 15-9-5 record, the Canucks currently find themselves in the last playoff spot available in the Western Conference as the second Wild Card team behind the Colorado Avalanche.