Sedins out to prove they can still play at high level while free agency looms

The super twins era is winding down in Vancouver.

When the puck drops to begin a new season for the Canucks, brothers Daniel and Henrik Sedin will be 37, and in the final year of their contracts. In regards to the brothers' future in Vancouver and the NHL in general, they're not looking too far ahead, with a more immediate goal in mind.

"We think about our future on a regular basis, and we've said we're going to take it year by year now," Henrik said, according to Tim Campbell of NHL.com. "This year, we want to prove we can still play at a high level, and that's up to us to do. And we know that if we do, it'll be easier to answer those questions later in the year. So that's our mindset."

2016-17 was a down season for both brothers, who produced far below their career averages. The team as a whole is in a retooling phase, but Henrik still believes the team can compete if he and Daniel are at the top of their games.

"For me and Daniel, it's just about being as good as we can. I think we should be able to fight for a playoff spot. That's our goal."

Picked second (Daniel) and third (Henrik) overall in the 1999 NHL Draft, the Sedins are entering their 17th seasons with the Canucks. Each is entering the fourth and final season of respective four-year, $28-million contracts, and both can become unrestricted free agents next summer.