<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If you’re <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/author/jeffpaterson">at all like me</a>, you’re still trying to make sense of <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/news/statsies-quinn-hughes-does-everything-can-vancouver-canucks-loss-new-york-rangers">Saturday’s 5-3 loss to the Rangers</a>. Hockey can be a funny game, although that loss was no laughing matter. Now, as the <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/combinations">Vancouver Canucks</a> head for New Jersey, they find themselves running out of daylight in the Western Conference wild card chase. Even through the darkness, however, the mail still gets delivered. And here we are on another Monday where the <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/news/jpats-monday-mailbag-how-many-20-goal-scorers-vancouver-canucks-finish-with">CanucksArmy mailbag</a> is full of your questions. So let’s get down to business and try to answer some of the many queries sent our way this week.</span></p>
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<blockquote class="bluesky-embed" data-bluesky-uri="at://did:plc:xejmvid4affjjorwn7nw37le/app.bsky.feed.post/3lkz6wwtr6c2g" data-bluesky-cid="bafyreihsg6x6zveqgcrcg2vjjj4kftc5hsy2oila7xmuiuslirdt4hnez4">
<p lang="en">Is it over Jeff?</p>
<p>&mdash; <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:xejmvid4affjjorwn7nw37le?ref_src=embed">Trevor Chong (@tchong.bsky.social)</a> <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:xejmvid4affjjorwn7nw37le/post/3lkz6wwtr6c2g?ref_src=embed">2025-03-23T02:27:14.982Z</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://embed.bsky.app/static/embed.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It’s not over, over. But the <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/news/why-saturday-went-bad-worse-vancouver-canucks-playoff-chances">hockey math is getting awfully crispy for the Canucks</a>. When they started this road trip they were above the playoff bar and just two games later are now five back of St. Louis. The Blues are 13-2-2 in their last 17 games and simply put if they go 5-5 the rest of the way, they’ll finish with 91 points. The Canucks, therefore, would need to go 7-4-1 to match. But even at that, matching may not be enough. So now you’re looking at 8-4. And again, that’s only if St. Louis goes .500 the rest of the way. Also, Calgary can go 7-6 and get to 91 points. Forget games in hand, the Canucks need wins. And lots of them with almost no margin for error. And, oh yeah, they have two left with Vegas and one each against Winnipeg, Dallas and Colorado. And four of those five are on the road. So it’s not over. But it’s getting late awfully early.</span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<blockquote class="bluesky-embed" data-bluesky-uri="at://did:plc:natfcm5eijjineosvgmyi2pi/app.bsky.feed.post/3lkztgxpfkk2g" data-bluesky-cid="bafyreibnaccgnlh3vxg5deuhfhk5bsiqgjefrkiae7g3zzk4hzqmrxdvfe">
<p lang="en">There are 14 games left in the regular season. Do the #Canucks score 20&#43; goals in total?</p>
<p>&mdash; <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:natfcm5eijjineosvgmyi2pi?ref_src=embed"> (@agent86-fan.bsky.social)</a> <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:natfcm5eijjineosvgmyi2pi/post/3lkztgxpfkk2g?ref_src=embed">2025-03-23T08:34:07.594Z</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://embed.bsky.app/static/embed.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">There are actually only 12 games remaining, but the question still stands. Yes, they’ll score 20 goals over their final 12 games. They have 19 in their last five. Now, if forwards Elias Pettersson and Nils Höglander are out for a significant chunk of the remaining schedule, that will certainly complicate matters. But with Quinn Hughes driving play and shooting like he did on Saturday, the captain will ensure there is some modicum of offence down the stretch. They may not score 30 goals the rest of the way, but they will surely get 20.</span></p>
<blockquote class="bluesky-embed" data-bluesky-uri="at://did:plc:wevjnuf6f5ccoykwzjefrjhp/app.bsky.feed.post/3lkygjjv6xc2g" data-bluesky-cid="bafyreic62tb6z5y7c4kimzbakhdnyo2xvumlxdtouqkijmozgopnbjelyq">
<p lang="en">What’s the ceiling next season for Lekkemaki? His poise and positioning stands out, making one wonder how he go with added strength and a solid offseason.</p>
<p>&mdash; <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:wevjnuf6f5ccoykwzjefrjhp?ref_src=embed">DRo (@funkydudedunc.bsky.social)</a> <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:wevjnuf6f5ccoykwzjefrjhp/post/3lkygjjv6xc2g?ref_src=embed">2025-03-22T19:10:15.386Z</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://embed.bsky.app/static/embed.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A goal-scorer at every level, I’d like to think Lekkerimäki could take a run at a 20-goal season in his first full year in the NHL. He’s getting great on the job training now to see the game at this level for himself. If he’s placed in a position to succeed and with top six opportunities as well as time on the first unit power play, there’s every reason to believe his skill set will allow him to produce in the best league in the world. But that comes with the caveat that the 20-year-old (who turns 21 in July) has the best off-season of his young career, puts on some weight and prepares himself to go to battle against NHL defencemen on a nightly basis. </span></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Who would you like to see get more playing time for the Canucks rest of season? D-Petey or Mancini?</p>
