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Speaking of top lines, the Vancouver Canucks definitely have one for the 2024/25 season. Or, maybe they have two. Or, according to some pundits, perhaps it’s more accurate to say they’ve got two-halfs of one spread out across two lines.

If we’re talking just the Canucks’ top six, it’s a much shorter conversation. Heading into opening night on Wednesday, the Canucks have Danton Heinen, JT Miller, and Brock Boeser on one of their top-six lines, and Jake DeBrusk, Elias Pettersson, and Daniel Sprong on the other.

But as to which one of those, if either, counts as the team’s true “top line”? That’s a little more difficult to decipher.

Now, it doesn’t truly matter. First lines aren’t really a thing in hockey, nobody records the numbers of lines on an official scoresheet. And we’re pretty sure that head coach Rick Tocchet is going to send both the Pettersson and Miller lines out there for a roughly equal amount of ice-time on a daily basis.

But in the minds and hearts of fans, top lines are real. And, in practical terms, there is ultimately a distinction to be made. Whether it’s framed around which line is going to score the most points, or which one will stick together the longest or play most cohesively as a unit, or which one Tocchet is most likely to put out there late in a tight game, one of these lines will eventually prove themselves to be the better line.

But which one will it be?

If we just go on last season’s raw point-totals, it’s Heinen (36)-Miller (103)-Boeser (73) with the clear lead over DeBrusk (40)-Pettersson (89)-Sprong (43), to the tune of 212 points to 172. But that’s last year, and this is this year. Maybe things will change. Or maybe that’s not the measure that really matters.

In any case, the measure that really matters today is yours.

This week, we’re asking:

Let it be known in the comment section.

You answered below!

I think they will finish 2nd in the Pacific. I think they will give Demko many breaks during the season and will be more focused on health for the playoffs. The 4 Nations Cup will also have an impact on the health/endurance of their better players. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if they qualified for the playoffs as a wildcard.

Battle Vegas all year for 2nd in Pacific, but will go further than Oilers in playoffs. Lek is up and playing top six minutes by February, and they trade one forward for a RHD by the time Four Nations rolls around. Hughes defies logic and is neck and neck again for Norris.

I’ve said this before, I don’t think they win 50 again this year. With that said though…I believe they will go into the playoffs a better prepared team. A few tough losses will teach them more than a few easy wins. And they will be more experienced from their playoff appearance last season. I’m saying they get 101 points and finish second in the Pacific.

Assuming goaltending stands up, Canucks win the division.

Really no reason they can’t.

Canucks finish 3rd in Pacific behind Edmonton and either Vegas or LA.

Canucks finish comfortably 2nd in the Pacific. I don’t think any of the other teams in this division will challenge Edmonton or Vancouver.

In the Western Conference, I would have them in the #4 spot. Behind Edmonton, Dallas, and Colorado.

Canucks slip a bit off the pace from last season, but that is a good thing if they better employ load management to ensure a healthy team and, more importantly, a healthy starting goaltender for the playoffs.

I’m going to copy Harm’s prediction from Canucks Conversation on October 2, 2024 and go 101 points and 2nd in the division. Some things to like about this season’s Canucks, specifically DeBrusk, Sprong and Sherwood, but they are off to a bad start health-wise with key pieces Demko and Joshua out.

I’m going out on a limb and say the Canucks finish 1st in the Pacific with a couple less points than last year.

I think the Oil are too top heavy and streaky in goal. They gelled last season after a tough start, but are an injury away from being above average. We know what two guys make the difference.

Canucks are a deeper team at forward and goal with Hughes and Hronek getting a year to be familiar. Better PK and same PP puts Canucks in top.

Everyone is predicting Edmonton will finish first overall, but their defence got significantly worse this year. Edmonton also has an average goaltender.

I think the Canucks will challenge for first overall in the Division again. They have four solid forward lines, a decent defence, and the goaltending just needs to be average.

IMO, the Central could take 5 playoff spots, so this leaves 3 for the Pacific.

I say missing the playoffs is probably more realistic than making them.

Edmonton is in, then it will be Vegas, Seattle and LA battling with us for the other 2 spots.

