Canucks build around solid young core,

Vancouver adds veterans to young core of Boeser, Horvat and Pettersson

Bo Horvat says it’s time for the Vancouver Canucks to take the “next step.”

With the team’s changes over the summer — bringing in winger Micheal Ferland, centre J.T. Miller and defenceman Tyler Myers — the Canucks have added some top-end players to augment what’s been built by general manager Jim Benning the last three seasons. Horvat likes what he’s seen. “I think Miller and Ferland (are) two big, strong guys that can fill a top-six role and really contribute right away to our group,” Horvat said. “And Myers, just strength and size and experience, I think is the biggest thing for us.

“And I definitely think they’re going to help us make (that) next step.”

The Canucks are celebrating their 50th season in the NHL this year and boast an intriguing combination of youth and veterans.

Myers — ex of the Winnipeg Jets — signed a five-year, $30million (U.S.) deal with Vancouver to help bolster the blue line. Ferland signed a four-year, $14million deal after a year with Carolina. A 40-point player, Ferland plays with an edge. Benning got Miller in a draftday trade with Tampa.

Benning’s program to rebuild after the Sedin twins retired got ajump-start when he hit on two tremendous draft picks: American Brock Boeser and Swede Elias Pettersson.

Boeser, a 23rd overall pick in 2015, signed an extension at a team-friendly cap hit of $5.85 million over three years. He’s progressing into an elite goal scorer, hitting 29 and 26 the last two years.

More impressive may be Pettersson, named rookie of the year last year after a 28-goal, 38-assist season to lead the Canucks in points.

“I don’t think he has a ceiling,” Horvat said of Pettersson. “Also, you know, he hasn’t completely filled out his body. He’s still young. He still has tons of experience to (gain). And he’s already doing what he’s doing right now as a 19-year-old going on 20.

“So now he’s a special player. We’re lucky to have him. And I mean, he’s just gonna continue and keep getting better as he gets older and gets more experience and bigger and stronger. So look out.”

Pettersson was a fifth overall pick in 2017. Benning didn’t rush him, leaving him in Sweden the season following the draft. But last year, Pettersson established himself as one of the most dynamic young forwards to have recently entered the league.

The other player in this core of young forwards is a Canadian: Horvat himself.

The 24-year-old native of London, Ont., and graduate of his hometown Knights has gradually taken a step forward offensively, going from 13 to 16 to 20 to 22 to 27 goals in his five years in the NHL.

The Canucks last made the playoffs in 2014-15. In a Pacific Division that seems wide open — there’s Calgary and then there’s everybody else — Horvat says anything can happen.

“I think that’s what’s so special about the NHL though, too,” Horvat said. “One team can miss the playoffs one year and go all the way to the Cup final the next. You never know what’s gonna happen.”

The Canucks have said they will name a captain at their home opener on Oct. 9.