Welcome back to WDYTT, the only hockey column on the internet with a working understanding of fractions.

Speaking of fractions, they sure make a convenient way to break down an NHL season. As of this writing, the Vancouver Canucks have played 27 games on the 2024/25 season, which is very close to the one-third mark (27 times three is 81, which is as close as we’re ever going to get.)

Quarter-mark report cards are pretty common in this line of sports coverage. So, too, are halfway assessments. So, why not have a brief check-in on the overall state of the team and its members at the one-third mark, with plenty already transpired and two-thirds of the season left to go?

It’s not just a convenient time to ask this question, but an interesting one, because we can identify a multitude of candidates.

Today, we’re going to ask you to pick out a 1/3 season MVP for the Canucks. And, yes, we realize that the vast majority of responses are going to at least mention Quinn Hughes, the Canucks’ captain, best player, and, yeah, probably their MVP at any given point in the year.

That’s why we’re also going to ask you to name a runner-up. Not just for the sake of variety but because there are just so many different names that might come up in the subsequent decision.

That’s it.

There is no need for any further preamble here. It’s a two-name, one-third-season, MVP nomination process.

This week, we’re asking:

Let it be known in the comment section.

You answered below!

Chris Tanev or Gustav Forsling.

Not a splashy one, but how about Ian Cole. Playing in the top-four now in Utah, one-year contract that doesn’t break the bank, Canucks fill a noticeable gap.

Forsling.

I wanted to keep Zadorov. I hated the Podkolzin trade and still do. It was dumb to trade Jared McCann for Gudbranson, though there were certainly some qualms about Jared’s attitude at the time, which keeps him from getting my vote here. And Gustav Forsling would be the obvious choice, except I don’t consider him a “former Canuck,” given that he never suited up for the team.

In the end, I am going to submit that I’d reacquire Jalen Chatfield of the Carolina Hurricanes. Here’s a guy we originally got for nothing (undrafted free agent), a right-handed D with good size, and a responsible, hard-working player who just required a little patience to reach his ceiling. For whatever reason, the Canucks did not exhibit said patience and he was snapped up by the Hurricanes. Fast-forward to today, he’s playing upwards of 18 minutes a night, Corsi-ing at 58.6% at 5-on-5, killing penalties effectively, and has pitched in with eight points and a +15. He is doing all of that while earning $3M per season. How good would that look on our blueline right about now?

Current player = Toffoli.

Retired player = Bure.

With Hronek out, Tanev in a heartbeat.

He wasn’t a Canuck, but would have been a Canuck if Benning had not traded away the draft pick for OEL; Dylan Guenther would look good in a Canucks jersey. A plus would be that he would still be on an entry-level deal, and be a good winger beside DeBrusk and EP. The Canucks would then only need a left winger for Brock and Miller.

All the obvious candidates (Tanev, Zadorov, Bo, Lindholm) are way too pricey. How about bringing Kyle Burroughs back as a depth D option – always loved his energy!

Zadorov – of course.

Tanev – still has juice in the tank, let him retire with the Canucks.

Tyler Motte – low cost fourth line piece, still strong on the PK.

If we are talking about taking back an active player, then I would want Jared McCann, who Canucks traded away. He is a player with some fight, and reminds me of JT Miller with his play and temperament.

I would also want Gustav Forsling back.

Tanev as an honorable mention.

Bring back the Kuzmenkshow!!

Obviously Forsling. He would be a revelation on their D right now.

Forsling hands down. He is probably the best former Canuck and he helps fix the defensive woes of this team.

How about Trevor Lind…Oh wait, did that already.