The Canucks did not make the playoffs this season, and many fans are expecting changes, however one NHL analyst believes the team will be similar next year. <a href='https://theprovince.com/sports/hockey/nhl/vancouver-canucks/brutal-2024-25-season-will-wont-back' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>NHL analyst Patrick Johnston gave a quick forecast of what the Vancouver Canucks' roster will be like</a> heading in to next season. Despite a disappointing season, major changes are not on the horizon. Head coach Rick Tocchet has stated time and time again that part of this year's issue was <a href='https://www.hockeylatest.com/nhl-team/vancouver-canucks/rick-tocchet-reveals-the-biggest-reasons-why-the-vancouver-canucks-failed-to-make-the-stanley-cup-playoffs' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>bringing in too many new players at once, and it hurt team chemistry</a>. With that in mind, the team is going to attempt to prioritize continuity. Up front, Elias Pettersson is a cornerstone piece still, and short of some trade rumour consideration, he's inked and probably stays. <h3>Brock Boeser has the highest chance of not returning next season</h3> Brock Boeser's return is less certain; he'd prefer to be in Vancouver but is <a href='https://www.hockeylatest.com/nhl-team/vancouver-canucks/elliotte-friedman-provides-crucial-update-on-contract-talks-between-the-canucks-and-brock-boeser' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>expecting to be compensated what he believes he's worth</a>. <div align='center' class='pl20 pr20'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/Sportsnet650/status/1912608671575781633'><div style='border:1px solid #CCCCCC;border-radius:10px;padding:20px;width:300px;'>Loading from Twitter ...</div></a></blockquote></div> Pius Suter, Conor Garland, and Jake DeBrusk will all presumably return, adding utility and stability. Filip Chytil is battling concussion problems, but was in good form when healthy and is also under contract. The likes of Dakota Joshua, Nils Hoglander, Teddy Blueger, Drew O'Connor, and Aatu Raty should all be back too. Young players with potential, such as Jonathan Lekkerimaki and Max Sasson, should receive more time to grow within the system. On defense, Quinn Hughes is a lock, and Filip Hronek and Marcus Pettersson are long-term locks. Tyler Myers had maybe his best Canuck season and will probably be back in a leadership role. <h3>Derek Forbort needs a new contract or he will also be gone</h3> I'm not sure of his plans - but I would love to have him back. - Tyler Myers on Derek Forbort <div align='center' class='pl20 pr20'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/nucksiceman/status/1912152213386039488'><div style='border:1px solid #CCCCCC;border-radius:10px;padding:20px;width:300px;'>Loading from Twitter ...</div></a></blockquote></div> Derek Forbort could be back if he re-signs. Elias Pettersson (the d-man), Victor Mancini, and Kirill Kudryavtsev are some of the standouts and prospects who also still figure in the mix. In net, Thatcher Demko is the de facto starter, despite the questions regarding his long-term future. Kevin Lankinen is signed as a solid 1B, and Arturs Silovs may be falling behind rising prospect Nikita Tolopilo, who now features in the team's short-term plans. In total, don't expect upheaval, just tinkering, and if you're looking at who the top two players are that have the least chances of being with the team next season, look no further than Boeser and Forbort.