Obviously, trades came into play since the Canucks traded away Luke Schenn and Riley Stillman, but long-term injuries have really held the Canucks back. Tucker Poolman and Travis Dermott have combined for 14 games. Ekman-Larsson and Hronek have already been shut down for the remainder of the season.
Now, Tocchet confirmed that Noah Juulsen would not be available for the remainder of the season. He also added that Wolanin had not yet started skating again but that he could be an option for the team's last two games in the season.
Injuries have really taken the Canucks out of the game this year. Losing Demko for a long stretch early in the season, the numerous number of defensemen led to a major lack of stability in the team's defensive core. Had Demko not gotten injured earlier in 2022, with the team's resurgence ever since Tocchet came in, the team would've possibly been in a totally different position with less than 10 games on the season.
With a defensive core built around Hughes, Hronek, and Bear, if the Canucks can manage to keep a healthy core, can we hope for a playoff run next year?