<p>&mdash; JB Canucks Podcast (@JbCanucksPod) <a href="https://twitter.com/JbCanucksPod/status/1903537274023018659?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2025</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">How about both? I actually like the way the Canucks have handled the two youngsters so far. But if their playoff chances go to zero, the Canucks should look for ways to get both D-Petey and Mancini in the line-up on the same night. Derek Forbort has quietly been very solid for the Canucks, but if there are no stakes remaining, there just isn’t a premium on penalty killing any longer. Forbort doesn’t need to play every remaining game. For that matter, neither does Quinn Hughes, but that’s likely a tougher sell unless the captain reaches a point that he simply has nothing left to give or that his body won’t allow him to play. If I had to pick one of the two rookies to get more opportunities over the final few weeks, I’d probably go with Pettersson. I just like how assertive he is and would like to see him continue to develop his confidence and look for a few more opportunities to lower the boom like he did on Nazem Kadri in Calgary 10 days ago.</span></p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">what do you think tom willander&#39;s calder odds are for next season?</p>
<p>&mdash; kwïn hüz (@riotsurvivor) <a href="https://twitter.com/riotsurvivor/status/1903519390597005313?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2025</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In a word, long. If he becomes a mainstay on the Canucks&#8217; blueline next season, it’ll likely be in a supportive role behind Quinn Hughes and Filip Hronek. I suppose, if he somehow finds himself playing alongside Hughes that could do wonders for his profile, his performance and ultimately his rookie of the year bid. Still, the Calder is predominantly an award that goes to forwards (Ekblad, Makar and Seider are the expectations over the past 10 years). I think the Canucks would be ecstatic with <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/news/vancouver-canucks-prospect-tom-willander-set-ohio-state-ncaa-national-hockey-tournament">Willander signing</a>, turning pro and earning a roster spot out of training camp. There’s no need to drive the hype train any further at this point. I’d take plenty of substance over a bunch of flash. Willander strikes me as a Dan Hamhuis type who will quietly, but effectively, carve out a long and prosperous career.</span></p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Who are some tough guys the Canucks will target this summer? Brayden Schenn?</p>
<p>&mdash; DahNucks (@NoLotteryLuck) <a href="https://twitter.com/NoLotteryLuck/status/1903520608115396984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2025</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">With three years left on his contract at $6.5M per, I don’t see the Canucks making a play for 33-year-old Schenn. On the free agent front, Trent Frederic could be on their radar. Sam Bennett certainly fits the bill. Brandon Tanev would bring some edge. Then you’re looking at the likes of Luke Kunin, Nick Cousins or Michael Carcone as bottom six pending UFAs who play with grit. Steven Lorentz is having a solid season in Toronto. He’s second on the Leafs in hits. And, then there’s Tanner Jeannot. But I don’t know if he’d be a fit in the Canucks locker room. Maybe it depends on whether Brock Boeser is back.</span></p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Garland has become a fan favorite, but is he the best trade piece to pry a center for someone looking for a winger? He’d be one of the best wingers available if he was a UFA this summer</p>
<p>&mdash; Cameron Moore (@c_mooremovies) <a href="https://twitter.com/c_mooremovies/status/1903559880595980442?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2025</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">I don’t think the Canucks are turning a 29-year-old Conor Garland into a top two centre. That said, in their search for added offence this summer, the Canucks have to explore any and all options. Garland had a solid first half of the season, but has cooled since Christmas and right now when this team needs offence has just one goal in his last 11 games. Now, to be fair, Garland missed a game last week and Rick Tocchet has said repeatedly he’s been banged up for a while now. Simply put, he hasn’t been as effective in the second half of the season as he was in the first. He just hasn&#8217;t been the same and consistent buzzsaw that he was earlier in the season. With 17 goals and 41 points, Garland will have to hurry to reach the 20-goal and 50-point marks. He would surely earn some interest if he became available on the trade market, but I don’t know that Garland on his own is the piece needed to land the Canucks the second-line centre they’re looking for. Then again, it only takes one team that wants to play ball on the trade front.</span></p>
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<span style="font-weight: 400;">If you’re <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/author/jeffpaterson">at all like me</a>, you’re still trying to make sense of <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/news/statsies-quinn-hughes-does-everything-can-vancouver-canucks-loss-new-york-rangers">Saturday’s 5-3 loss to the Rangers</a>. Hockey can be a funny game, although that loss was no laughing matter. Now, as the <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/combinations">Vancouver Canucks</a> head for New Jersey, they find themselves running out of daylight in the Western Conference wild card chase. Even through the darkness, however, the mail still gets delivered. And here we are on another Monday where the <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/news/jpats-monday-mailbag-how-many-20-goal-scorers-vancouver-canucks-finish-with">CanucksArmy mailbag</a> is full of your questions. So let’s get down to business and try to answer some of the many queries sent our way this week.</span>
<div class="bam-inline-promotion-block" data-max-length="2" data-placement-id="2111" data-context="web-content-promocard" data-property-id="329"></div>
&nbsp;

