The
2010–11
1 (one, unit, unity) is a number, numeral, and glyph. It is the first and smallest positive integer of the infinite sequence of natural numbers. This fundamental property has led to its unique uses in other fields, ranging from science to sp ...
Vancouver Canucks
The Vancouver Canucks are a professional ice hockey team based in Vancouver. The Canucks compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Pacific Division (NHL), Pacific Division in the Western Conference (NHL), Western Conferenc ...
season was the 41st season in the modern Canucks history. The
Vancouver Canucks
The Vancouver Canucks are a professional ice hockey team based in Vancouver. The Canucks compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Pacific Division (NHL), Pacific Division in the Western Conference (NHL), Western Conferenc ...
won their fifth
Northwest division title, third conference championship and first
Presidents' Trophy
The Presidents' Trophy () is an award presented by the National Hockey League (NHL) to the team that finishes with the most points (i.e., best overall record) during the regular season. If two teams are tied for the most points, then the Trophy ...
. They also reached the
Stanley Cup Finals
The Stanley Cup Finals in ice hockey (also known as the Stanley Cup Final among various media, ) is the annual championship series of the National Hockey League (NHL). The winner is awarded the Stanley Cup, North America's oldest professional spo ...
for the third time in franchise history, losing to the
Boston Bruins
The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston. The Bruins compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division (NHL), Atlantic Division in the Eastern Conference (NHL), Eastern Conference. The t ...
in seven games. This marked the last time a Canadian team contended in the Stanley Cup Finals until the
Montreal Canadiens
The Montreal Canadiens (), officially ' ( Canadian Hockey Club) and colloquially known as the Habs, are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal. The Canadiens compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic D ...
did so in
2021
Like the year 2020, 2021 was also heavily defined by the COVID-19 pandemic, due to the emergence of multiple Variants of SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19 variants. The major global rollout of COVID-19 vaccines, which began at the end of 2020, continued ...
, ten years later.
As of 2025, this is the most recent Presidents’ Trophy winner to reach the Finals in a full 82-game season.
Events
Off-season
Entry draft
The
2010 NHL entry draft was held June 25–26, 2010, at
Staples Center
Crypto.com Arena (originally and colloquially known as Staples Center) is a multi-purpose indoor arena in downtown Los Angeles. Opened on October 17, 1999, as Staples Center, it is located next to the Los Angeles Convention Center complex along F ...
in
Los Angeles
Los Angeles, often referred to by its initials L.A., is the List of municipalities in California, most populous city in the U.S. state of California, and the commercial, Financial District, Los Angeles, financial, and Culture of Los Angeles, ...
, California. The Canucks had the 25th overall draft choice in the first round as a result of being defeated by the
Chicago Blackhawks
The Chicago Blackhawks (spelled Black Hawks until 1986, and known colloquially as the Hawks) are a professional ice hockey team based in Chicago. The Blackhawks compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Central Division (N ...
in the
Western Conference semi-final, but that draft choice was traded to the
Florida Panthers
The Florida Panthers are a professional ice hockey team based in the Miami metropolitan area. The Panthers compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division in the Eastern Conference. The team initially played it ...
. The Canucks also did not have a second- or third-round draft pick. Their second-round pick was traded to the
Buffalo Sabres
The Buffalo Sabres are a professional ice hockey team based in Buffalo, New York. The Sabres compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division (NHL), Atlantic Division in the Eastern Conference (NHL), Eastern Con ...
in exchange for
Steve Bernier. Their third-round pick was traded to the
Carolina Hurricanes
The Carolina Hurricanes (colloquially known as the Canes) are a professional ice hockey team based in Raleigh, North Carolina. The Hurricanes compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Con ...
at the NHL trade deadline in exchange for
Andrew Alberts. The Canucks acquired an additional sixth-round draft choice from the
Phoenix Coyotes
The Arizona Coyotes are an inactive professional ice hockey team based in the Phoenix metropolitan area. They competed in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Central Division (NHL), Central Division (1996–1998, 2021–2024) and ...
as a result of a trade that sent
Mathieu Schneider to Phoenix.
Vancouver had the 115th, 145th, 172nd, 175th and 205th overall draft choices.
Trades
On June 25, 2010, the Canucks acquired
Keith Ballard and
Victor Oreskovich from the
Florida Panthers
The Florida Panthers are a professional ice hockey team based in the Miami metropolitan area. The Panthers compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division in the Eastern Conference. The team initially played it ...
in exchange for
Steve Bernier,
Michael Grabner and the 25th overall pick in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.
