The reason I'm looking to go back to Canada is because I was removed as a minor at a very young age and most of my extended family resides there as citizens.
Cutting through some smoke; to be clear: You still have a very good chance of saving Canadian PR status if you come to Canada to STAY soon. No guarantee, but you are still within an age range for which such relief is usually allowed. That said, the fact it has been 15 years since you were last in Canada, in conjunction with how short your stay in Canada was in 2004, are factors which elevate the risk of a negative decision. Remember, even if you are Reported, however, you can appeal. And if you stay in Canada pending the appeal, showing that you have established long term in fact residence in Canada, that in conjunction with the removed-as-a-minor factor puts a good deal of weight on the positive side of the scales.
And again, the longer you wait to come, the bigger the risk you will get a negative decision upfront (in PR TD application or upon examination upon arrival at a PoE), and the lower your chances of a successful appeal. But the fact the delay is due to completing studies should help . . . not a factor which will for sure save your PR, but it should be a positive factor that helps at least some.
There is NO WAY to KNOW in advance how it will go. Whether to gamble depends a great deal ON YOUR OWN PRIORITIES. How much do you want to live your life in Canada? How important, FOR YOU, is keeping Canadian PR status?