Nils Höglander was thrust into a top-six role late in the 2023-24 season after a disappointing experiment with a Russian winger alongside Elias Pettersson.
The young Swede capitalized on the opportunity, setting career highs with 24 goals and 36 points in 80 games. His chemistry with Pettersson was evident, and he looked like a solid option heading into the playoffs.
However, Höglander struggled in the postseason, appearing primarily ineffective during the Canucks’ two series. While he wasn’t particularly poor, he failed to make a significant impact, casting some doubt on his future potential.
As a cost-controlled, young winger, there’s still room for Höglander to grow. The Canucks are likely to give him another shot in the top six, despite increased competition. Vancouver could have a valuable asset at a bargain price if he can replicate or build on his regular season performance.
Goals for Höglander in 2024-25:
Score 20-25 goals
Put up 40-45 points
Establish himself as a top-six winger
Put up 40-45 points
Establish himself as a top-six winger
The key for Höglander will be to prove that his 2023-24 season wasn’t a fluke and that he can consistently produce at a high level. If he can maintain a solid shooting percentage and continue to develop, he has a real shot at solidifying his place in the Canucks’ top-six forward group.
Hoglander to price himself out of Vancouver?
If he does indeed score over 20 goals for a second season straight, Patrik Allvin will have to work some magic to figure out a way to keep him around; currently, on a very cheap $1.1M deal, he’ll be up for a massive pay raise. One the Canucks may not be able to afford.
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