2023-24 Season Review
By Russell Dawson / Vancouver Canucks
April 20, 2024
The Vancouver Canucks finished the 2023-24 season with a 48-24-10 record, finishing as the 3rd best team in the NHL. Here were some of the biggest storylines along the way
Thatcher Demko's Struggles, DeSmith's Success
While they were winning a good chunk of games, Thatcher Demko wasn’t the prime reason for it. With a subpar save percentage the Canucks looked instead to Casey DeSmith to try his luck in net. And he did not disappoint. DeSmith took over the starting role and ran with it as he finished with 43 games (Demko played 41) and had a 22-12-6 record with a .917 SV% and a 2.65 GAA. Compare that to Demko, 23-11-4 with a .895 SV% and a 3.27 GAA, and you see why DeSmith will be the starter for Game 1 come playoff time.
Arshdeep Bains Hot Start to NHL Career
Arshdeep Bains has bursted into the NHL like a bull in a China shop. At first being an injury replacement for Pius Suter, Bains was expected to play just a few games before returning to Abbotsford. But when he got a look on the top line alongside Petey and Boeser, the Vancouver native made the absolute most of it. He's held that 1st line LW spot since being called up and has made Pius Suter no longer a constant in the VAN lineup. Will he be able to rise to the occasion and continue his play with playoffs just around the corner?
Best 4th Line in the NHL
Together as a line since day one of the season, Di Giuseppe, Lafferty and Joshua have been the best 4th line in the entire league. All are above a +11 and all have 25 or more points. They've been killing it all season and will be huge for the team come playoffs. Something to be concerned about however is Lafferty and Joshua on expiring deals. With such big seasons, will Vancouver have the cap space to bring these guys back?
Boone Jenner and Chris Tanev heading to Vancouver
The Canucks make two big moves to solidify their lineup in a year where for the first time in what feels like forever, Vancouver has a chance to do something special. Chris Tanev returns after leaving as a free agent in 2020. Blue Jackets Captain Boone Jenner will leave the only NHL team he's ever known and be a trustworthy 3rd line center on faceoffs.
Here were some of the biggest player movements around the league during the trade deadline:
Jeremy Swayman (BOS) -> BUF
Adam Larsson (SEA) -> TOR
Vladimir Tarasenko (OTT) -> CAR
Season Standings and Playoff Bracket
Canucks Player Stats
League Leaders
End of Season Lineup