Mike Gillis traded
Shane O'Brien and Dan Gendur to the
Nashville Predators
The Nashville Predators (colloquially referred to as the Preds) are a professional ice hockey team based in Nashville, Tennessee. The Predators compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Central Division (NHL), Central Divisio ...
in exchange for
Ryan Parent and
Jonas Andersson on October 5, 2010. Parent was immediately waived after being acquired while Andersson was assigned to the
Manitoba Moose
The Manitoba Moose are a professional ice hockey team based in Winnipeg. They are the American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate of the Winnipeg Jets of the National Hockey League (NHL). The team plays its home games at Canada Life Centre.
The fran ...
(now St. John's Ice Caps) of the
American Hockey League
The American Hockey League (AHL) is a professional ice hockey league in North America that serves as the primary developmental league of the National Hockey League (NHL). The league comprises 32 teams, with 26 in the United States and 6 in Cana ...
.
On October 6,
Darcy Hordichuk was traded to the Florida Panthers in exchange for
Andrew Peters
Andrew Peters (born May 5, 1980) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey left winger. Peters played in the National Hockey League for the Buffalo Sabres, and the New Jersey Devils. Throughout his playing career, Peters was best known for hi ...
. Peters would play for the Manitoba Moose.
On October 7, Mike Gillis made another trade with the Florida Panthers, this time acquiring
Nathan Paetsch
Nathan Paetsch (born March 30, 1983) is a Canadian ice hockey coach and former ice hockey defenceman who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) with the Buffalo Sabres and Columbus Blue Jackets. He is currently an assistant coach of the Roche ...
for
Sean Zimmerman
Sean Zimmerman (born May 24, 1987) is an American former professional ice hockey defenseman. He most recently played for the Orlando Solar Bears of the ECHL. Born in Denver, Colorado Zimmerman represented the United States at the 2007 World Junio ...
.
Player signings
On April 6, 2010, the Canucks signed Swedish
goaltender
In ice hockey, the goaltender (commonly referred to as goalie or netminder) is the player responsible for preventing the hockey puck from entering their own team's net, thus preventing the opposing team from scoring. The goaltender mostly plays ...
Eddie Läck to a two-year entry-level contract.
Lack spent the 2009–10 season as a member of the
Brynäs IF
Brynäs IF is a Swedish professional ice hockey team from Gävle. The club currently plays in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL), promoted from the HockeyAllsvenskan, the second tier of ice hockey in Sweden, following the 2023–24 season. The ...
, posting a 2.67
goals against average
Goals against average (GAA), also known as average goals against (AGA), is a statistic used in field hockey, ice hockey, lacrosse, soccer, and water polo that is the mean of goals allowed per game by a goaltender or goalkeeper (depending on spo ...
(GAA) and a .911
save percentage
Save percentage (often known by such symbols as SV%, SVS%, SVP, PCT) is a statistic in various Goal (sports), goal-scoring sports that track Save (goaltender), saves as a statistic.
In ice hockey and lacrosse and association football, it is a sta ...
. He was expected to start the year with the Manitoba Moose.
On May 31, 2010, the Canucks announced that they signed three defencemen, including prospect
Yann Sauvé. Sauvé was drafted 41st overall by the Canucks in the
2008 draft. In addition, they signed free agent
Lee Sweatt and
Christopher Tanev. Sweatt split time in the Finnish
SM-liiga
The Liiga, colloquially called the Finnish Elite League in English or FM-ligan in Swedish, is the top professional ice hockey league in Finland. The league comprises 16 teams from all around Finland with relegation and promotion between the Mest ...
and
Kontinental Hockey League
The Kontinental Hockey League (KHL; ) is an international professional ice hockey league founded in 2008. It comprises member clubs based in Russia (20), Belarus (1), Kazakhstan (1), and China (1) for a total of 23 clubs.
It was considered in ...
(KHL) for the 2009–10 season. He registered nine goals and seven assists in 21 games for
TPS
TPS or Tps may refer to:
In arts and entertainment
*Télévision Par Satellite, a French satellite television company
*Third-person shooter, a game genre
* Torsonic Polarity Syndrome, in ''South Park'' animation
* Trailer Park Sex, a band from ...
in Finland. Sweatt added two goals and five assists in 37 games in the KHL with
Dinamo Riga
Dinamo Riga () is a professional ice hockey team based in Riga, Latvia. It most recently was a member of the Latvian Hockey Higher League. The club is affiliated with HK Zemgale/LBTU.
