Canucks Player Grades: Goal droughts, more boos, more trade speculation in 4-0 loss to Wings

Any visit by an ‘Original Six’ team usually moves the must-see meter and is often marquee material.

Whether it’s present potential, or rich franchise history, there’s usually something to draw the loyal or the curious to Rogers Arena.

On Monday, the interest level was raised with ongoing Quinn Hughes trade speculation linking the dynamic and generational defenceman to the Detroit Red Wings.

And with a trio of players reportedly mentioned in a possible transaction on display — centre Nate Danielson, 21, centre/winger Marco Kasper, 21, and defenceman Simon Edvinsson, 22, — the package that would also include prospect centre Emmitt Finnie, 20, plus first-round draft picks in 2026 and 2027, is considerable, should the Canucks captain not choose to sign a contract extension.

That drama easily topped an inability to find the back of the net as the Canucks fell 4-0 despite owning a big 36-20 shot advantage. And even in victory, it was evident the Red Wings covet Hughes. They don’t have an elite blueliner who can skate out of trouble, send laser-like passes, and cause the opposition all kinds of matchup problems with wheeling and dealing in the offensive zone.

However, they do have a centre in Danielson, whom the Canucks had considered in the first round of the 2023 draft before selecting defenceman Tom Willander. Danielson delivered the dagger Monday with a deft deflection at the top of the crease in the second period to provide a three-goal cushion. And Kasper sent a sweet feed across the crease in the third period that could have been the fourth goal before Dylan Larkin potted the empty-netter.

Goal drought is troubling trio

Kiefer Sherwood remains the Canucks’ leading sniper with a dozen goals but hasn’t scored in 10 games.

Jake DeBrusk hasn’t lit the lamp in nine games and Brock Boeser has gone five without scoring and has one goal in his last 12 outings.

It’s not for lack of trying, but a lack of finish had a lot to do with the outcome Monday.

Boeser started the list of considerable chances with an early redirect on net. DeBrusk knocked down a flip pass at speed down the flank but couldn’t convert the opportunity. He then ripped a wrister off the left post on a second-period power play before a jam chance at the side of the net.

The trio combined for nine shots and 26 attempts, but what the Canucks desperately need is greasier goals, no matter the player or the line. To their credit, they had a better net presence in the third period, but the damage was already done.

Long goal droughts are nothing new for DeBrusk, who had a career-high 28 goals last season, and he has a knack of going on a goal spree. However, Boeser seems miffed at how he’s not connecting by either shooting high or wide with a shot that normally packs velocity and accuracy. As for Sherwood, this is also not new territory. He had a career 19 goals last season, but also a 14-game goal funk.

So what’s the way out of the slumps? Keeping it simple and direct.

Hoglander dives into deep end

Nils Hoglander vowed to ease into his first NHL regular-season game this season. Good luck with that. He’s not wired that way.

The feisty winger, who suffered an ankle injury in a pre-season game collision at Abbotsford, can’t just dip his toes into the competitive waters. Even though that was his pre-game promise.

“I’m going to play pretty easy the first couple of shifts and get comfortable to get back in it,” he said.

Well, on his first shift, Hoglander threw a good hit on a strong puck-possession shift in the offensive zone and followed up with a wrister on a feed from Arshdeep Bains. He then controlled another puck in the offensive zone and circled the net to look for an open linemate.

“He plays with a lot of energy and is hungry on pucks,” said Canucks head coach Adam Foote. “He’s right where we’re going in trying to transition into a grittier team.”

REPORT CARDS

Brock Boeser (C+)

Early scoring chance would have set tone but is snake-bit. Three shots. Lots of frustration.

David Kampf (C)

Playing much better defensively and having a stronger presence in the faceoff circle.

Conor Garland (C)

As usual, played with speed through neutral zone, set up plays that need finishing.

Evander Kane (C-)

Hard to find. Drove the neutral zone on one foray but no shots and a minus-2 rating.

Aatu Raty (C)

Nearly scored highlight-reel goal by putting puck between legs. Strong on draws.

Kiefer Sherwood (B+)

Three shots, 12 attempts, 10 hits. Lots of drive and good scoring chances.

Jake DeBrusk (B)

Five shots, eight attempts, plenty of Grade A looks including post on power play.

Max Sasson (C)

Smart plays and speed will keep him in game but not shots and not faceoff wins.

Linus Karlsson (C)

Using big body better to win board battles and maintain net-front presence.

Nils Hoglander (C+)

Hard to play catch up in first game of the season. But plenty of hustle, desire.

Drew O’Connor (C)

As a winger asked to play centre, tough task to be that reliable two-way guy.

Arshdeep Bains (C)

See Sasson assessment. Same kind of player. Lots of speed but not shots.

Quinn Hughes (B+)

Did what he could. Dangerous end-to-end rushes, four shots, seven attempts.

Filip Hronek (C)

A couple of rare giveaways for solid top-pairing defenceman. Not as steady.

Elias Pettersson (C)

Five shot attempts and three hits proving he’s trying to build bigger game.

Tyler Myers (C)

Had one foray where he let shot go from point but otherwise dependable.

Marcus Pettersson (C)

Continues to take bad penalties and lost positioning on first Detroit goal.

Tom Willander (C)

There was one easy end-to-end rush that gave you hope for bright future.

Kevin Lankinen (C-)

Three goals on 13 shots and got the hook after two periods. Not a great night.

Nikita Tolopilo (B)

Big and square and solid in relief. Nothing seems to faze the big Belarusian.

bkuzma@postmedia.com