The Whiteboard: Is Demko Close?

Thomas and Josh talk about the Canucks  tough road trip, dropping to Vegas 3-1 and showing concerning offensive inefficiency, ranking last in the league for generated shots and chances. The absence of Filip Hronek has exposed gaps in the defense, with Quinn Hughes struggling without a reliable puck-moving partner, leading to possible solutions like pairing him with Erik Brannstrom. Dimitri Filipovic breaks down the team's recent decline, highlighting defensive mistakes, the failed experiment with bigger defencemen, and the urgent need for a top-4 defenseman moving forward. This podcast is produced by Dominic Sramaty & Lina SetaghianThe views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.

Josh and Thomas break down the Vancouver Canucks' lack of offensive generation, highlighting that no team is creating fewer 5-on-5 opportunities. They explore the defense struggles, debating who can be trusted alongside Hughes and Myers, with Thomas suggesting a bold move to pair Brännström with Hughes. The discussion turns to trade possibilities, focusing on what it would take to acquire Bowen Byram to address the team's dire need for a puck-moving defenseman. This podcast is produced by Dominic Sramaty & Lina SetaghianThe views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.

 Thomas and Josh talk about the Canucks dropping an overtime loss in Utah, raising more questions about their power play, especially why Elias Pettersson is  on PP2 despite his talent. They dive into the ongoing JT Miller and Pettersson situation, the team’s power-play struggles, and the Canucks’ search for defensive upgrades ahead of the roster freeze. Iain MacIntyre joins to discuss system issues, the impact of Filip Hronek's absence, and whether Quinn Hughes deserves another Norris nomination, plus a preview of tonight's game against the Golden Knights. This podcast is produced by Dominic Sramaty & Lina SetaghianThe views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.

Josh and Thomas talk about  the Canucks overtime loss to the Utah Hockey Club, coming away with just one point. The ongoing saga between JT Miller and Elias Pettersson continues, with both on different power-play units, sparking questions about their relationship and the team's strategy. They dive into the power-play struggles, why Pettersson is on PP2, and whether the Canucks will make any moves before the roster freeze, as they explore defensive upgrades amid trade talks. This podcast is produced by Dominic Sramaty & Lina SetaghianThe views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.

Thomas talks about The Canucks facing a serious matchup against a young and skilled opponent in Utah as trade talks heat up ahead of the holiday freeze, with no guarantees of a deal getting done in time. Silovs heads back to Abbotsford, while PDG and Karlsson join the big club, reinforcing depth. Thomas remains confident in the Canucks as a playoff team but discusses whether their Cup-winning potential has dimmed. This podcast is produced by Dominic Sramaty & Lina SetaghianThe views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.

Thomas is joined by Donnie and Dhali as they talk about the Canucks making moves ahead of the Christmas roster freeze, searching for a top-four defenseman and potentially a winger to replace Boeser if an extension doesn't materialize. They question the puzzling decision to sign Hoglander to a 3x3 deal only to play him on the fourth line and dive into the frustrations of Tocchet's battles with inconsistency. Later, Thomas Drance joins for a mailbag segment, and Jason Bukala breaks down the Utah system, Ian Cole’s fit, and the overlooked importance of middle-six forwards as the Canucks face critical challenges ahead of the playoffs. This podcast is produced by Dominic Sramaty & Lina SetaghianThe views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.

Sean Gentille from The Athletic joins to discuss the ups and downs across the NHL, including the Rangers’ struggles with Kaapo Kakko and Buffalo's long-term roster challenges. Jamie and Thomas analyze the Canucks’ inconsistency, the importance of Thatcher Demko’s return, and January’s potential for roster moves, including decisions on key UFAs like Boeser and Suter. They explore the Canucks’ needs for wingers and defensemen, while praising management for untangling their cap issues. Plus, creative Canucks fan chants, thoughts on potential acquisitions like Taylor Hall, and highlights from Vancouver's strong effort against Nathan MacKinnon’s line. This podcast is produced by Dominic Sramaty & Lina SetaghianThe views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.

On this episode of The Whiteboard, Jamie Dodd and Thomas Drance discuss Kiefer Sherwood's impressive start to the season and his potential to hit 20-30 goals. They explore the Canucks' search for a right-shot winger, evaluating options like Mathieu Olivier, Nick Bjugstad, Rickard Rakell, and even Taylor Hall or Kaapo Kakko. With Rutherford's preference for reliable players and Drance urging bold moves, they debate how the Canucks should approach their next big acquisition. This podcast is produced by Dominic Sramaty & Lina SetaghianThe views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.

On this episode of Canucks Talk, Jamie Dodd and Thomas Drance welcome Landon Ferraro to break down the Canucks’ recent struggles, focusing on the troubling lack of consistency and emotional investment from key players. They explore the mental toll of elevated roles, potential generational divides in the locker room, and what it will take for the team to regain confidence. Plus, they preview the Canucks’ matchup against the Avalanche, the importance of a strong forecheck, and Max Sasson’s impact in the top six. With a pivotal week ahead, can the Canucks re-establish themselves as contenders or risk falling out of the playoff picture? This podcast is produced by Dominic Sramaty & Lina SetaghianThe views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.

On this episode of The Whiteboard, Jamie Dodd and Thomas Drance dive into the Canucks' struggles after a troubling loss to the Bruins. They discuss whether the team’s season is at a tipping point, with coach Rick Tocchet calling out the players' lack of commitment to the game plan and Jim Rutherford hinting that the roster needs more depth to contend. As trade speculation around Elias Pettersson swirls, the hosts debate the potential implications of a blockbuster deal. Plus, with this week being a critical inflection point, will the Canucks solidify their playoff ambitions or find themselves battling for a wildcard spot? This podcast is produced by Dominic Sramaty & Lina SetaghianThe views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.