Rebuilding Canucks aim to establish new base

Vancouver is entering a rebuild after a lastplace finish in the NHL, with the focus shifting from immediate results to steady progress and stronger team habits. Rookie head coach Manny Malhotra said success will be measured by fewer mistakes, better puck battles and a more difficult style of play for opponents. The Canucks open the season Tuesday in Edmonton against the Oilers. The organization overhauled its leadership after last season, moving on from general manager Patrik Allvin and president of hockey operations Jim Rutherford. Daniel and Henrik Sedin were brought in as copresidents of hockey operations, Ryan Johnson became GM, and Malhotra replaced Adam Foote behind the bench. The roster also changed over the summer, with veterans Brendan Gallagher and Luke Schenn added to support a younger group. The Canucks will begin the season without goalie Thatcher Demko, who is recovering from hip surgery, while newcomer Zeev Buium arrives on an eightyear extension and says he wants to build a consistent game with his new team.