https://bsky.app/profile/tchong.bsky.social/post/3lkz6wwtr6c2g

<span style="font-weight: 400;">It’s not over, over. But the <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/news/why-saturday-went-bad-worse-vancouver-canucks-playoff-chances">hockey math is getting awfully crispy for the Canucks</a>. When they started this road trip they were above the playoff bar and just two games later are now five back of St. Louis. The Blues are 13-2-2 in their last 17 games and simply put if they go 5-5 the rest of the way, they’ll finish with 91 points. The Canucks, therefore, would need to go 7-4-1 to match. But even at that, matching may not be enough. So now you’re looking at 8-4. And again, that’s only if St. Louis goes .500 the rest of the way. Also, Calgary can go 7-6 and get to 91 points. Forget games in hand, the Canucks need wins. And lots of them with almost no margin for error. And, oh yeah, they have two left with Vegas and one each against Winnipeg, Dallas and Colorado. And four of those five are on the road. So it’s not over. But it’s getting late awfully early.</span>

&nbsp;

https://bsky.app/profile/agent86-fan.bsky.social/post/3lkztgxpfkk2g

<span style="font-weight: 400;">There are actually only 12 games remaining, but the question still stands. Yes, they’ll score 20 goals over their final 12 games. They have 19 in their last five. Now, if forwards Elias Pettersson and Nils Höglander are out for a significant chunk of the remaining schedule, that will certainly complicate matters. But with Quinn Hughes driving play and shooting like he did on Saturday, the captain will ensure there is some modicum of offence down the stretch. They may not score 30 goals the rest of the way, but they will surely get 20.</span>