The club was re-founded on 7 April 2008 as a successor of a D ...
. Christopher Tanev signed as a free agent after playing in the
NCAA
The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) is a nonprofit organization that regulates College athletics in the United States, student athletics among about 1,100 schools in the United States, and Simon Fraser University, 1 in Canada. ...
, where he scored 10 goals and 18 assists in 41 games for the
RIT Tigers
The RIT Tigers are composed of 22 teams representing the Rochester Institute of Technology in intercollegiate athletics, including men's and women's basketball, crew, cross country, cheerleading, ice hockey, lacrosse, soccer, swimming & diving, ...
.
On June 1, 2010, Vancouver signed
Anton Rödin
Anton Rödin (born 21 November 1990) is a Swedish professional ice hockey forward currently playing for Brynäs IF in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL). He previously played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Vancouver Canucks. He was s ...
to a three-year, entry-level contract. Rödin was drafted 53rd overall by the Canucks in the
2009 Draft. He spent the 2009–10 season in the
Swedish Elite League with Brynäs IF. He also played at the
2010 World Junior Championships, where he won a bronze medal with Sweden. He finished the tournament tied for second in scoring for Sweden with three goals and ten points, good enough for ninth in the tournament.
On June 2, 2010, Mike Gillis signed
Cory Schneider
Cory Franklin Schneider (born March 18, 1986) is an American former professional ice hockey goaltender. He played for the Vancouver Canucks, New Jersey Devils and New York Islanders of the National Hockey League (NHL).
Schneider was selected in ...
to a contract extension with the team. He was drafted in the first round, 26th overall, of the
2004 NHL entry draft by the Canucks. He spent the last two seasons playing with the
Manitoba Moose
The Manitoba Moose are a professional ice hockey team based in Winnipeg. They are the American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate of the Winnipeg Jets of the National Hockey League (NHL). The team plays its home games at Canada Life Centre.
The fran ...
of the AHL, where he was named the League's
Goaltender of the Year in
2008–09 while leading the Moose to the
Calder Cup Final.
The Canucks also announced that they signed
Peter Andersson to an entry-level contract. Andersson was drafted 143rd overall by the Canucks in
2009
2009 was designated as the International Year of Astronomy by the United Nations to coincide with the 400th anniversary of Galileo Galilei's first known astronomical studies with a telescope and the publication of Astronomia Nova by Joha ...
.
On June 16, 2010, the Vancouver Canucks re-signed pending unrestricted free agent
Aaron Rome to a two-year contract. The deal is worth $1.5 million and will have a
salary cap
In professional sports, a salary cap (or wage cap) is an agreement or rule that places a limit on the amount of money that a team can spend on players' salaries. It exists as a per-player limit or a total limit for the team's roster, or both. Seve ...
hit of $750,000 per season.
On July 2, 2010,
Alexandre Bolduc signed a one-year, two-way contract worth $500,000.
Shane O'Brien re-signed with the Canucks on July 6, 2010, when he accepted his qualifying offer. The new contract will pay O'Brien $1.6 million for one year.
Tanner Glass also signed a one-year contract worth $625,000.
On July 22,
Jannik Hansen
Jannik Hansen (born 15 March 1986) is a Danish former professional ice hockey right winger. Hansen began playing professionally at the age of 16 with both the Rødovre Mighty Bulls of the Danish league and the Malmö Redhawks of the Swedish ...
was awarded a one-year contract worth $825,000 by an arbitrator.
On July 26, the Canucks re-signed
Mason Raymond
Mason Evan Raymond (born September 17, 1985) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey winger who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) with the Vancouver Canucks, Toronto Maple Leafs, Calgary Flames and the Anaheim Ducks. He represented ...
to a new two-year contract worth a total of $5.1 million.
Free agency
On July 1, the Vancouver Canucks signed
Dan Hamhuis to a six-year contract worth $27 million,
Jeff Tambellini to a 1-year contract worth $500,000,
Manny Malhotra
Emmanuel "Manny" Noveen Malhotra (born May 18, 1980) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey centre. He is the head coach of the Abbotsford Canucks of the American Hockey League (AHL), and was previously an assistant coach in the National ...
to a three-year contract worth $7.5 million and
Joel Perrault to a one-year contract worth $510,000.
The Canucks signed
Tyler Weiman on July 12 to a one-year contract worth $500,000.
