Jim Rutherford, president of hockey operations for the Vancouver Canucks, expressed optimism about the team's chances of making the playoffs in the 2025-26 season. Two years ago, he predicted that if everything went well, the Canucks would be a playoff team. That prediction came true in the 2023-24 season when the team won its division and advanced through two exciting playoff rounds. However, last season was a different story, as the team struggled and finished with a mediocre record.

Rutherford has been evaluating the current roster and sees potential for improvement. One area of concern for him is the depth at center. "We talked at the end of the season about getting a little more depth at center, and I know that Patrik (Allvin) was on the phone almost daily. Either players weren’t available that he wanted, or the prices were sky high, and it did not make sense to way overpay at this point in time for a center ice man," he said during the Canucks' annual pre-training camp management press conference.

Despite this concern, Rutherford believes the existing centers can perform well if they remain healthy. He noted that the team has improved in several areas, including goaltending and defense, compared to the previous year. The focus now shifts to how the team can enhance its forward group, especially after losing versatile player Pius Suter and trading Dakota Joshua. The departure of J.T. Miller last season also looms large, as the team seeks a suitable replacement.

Filip Chytil, acquired in the Miller trade, showed promise but faced challenges due to a head injury that ended his season. Former head coach Rick Tocchet indicated that Chytil's injury was more whiplash than a concussion, but concerns about his health persist due to his history of serious concussions with the Rangers.

Rutherford remains hopeful, stating, "If everything goes right, and as we go along, make an improvement here and there, that this team can be in the playoffs."

Another significant topic this season will be the future of defenseman Quinn Hughes. He has two years left on his current contract before becoming an unrestricted free agent. While he could sign an extension with the Canucks next summer, there is speculation that he may prefer to play elsewhere. Rutherford acknowledged the importance of winning to retain players like Hughes, saying, "It’s always important to win. In this situation, we’re a little bit caught in between. How far do you go to do that? Which means, how many draft picks do you want to trade? How much of the future do you want to trade?"

Rutherford also noted that making significant moves to strengthen the team may not influence Hughes' decision about his future. "He could make a decision to go somewhere else, not related to how the team does," he added.

As the new hockey season begins, several questions remain for the Canucks: Are they on the right track? Have they found another center? Is Elias Pettersson returning to form? How well is the team defending? How are the goalies performing? And will Hughes stay with the team? The answers to these questions will shape the Canucks' season ahead.