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The Canuck season for the most part was one that can go down in the history books as one to forget, given all the adversity the franchise has undergone.

With the season officially over following the loss to the Flames May 19th several players were given the opportunity to speak to the media reflecting on their views of not only their season, but the team as well.

Canuck Captain Bo Horvat spoke about his love for the city, the franchise and how much he wants to be a part of a winning culture for the organization as they move forward.

Uncertainty surrounds the signings of both Quinn Hughes and Elias Pettersson, both of whom missed several games due to injury in addition to the team being put on hold due to Covid.

Hughes finished the season with 3 goals, 38 assists for 41 points through 56 games, while Elias Pettersson was hit with what he described as a wrist injury and was forced out of the line up having only played 26 managing 10 goals, 11 assists for 21 points.

One contract now having been put on ice was that of Thatcher Demko who recently signed a five-year extension reportedly to have an average dollar value of $5 million, which for the Canucks was imperative to get done.

I mention this only due to the fact that sheer speculation is that Braden Holtby could be left open for the NHL Expansion Draft and available for the Seattle Kraken to sign, which is only speculation at this point.

While the player interview was the day after the final game, the Canucks hosted a “presser” with GM Jim Benning and re-signed Travis Green to a two-year extension.

This shocked many in the sporting world as word on the street as well as AM 650 was that Green would not be returning to the city for an extension, considering that he first took over behind the bench for the start for the 2017-18 season.

After questions of sheer speculation that he would not be returning that story is old news with him as the press conference was to officially announce that he (Travis) had re-signed with the team with a two-year extension.

In a media release Canucks GM Jim Benning mentioned “Our plan has always been to draft and develop a young core and surround them with supporting players who can help us win. We have some of the best young players in the NHL, and I believe Travis is the right coach to help us achieve team success and a return to the playoffs.”

It should be known that Green is a Castlegar native and just finished his fourth season behind the bench and extremely well respected around the league. 

This fact has been noted by several  players in the past few days, which goes a long way for respect and the job he has done.to which Green mentioned “Coaching the Vancouver Canucks has been a privilege, and I am excited at the opportunity to continue behind the bench with this team.”

He (Green) continued by saying “I believe this young team and organization is on the rise. They have shown character, a strong will to win, and we expect big things in the years ahead. Thank you to Jim, Francesco and the Aquilini family for the opportunity to continue as the coach of the Vancouver Canucks.”

While this past season has been a “Season from Hell” it’s fair to say that the Canucks are committed to focus and rebuild to bring a winning franchise to the City and for the nay-sayers all we can say is “patience is a virtue.”

At this current time according to the press conference it is still uncertain if some or any of the remaining of the coaching staff, including assistant coaches Nolan Baumgartner, Newell Brown, and Jason King. Goaltending coach Ian Clark is also without a contract beyond this season.

The season draws to an end I want to personally thank the Canucks media department for working tireless hours in what was indeed a “SEASON FROM HELL”

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