On August 19, Vancouver signed unrestricted free agent
Bill Sweatt, the younger brother of Lee Sweatt, to a three-year, entry-level contract worth $2.7 million. The contract also includes an additional $300,000 per season in potential performance bonuses. Bill Sweatt was drafted 38th overall by the
Chicago Blackhawks
The Chicago Blackhawks (spelled Black Hawks until 1986, and known colloquially as the Hawks) are a professional ice hockey team based in Chicago. The Blackhawks compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Central Division (N ...
in
2007
2007 was designated as the International Heliophysical Year and the International Polar Year.
Events
January
* January 1
**Bulgaria and Romania 2007 enlargement of the European Union, join the European Union, while Slovenia joins the Eur ...
, but decided not to sign a contract until completing four years of college. He was subsequently traded to the
Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs (officially the Toronto Maple Leaf Hockey Club and often referred to as the Leafs) are a professional ice hockey team based in Toronto. The Maple Leafs compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the A ...
along with
Kris Versteeg
Kristopher Royce Versteeg (born May 13, 1986) is a Canadian entrepreneur and former professional ice hockey winger. During his career, he played for the Chicago Blackhawks, Toronto Maple Leafs, Philadelphia Flyers, Florida Panthers, Carolina Hurr ...
, but maintained his desire to test free agency. He eventually decided to re-unite with his brother in Vancouver.
The Canucks signed unrestricted free agent
Raffi Torres
Raphael Torres (born October 8, 1981) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey left winger. He was drafted by the New York Islanders fifth overall in the 2000 NHL Entry Draft. He played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the New York I ...
to a one-year contract worth $1 million on August 25.
On October 7, the Canucks signed
Peter Schaefer to a one-year, two-way contract worth $600,000. Schaefer played for the Canucks between 1998 and 2000 before being traded to the
Ottawa Senators
The Ottawa Senators (), officially the Ottawa Senators Hockey Club and colloquially known as the Sens, are a professional ice hockey team based in Ottawa. The Senators compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Di ...
for
Sami Salo
Sami Sakari Salo (born 2 September 1974) is a Finnish former professional ice hockey defenceman of the National Hockey League (NHL). He began his professional career with TPS of the SM-liiga before being selected by the Ottawa Senators with thei ...
.
Pre-season
Training camp
The Canucks held their training camp in
Penticton
Penticton ( ) is a city in the Okanagan, Okanagan Valley of the British Columbia, Canada, situated between Okanagan Lake, Okanagan and Skaha Lake, Skaha lakes. In the 2021 Canadian Census, its population was 36,885, while its Census geographic un ...
, British Columbia, at the
South Okanagan Events Centre
The South Okanagan Events Centre is a 5,000-seat multi-purpose arena in Penticton, British Columbia, Canada. It is home to the Penticton Vees ice hockey team. The arena opened to the public in September 2008.
The centre hosted the 2018 Scotties ...
. In addition to training camp, the Canucks hosted a Young Stars prospect tournament prior to the start of training camp from September 12 to 16. The event featured prospects from five teams in an eight-game round robin format. The tournament included the
Anaheim Ducks
The Anaheim Ducks are a professional ice hockey team based in Anaheim, California. The Ducks compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Pacific Division (NHL), Pacific Division in the Western Conference (NHL), Western Confere ...
,
Calgary Flames
The Calgary Flames are a professional ice hockey team based in Calgary. The Flames compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Pacific Division (NHL), Pacific Division in the Western Conference (NHL), Western Conference. The ...
,
Edmonton Oilers
The Edmonton Oilers are a professional ice hockey team based in Edmonton. The Oilers compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Pacific Division (NHL), Pacific Division in the Western Conference (NHL), Western Conference. Th ...
and
San Jose Sharks
The San Jose Sharks are a professional ice hockey team based in San Jose, California. The Sharks compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Pacific Division (NHL), Pacific Division in the Western Conference (NHL), Western Con ...
. The Canucks finished the tournament with a record of 2–2.
Shortly before the start of training camp,
Roberto Luongo
Roberto Luongo (, , ; born April 4, 1979) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey goaltender. He played 19 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the New York Islanders, Florida Panthers, and Vancouver Canucks. In 2022, Luongo was ...
announced that he would be relinquishing his captaincy. Luongo served as the team captain for two seasons.
Forward
Henrik Sedin
Henrik Lars Sedin (born 26 September 1980) is a Swedish ice hockey executive and former centre who played his entire 17-season National Hockey League (NHL) career with the Vancouver Canucks from 2000 to 2018. He additionally served as the Canuc ...
