Departures
The Canucks had quite a few players walk away from the team in free agency.
The one that probably hurts the most is the departure of Tyler Toffoli who they acquired from the Los Angeles Kings at the trade deadline where they gave up a second round pick and a prospect.
He only played 10 regulation games with the Canucks last season but got as many points in as many games while also making solid contributions during the playoffs. He left to sign with a different Canadian team in the Montreal Canadiens for four years and $17 million.
The Canucks blue line also got hit from the departures as they were unable to retain Tanev. He played in every single game for the Canucks last season recording 20 points (two goals and 18 assists) and blocking 159 shots (hockeyreference.com). If the all Canadian division happens, the Canucks (and Toronto Maple Leafs) will be seeing Tanev often as he went onto sign with the Flames for four years and $18 million.
While not as hurtful as the departure of Tanev, Troy Stecher is no longer on the Canucks which hurts their defensive depth. Like Tanev, he appeared in all 69 games last season scoring five goals and helping on 12 of them. He went on to sign with the Detroit Red Wings for two years and $3.4 million.
Their starting goalie in Markstrom also left the team but they were able to find a capable replacement (more on that in the next slide). He will be joining Tanev in Calgary on a six year, $36 million deal.