GM Mike Gillis proved his mettle this offseason by tending to his club’s identity players. He traveled to Sweden and returned with signed contracts of equivalent length and sum (5 years, $6.1M per) for each of the Sedins. He landed free agent Mikael Samuelsson (19 goals, 251 shots) early in the summer. Later, he signed Roberto Luongo to a whopping 12-year contract extension through 2022. Luongo will make $7.5M this season, $10M next.

Longtime defensive stalwart Mattias Ohland departed for Tampa, but Gillis took steps to recover from the loss. First, Christian Ehrhoff and Brad Lukowich come in trade from San Jose. Next, Mathieu Schneider’s offensive prowess will be welcome, and Alexander Edler looks to take the next step in his young career. Add existing leaders Kevin Bieksa and Willie Mitchell, and the Canucks should be able to improve upon its already-solid, seventh-ranked defense.

In goal, Andrew Raycroft arrives from Colorado, replacing Jason LaBarbera as Luongo’s understudy.

Ryan Kesler enjoyed a breakthrough season, finishing third in Selke voting while scoring 26 goals. He will now have Samuelsson on his wing, which is an upgrade from an aging Mats Sundin. Pavol Demitra (20 goals), rounds out a top-notch second line. The Sedins will work on the first line with Alex Burrows, who provided some sandpaper to the twins’ routine, to great effect.

24-year-old Mason Raymond (11 goals, 145 shots) will again join Kyle Wellwood (18) and Steve Bernier (15) on a very impressive checking line that is always a threat to score. The Canucks shutdown trio is energized, and will be a key component in the club’s ascendency.

After scoring 30 goals in 66 games for Manitoba of the AHL, left wing Michael Grabner, who turns 22 when the season begins, should receive his NHL debut this season.