, was named team captain.
Schedule
The Canucks' pre-season schedule began on September 21 against the Calgary Flames. It will be a split series where each franchise will split into two squads to play two simultaneous games, one at the
Saddledome in Calgary and one at
Rogers Arena
Rogers Arena, (formerly General Motors Place), is a multi-purpose list of indoor arenas, arena at 800 Griffiths Way in the Downtown Vancouver, downtown area of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Opened in 1995, the arena was known as General ...
in Vancouver.
In addition, the Canucks will play each of the Edmonton Oilers, Anaheim Ducks and San Jose Sharks twice, once at home and once on the road. The Canucks finished the preseason with a record of 3–5.
Regular season
Schedule
The Canucks officially kicked off their 2010–11 campaign on October 9 at Rogers Arena against the
Los Angeles Kings
The Los Angeles Kings are a professional ice hockey team based in Los Angeles. The Kings compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Pacific Division (NHL), Pacific Division in the Western Conference (NHL), Western Conference. ...
. With the Canucks celebrating their 40th anniversary, the NHL scheduled this game to honour the Canucks' first-ever NHL game against the Los Angeles Kings on October 9, 1970. The Canucks lost the game in a shootout by a score of 2–1. They began the season slowly, going 2–3–1 in their first six games before going on a six-game winning streak. The loss to break the streak came as part of a five-game road trip where they recorded a 2–2–1 record before returning home for their most lopsided loss of the year, a 7–1 defeat at the hands of the
Chicago Blackhawks
The Chicago Blackhawks (spelled Black Hawks until 1986, and known colloquially as the Hawks) are a professional ice hockey team based in Chicago. The Blackhawks compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Central Division (N ...
. Following the loss the Canucks went 18–4–3, which included an eight-game winning streak, and two four-game winning streaks, before losing three consecutive games in extra time. They proceeded to win the next six games, but ended February alternating wins and losses. Vancouver's win against the
Minnesota Wild
The Minnesota Wild are a professional ice hockey team based in Saint Paul, Minnesota. The Wild compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Central Division (NHL), Central Division in the Western Conference (NHL), Western Confer ...
on March 14, 2011, put the team at 101 points in the standings. It was the fastest the Canucks reached the 100-point mark in franchise history. Next, the team recorded its 50th victory of the season for the first time in franchise history on March 27. They would get top seed in the Western Conference on 2 days later. And it would get its first
Presidents' Trophy
The Presidents' Trophy () is an award presented by the National Hockey League (NHL) to the team that finishes with the most points (i.e., best overall record) during the regular season. If two teams are tied for the most points, then the Trophy ...
two days later.
The season finale took place on April 9, 2011, against the Calgary Flames, which saw the Canucks win 3–2 in overtime. Daniel Sedin registered two assists in order to clinch the
Art Ross Trophy
The Art Ross Trophy is awarded to the National Hockey League (NHL) player who leads the league in Point (ice hockey), points at the end of the regular season. It was presented to the league by former player, general manager, and head coach Art Ros ...
, a year after his brother did it.
Excluding four shootout-winning goals, the Canucks scored 258 goals, the most in the League. Furthermore, excluding their five shootout goals allowed, the Canucks gave up only 180 goals in their 82 games, the fewest in the League. They also scored the most power-play goals, with 72, and had the best power-play percentage, at 24.32% (72 for 296).
The Canucks were also the first team since the champion
Montreal Canadiens
The Montreal Canadiens (), officially ' ( Canadian Hockey Club) and colloquially known as the Habs, are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal. The Canadiens compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic D ...
to finish the league with the most goals scored and fewest goals against. They also finished the regular season with the top ranked power play and third ranked penalty kill. They almost finished the same identical record as the
1988–89 Flames (except they had two fewer losses).
Special events
The Canucks kicked off their season with a
pre-game ceremony
A pre-game ceremony or pre-match ceremony is an on-field ceremony occurring before a sporting event. Such ceremonies may celebrate a past event, honour a retiring athlete, commemorate a deceased athlete, or promote a cause.
Celebrating past event ...
on October 9, 2010, to commemorate their 40th Anniversary. They also announced Henrik Sedin as the 13th captain of the team.
Prior to their game on December 11, 2010, against the
Tampa Bay Lightning
The Tampa Bay Lightning (colloquially known as the Bolts) are a professional ice hockey team based in Tampa, Florida. The Lightning compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division (NHL), Atlantic Division in the ...
