5 Things the Vancouver Canucks Must Do To Make 2015-16 NHL Playoffs

By Darrell Samuels

5 Things the Vancouver Canucks Must Do To Make 2015-16 NHL Playoffs

Trevor Linden, Vancouver Canucks — The Vancouver Canucks cannot seem to figure out whether they are a team competing for a chance to win the first Stanley Cup in their history or if they are committing to a full rebuild and building through the draft. The Western Conference is always competitive with a lot of great franchises, and the following five things have to happen in order for the Canucks to make the playoffs once again in 2015-16.

5. GM Jim Benning Must Make Some Successful Trades

Jim Benning, Vancouver Canucks

5. GM Jim Benning Must Make Some Successful Trades

Jim Benning, Vancouver Canucks — The Vancouver Canucks have never been afraid to add to their roster during the race to the NHL trade deadline. GM Jim Benning has made some very odd trades that have left fans wondering what the team is doing. If the Canucks have a great campaign that appears destined for the playoffs, Benning needs to make a move that leaves fans awestruck at how he was able to add a top talent to the roster.

4. Youth Must Continue To Develop

Bo Horvat, Vancouver Canucks

4. Youth Must Continue To Develop

Bo Horvat, Vancouver Canucks — There are some young guys on this team who will probably have a lot of pressure placed upon them this season. These players will need to be productive for the team to make the playoffs or to be used as trade bait for proven veteran talent before the February 29 trade deadline.

3. Determine Who Is No. 2 Center

Ryan Kesler, Anaheim Ducks

3. Determine Who Is No. 2 Center

Ryan Kesler, Anaheim Ducks — Since the trade of Ryan Kesler to the Anaheim Ducks, the team struggled for most of last season to figure out who their No. 2 center behind Henrik Sedin would be. There are a couple of candidates to slide into that role, but if they cannot handle the pressure they will have to look externally for a trade.

2. Ryan Miller Must Live Up To the Hype

Ryan Miller, Vancouver Canucks

2. Ryan Miller Must Live Up To the Hype

Ryan Miller, Vancouver Canucks — Since the trade from the Buffalo Sabres during the 2013-14 season, there have been questions about whether Ryan Miller's best playing days are behind him. His career continued from Buffalo to St. Louis and now currently in Vancouver. The team has Jacob Markstrom as their backup to Miller, but the veteran needs to remind fans why he is a quality goaltender.

1. Henrik and Daniel Sedin Must Provide Solid Leadership

Sedin Twins, Vancouver Canucks

1. Henrik and Daniel Sedin Must Provide Solid Leadership

Sedin Twins, Vancouver Canucks — The Sedins have had questions about their play the past few years, as to whether they can provide leadership to get the Canucks their first Stanley Cup in franchise history. They have had great seasons, but their window is slowly closing as both men are 35 years old now. Both have to stay healthy and productive in order for this team to be close to playing playoff hockey.

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Vancouver Canucks

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