Then in a season or two, Calgary, Anaheim and SJ will be back in the playoff hunt.

Refusing to allow a proper rebuild is going to haunt us again really soon, folks.

98 pts.

Second in Pacific Division.

Lose in 2nd Round of playoffs.

That would be another successful year!

Predictions are based on present and past knowledge, but can’t take into account variables and unforeseen circumstances. So with all that aside, they have the same chances as last season. That’s correct. 1-3 placing.

I think the Canucks will place in 1st, 2nd, or 3rd in the Pacific Division, depending on Demko’s health and injuries to other Canuck players. My best guess is that it will be the #3 spot, given Vegas’ and the Oilers’ strengths and the likelihood Demko won’t play more than 40 games or so, if that.

Last year Rutherford said everything had to go right to make the playoffs. A lot did go right, but not everything. Have to wonder how many points the Canucks could have put up if Soucy was healthy all year and Pettersson hadn’t fallen off.

Injuries are always a threat. Another threat this season is the 3rd D pairing. If those two UFAs click and the Canucks stay relatively healthy, they are a better, deeper team than last year. They hit 110 points and win the division. Folks tend to underestimate the benefit last season was for the players and especially the coaches.

Much can go wrong and limit team success, but with decent luck the Canucks are one of the league’s best teams, at least in the regular season.

Last year the boys had a lot of things “hit” and go their way. It was the third best season in franchise history, hitting 50 Ws. I’ve watched a lot of Canucks teams over the last 30 years, and it was beyond expectations.

This year my expectations are more authentic and logical. I think this team hits 99-100 points, but is more experienced and paces itself for when things matter in Feb to June. Yes a good start is important for sure, but it’s a marathon, not a sprint. I think they come 2nd in then Pacific.

My point totals would be higher if the Demko uncertainty wasn’t a factor. Also, I’m not high on the D-fence compared to last year. They need to add a #3D who is actually three-dimensional (cheesy?) and can play PP2, PK1, and take the load off Myers.

I think that some people are overly optimistic, and I will say that they finish only slightly above .500 by the end of the season and miss the playoffs. Goaltending will be a huge issue.

I answered this question last year with “the first wild card spot.” This year I think we will once again surprise and finish top of the Pacific and 2nd in the Conference behind Nashville. I think one of the top two centers in Edmonton gets injured long-term and they will make the playoffs with a late push, but not get out of the west. This will open the door for Vancouver. I also think that leadership on the Canucks will show us who they are. After last year’s run, it is easy to take your foot of the gas. I am already seeing it in the preseason with Vancouver being almost too careful. Strong leadership will translate into a strong finish. Injuries are ever the great cosmic joke that likes to take these type of predictions and laugh.

2nd in the Pacific and just barely miss getting 1st. They play angry and get past the secnd round, ousting the Oilers in a rematch.

Vancouver likely finish 1st or 2nd in the Pacific. Health plays a huge factor.

Van could have had even more than 109 points last year if Demko didn’t miss time, Joshua didn’t miss 19 games, and Soucy over 1/2 the season.

I said it before and I’ll say it again..

This team will go where Pettersson and Demko takes them.

Now, we all know where Demko is at this point. If Petey mails it in or gets injured for long stretches, then this team is fighting for a wildcard berth at best.

Every other player just has to keep doing what they’ve been doing since Tocchet came on board.

No one is asking Brock to score 40 every year. No one is asking Miller to be a perennial 100pt guy, and Hughes will always show up as advertised.

The new additions will help this team accordingly.

It’s all hanging in the balance now, folks. Fingers crossed!

CanucksArmy! The season is HERE, and what better way to kick it off than with your crew at Greta? It’s all going down on Saturday, October 19th at CanucksArmy’s home for the fans, Greta Bar! We’ve got it all—prizes, trivia, and more to keep the energy buzzing all night. And this time, we’re doing it for a great cause, supporting the BC Mental Health Foundation. Doors open at 3PM, and you know the drill—tickets are going fast, so hit up nationgear.ca before they’re gone. This event is 19+.