, the Canucks honoured
Markus Näslund
Markus Sten Näslund (born 30 July 1973) is a Swedish former professional ice hockey player and former general manager for Modo Hockey of the Swedish Hockey League (SHL, formerly named Elitserien). He played in the National Hockey League (NHL) ...
by retiring his number 19 jersey. Näslund was the third player in franchise history to receive the honour following
Stan Smyl
Stanley Philip Smyl (born January 28, 1958) is a Canadian professional ice hockey executive and former player. He was selected 40th overall by the Vancouver Canucks in the 1978 NHL Amateur Draft and went on to play his entire NHL career with the ...
and
Trevor Linden. Näslund spent 12 seasons with the Canucks, nine as captain. He also holds the franchise lead in points scored with 756. The retirement ceremony coincided with
Mattias Öhlund
Kenneth Mattias Öhlund (born 9 September 1976) is a Swedes, Swedish former professional ice hockey defenceman who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Vancouver Canucks and Tampa Bay Lightning. Öhlund played two seasons in the Swe ...
's return to Vancouver for the first time since signing with the Lightning in 2009.
The Canucks also announced that they will be introducing a "Ring of Honour" to commemorate past players. Four players will have their names added to the ring this season. The first player to get the honour will be
Orland Kurtenbach
Orland John Kurtenbach (born September 7, 1936) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player and coach. A centre notable for his defensive skill and as one of the toughest fighters in the game, he played for several National Hockey League ( ...
who was the first ever captain of the Vancouver Canucks. Kurtenbach's ceremony took place on October 26.
Kirk McLean was added to the ring of honour on November 24. McLean helped lead the Canucks to game seven of the
1994 Stanley Cup Finals
The 1994 Stanley Cup Finals was the championship series of the National Hockey League's (NHL) 1993–94 season, and the culmination of the 1994 Stanley Cup playoffs. It was contested between the Eastern Conference champion New York Rangers a ...
. The third player to be inducted into the Ring of Honour will be
Thomas Gradin
Thomas Kjell Gradin (born February 18, 1956) is a Swedish associate head scout for the Vancouver Canucks of the National Hockey League (NHL) and a former professional ice hockey centre who played in the NHL and the Swedish Elite League (SEL) fro ...
on January 24. Gradin was part of the 1982 Canucks team that made it to the Stanley Cup Finals. He now works as a European scout for organization and is heavily praised at having convinced then-general manager
Dave Nonis
David M. Nonis (born May 25, 1966) is a Canadian former ice hockey defenceman and is currently an assistant general manager and senior VP of hockey operations for the Calgary Flames.
Playing career
Growing up in Burnaby, B.C., Nonis played juni ...
to draft
Alexander Edler
Ulf Niklas Alexander Edler (born 21 April 1986) is a Swedish former professional ice hockey defenceman who played 17 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Vancouver Canucks and the Los Angeles Kings. He was drafted out of Sweden's ...
.
The final ceremony took place on March 14 when
Harold Snepsts was inducted into the Ring of Honour.
Playoffs

The Vancouver Canucks were the first team in the NHL to clinch a berth in the playoffs. Two weeks later, they clinched their division on March 16.
The win earned them their fourth
Northwest Division title in five years, thus guaranteeing them home ice advantage in the first round of the
Stanley Cup playoffs
The Stanley Cup playoffs () is the annual elimination tournament to determine the winner of the Stanley Cup, and the league champion of the National Hockey League (NHL). The four-round, best-of-seven tournament is held after the NHL's regular s ...
. This was the fastest the team had clinched a playoff spot in franchise history.
The team earned the top seed in the Western Conference on March 29 and the
Presidents' Trophy
The Presidents' Trophy () is an award presented by the National Hockey League (NHL) to the team that finishes with the most points (i.e., best overall record) during the regular season. If two teams are tied for the most points, then the Trophy ...
two days later, guaranteeing home ice advantage throughout the playoffs.
The Canucks opened their post-season schedule with a series against the eighth seeded and defending
Stanley Cup
The Stanley Cup () is the championship trophy awarded annually to the National Hockey League (NHL) playoff champion. It is the oldest existing trophy to be awarded to a professional sports franchise in North America, and the International Ic ...
champion
Chicago Blackhawks
The Chicago Blackhawks (spelled Black Hawks until 1986, and known colloquially as the Hawks) are a professional ice hockey team based in Chicago. The Blackhawks compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Central Division (N ...