https://bsky.app/profile/funkydudedunc.bsky.social/post/3lkygjjv6xc2g

<span style="font-weight: 400;">A goal-scorer at every level, I’d like to think Lekkerimäki could take a run at a 20-goal season in his first full year in the NHL. He’s getting great on the job training now to see the game at this level for himself. If he’s placed in a position to succeed and with top six opportunities as well as time on the first unit power play, there’s every reason to believe his skill set will allow him to produce in the best league in the world. But that comes with the caveat that the 20-year-old (who turns 21 in July) has the best off-season of his young career, puts on some weight and prepares himself to go to battle against NHL defencemen on a nightly basis. </span>

https://twitter.com/JbCanucksPod/status/1903537274023018659

<span style="font-weight: 400;">How about both? I actually like the way the Canucks have handled the two youngsters so far. But if their playoff chances go to zero, the Canucks should look for ways to get both D-Petey and Mancini in the line-up on the same night. Derek Forbort has quietly been very solid for the Canucks, but if there are no stakes remaining, there just isn’t a premium on penalty killing any longer. Forbort doesn’t need to play every remaining game. For that matter, neither does Quinn Hughes, but that’s likely a tougher sell unless the captain reaches a point that he simply has nothing left to give or that his body won’t allow him to play. If I had to pick one of the two rookies to get more opportunities over the final few weeks, I’d probably go with Pettersson. I just like how assertive he is and would like to see him continue to develop his confidence and look for a few more opportunities to lower the boom like he did on Nazem Kadri in Calgary 10 days ago.</span>

https://twitter.com/riotsurvivor/status/1903519390597005313

<span style="font-weight: 400;">In a word, long. If he becomes a mainstay on the Canucks' blueline next season, it’ll likely be in a supportive role behind Quinn Hughes and Filip Hronek. I suppose, if he somehow finds himself playing alongside Hughes that could do wonders for his profile, his performance and ultimately his rookie of the year bid. Still, the Calder is predominantly an award that goes to forwards (Ekblad, Makar and Seider are the expectations over the past 10 years). I think the Canucks would be ecstatic with <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/news/vancouver-canucks-prospect-tom-willander-set-ohio-state-ncaa-national-hockey-tournament">Willander signing</a>, turning pro and earning a roster spot out of training camp. There’s no need to drive the hype train any further at this point. I’d take plenty of substance over a bunch of flash. Willander strikes me as a Dan Hamhuis type who will quietly, but effectively, carve out a long and prosperous career.</span>

https://twitter.com/NoLotteryLuck/status/1903520608115396984

<span style="font-weight: 400;">With three years left on his contract at $6.5M per, I don’t see the Canucks making a play for 33-year-old Schenn. On the free agent front, Trent Frederic could be on their radar. Sam Bennett certainly fits the bill. Brandon Tanev would bring some edge. Then you’re looking at the likes of Luke Kunin, Nick Cousins or Michael Carcone as bottom six pending UFAs who play with grit. Steven Lorentz is having a solid season in Toronto. He’s second on the Leafs in hits. And, then there’s Tanner Jeannot. But I don’t know if he’d be a fit in the Canucks locker room. Maybe it depends on whether Brock Boeser is back.</span>

http://twitter.com/c_mooremovies/status/1903559880595980442

<span style="font-weight: 400;">I don’t think the Canucks are turning a 29-year-old Conor Garland into a top two centre. That said, in their search for added offence this summer, the Canucks have to explore any and all options. Garland had a solid first half of the season, but has cooled since Christmas and right now when this team needs offence has just one goal in his last 11 games. Now, to be fair, Garland missed a game last week and Rick Tocchet has said repeatedly he’s been banged up for a while now. Simply put, he hasn’t been as effective in the second half of the season as he was in the first. He just hasn't been the same and consistent buzzsaw that he was earlier in the season. With 17 goals and 41 points, Garland will have to hurry to reach the 20-goal and 50-point marks. He would surely earn some interest if he became available on the trade market, but I don’t know that Garland on his own is the piece needed to land the Canucks the second-line centre they’re looking for. Then again, it only takes one team that wants to play ball on the trade front.</span>

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JPat’s Monday Canucks Mailbag: What’s the ceiling for Jonathan Lekkerimäki next season?

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