. This was the third time the two teams played in the playoffs in consecutive years with the Blackhawks winning the first two, both in the second round in six games. Vancouver won the opening three games of the series before Chicago responded by winning the next three games to force a game seven.
Alexandre Burrows
Alexandre Ménard-Burrows (born April 11, 1981) is a Canadian professional ice hockey coach and former player who is currently working as a player development consultant for the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League (NHL). Playing a ...
scored the winning goal in game 7 in overtime on Blackhawks' goaltender
Corey Crawford
Corey Crawford (born December 31, 1984) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey goaltender. Nicknamed "Crow" by teammates and fans, he played his entire professional career with the Chicago Blackhawks of the National Hockey League (NHL), w ...
to clinch the 2–1 victory in the game and 4–3 series victory.
Vancouver moved on to play the fifth seeded
Nashville Predators
The Nashville Predators (colloquially referred to as the Preds) are a professional ice hockey team based in Nashville, Tennessee. The Predators compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Central Division (NHL), Central Divisio ...
in the second round of the playoffs. It is the first time the two teams have met in the playoffs. Vancouver won the first game before Nashville won game two to even up the series at one. Vancouver won both games in Nashville, Game 3 3–2 in overtime on a
Ryan Kesler deflection goal, and 4–2 in Game 4, respectively. The series returned to Vancouver for Game 5 with the Canucks having a 3–1 series lead, where the Predators staved off elimination by beating the Canucks 4–3 and Predators' forward
Joel Ward scored two goals, including the game winner to force a game six. The Canucks won the series 4–2 after a 2–1 victory in Game 6.
The Canucks played the second seeded
San Jose Sharks
The San Jose Sharks are a professional ice hockey team based in San Jose, California. The Sharks compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Pacific Division (NHL), Pacific Division in the Western Conference (NHL), Western Con ...
for the first time ever in the
Western Conference Final after San Jose eliminated the third seeded
Detroit Red Wings
The Detroit Red Wings (colloquially referred to as the Wings) are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit. The Red Wings compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division (NHL), Atlantic Division in the East ...
in Game 7. Vancouver prevailed in five games with a double overtime goal scored by defenceman
Kevin Bieksa to send the Canucks to the
Stanley Cup Finals
The Stanley Cup Finals in ice hockey (also known as the Stanley Cup Final among various media, ) is the annual championship series of the National Hockey League (NHL). The winner is awarded the Stanley Cup, North America's oldest professional spo ...
for the third time in franchise history and the first time since 1994.
They would face the third seeded
Boston Bruins
The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston. The Bruins compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division (NHL), Atlantic Division in the Eastern Conference (NHL), Eastern Conference. The t ...
after Boston defeated the fifth seeded
Tampa Bay Lightning
The Tampa Bay Lightning (colloquially known as the Bolts) are a professional ice hockey team based in Tampa, Florida. The Lightning compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division (NHL), Atlantic Division in the ...
in seven games in the Eastern Conference Final. The series began on June 1 with a 1–0 Canucks victory. Roberto Luongo picked up his third shutout of the playoffs while forward
Raffi Torres
Raphael Torres (born October 8, 1981) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey left winger. He was drafted by the New York Islanders fifth overall in the 2000 NHL Entry Draft. He played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the New York I ...
scored the dramatic lone goal with 18.5 seconds remaining in the third period. However, after Game 1, the series became heated and physical, after Alexandre Burrows apparently bit the finger of Bruins' forward
Patrice Bergeron
Patrice Bergeron-Cleary (born July 24, 1985) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey centre (ice hockey), centre who played 19 seasons in the National Hockey League, all with the Boston Bruins. He served as Captain (sports), team captain f ...
during game one (after the incident was reviewed by the league Burrows was not suspended) and in Game 3, a hit by defenceman
Aaron Rome left Bruins winger
Nathan Horton concussed and unable to play for the rest of the series. Despite playing without Horton – one of the Bruins best goal scorers – for the final four games of the series, Boston was able to pick up their play and comeback to win the series despite staking Vancouver leads of 2–0 and 3–2. It was Boston's first Stanley Cup victory in 39 years. The Canucks became the first team to lose in the Finals after winning the Presidents' Trophy since the
Detroit Red Wings
The Detroit Red Wings (colloquially referred to as the Wings) are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit. The Red Wings compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division (NHL), Atlantic Division in the East ...
in . The Canucks 54 wins was the most by a team that lost in the Stanley Cup Finals, surpassing the previous record of 53 by the
Philadelphia Flyers
The Philadelphia Flyers are a professional ice hockey team based in Philadelphia. The Flyers compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference (NHL), Eastern Conference. The team play ...
in and 117 points was the most by a team that lost in the final, surpassing the previous record of 116 by the Flyers in .
Broadcast changes
Television
On July 28, 2010, the Vancouver Canucks announced a new partnership with
Rogers Sportsnet One, a new national sports channel with regional broadcast capabilities. The new partnership included 13 additional games, on top of the 45 on
Rogers Sportsnet
Sportsnet is a Canadian English-language discretionary sports specialty channel owned by Rogers Sports & Media. It was established in 1998 as CTV Sportsnet, a joint venture between CTV, Liberty Media, and Rogers Media. CTV parent Bell Globe ...
Pacific, to be shown thus eliminating Canucks TV Pay-Per-View. In addition,
CBC Hockey Night in Canada announced that it would once again be showing 14 games nationally while
TSN would show 10 games.
Radio
Also on July 28, 2010,
Tom Larscheid announced that he would be retiring at the start of the season. His final radio call was during the Vancouver Canucks season opener against the Los Angeles Kings on October 9. He spent 33 years as the colour commentator for the Vancouver Canucks and was replaced by
Dave Tomlinson.
Schedule and results
Pre-season
Regular season
Playoffs
The Vancouver Canucks clinched their first
Presidents' Trophy
The Presidents' Trophy () is an award presented by the National Hockey League (NHL) to the team that finishes with the most points (i.e., best overall record) during the regular season. If two teams are tied for the most points, then the Trophy ...
in franchise history, thus guaranteeing themselves home ice advantage for the duration of the playoffs.
Standings
Divisional standings
Conference standings
Player statistics
Skaters
''Note: GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; +/− = Plus/minus; PIM = Penalty minutes''
Goaltenders
''Note: GP = Games played; TOI = Time on ice (minutes); W = Wins; L = Losses; OT = Overtime losses; GA = Goals against; GAA= Goals against average; SA= Shots against; Sv% = Save percentage; SO= Shutouts''
†Denotes player spent time with another team before joining Canucks. Stats reflect time with Canucks only.
‡Traded mid-season. Stats reflect time with Canucks only.
Awards and records
Records
Milestones
Awards
Draft picks
Vancouver's picks at the
2010 NHL entry draft in Los Angeles.
This draft pick originally belonged to the Phoenix Coyotes. It was acquired from Phoenix in exchange for Mathieu Schneider.
Transactions
Trades
Notes
Players retained
Farm teams
* The
Manitoba Moose
The Manitoba Moose are a professional ice hockey team based in Winnipeg. They are the American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate of the Winnipeg Jets of the National Hockey League (NHL). The team plays its home games at Canada Life Centre.
The fran ...
will remain the Canucks'
American Hockey League
The American Hockey League (AHL) is a professional ice hockey league in North America that serves as the primary developmental league of the National Hockey League (NHL). The league comprises 32 teams, with 26 in the United States and 6 in Cana ...
affiliate for the 2010–11 season.
* The
Victoria Salmon Kings
The Victoria Salmon Kings were a professional ice hockey team based in Victoria, British Columbia, and members of the ECHL. The team debuted in the 2004–05 season and folded after the 2010–11 season. The Chilliwack Bruins of the major jun ...
will remain the Canucks'
ECHL
The ECHL (formerly the East Coast Hockey League) is a minor professional ice hockey league based in Shrewsbury, New Jersey, with teams across the United States and Canada. Competitively, it is a tier below the American Hockey League (AHL). The ...
affiliate for the 2010–11 season.
See also
*
2010–11 NHL season
The 2010–11 NHL season was the List of NHL seasons, 94th season of operation (93rd Season (sport), season of play) of the National Hockey League (NHL). The Boston Bruins defeated the Vancouver Canucks in the 2011 Stanley Cup Finals, Stanley Cup ...
References
External links
2010–11 Vancouver Canucks season Official Site
{{DEFAULTSORT:2010-11 Vancouver Canucks Season
Vancouver Canucks season, 2010-11
Vancouver Canucks seasons
Presidents' Trophy seasons
Western Conference (NHL) championship seasons
Vancouver C
V
Vancouver Canucks, 2010-11
Vancouver Canucks, 2010-11
Canucks, 2010-11
Canucks, 2010-11