The Canucks are in the midst of tearing down and rebuilding their roster, a strategy that isn’t for the faint of heart. It takes time to restock an NHL roster via the draft and free agency. The delicate process of piecing together a future roster includes selecting top-level talent and identifying the kind of character player the organization values as a centrepiece in the process. It’s one thing to draft the best player available. Choosing the prospect who will become part of the team’s competitive DNA is equally important.
Here’s a look at some target for the Canucks to consider at this year’s NHL Draft.
VANCOUVER CANUCKS OUTLOOK
Vancouver didn’t finish last overall by accident. The team’s statistical breakdown speaks for itself.
One of the bright lights for Vancouver, however, was the impact Linus Karlsson had in his first full NHL season. He has some growing to do defensively, but it was impressive to see the offensive totals he put up (15 goals, 35 points) in relation to his average ice time per game (12:27). It’s also worth noting Karlsson scored 13 of his goals at even strength and that he was credited with 83 hits on the year as well.
Filip Hronek, in my opinion, was the Canucks’ MVP this season. He averaged 25 minutes per game of ice time and was deployed in all situations while attempting to defend against top lines on every shift of every game.
Here’s a look at who their top scorers have been this season:
Here’s a look at the draft capital the Canucks currently own for the next three seasons:
The first-round picks Vancouver owns this season are their own (which will be first second or third overall) and the Wild’s which, today, would be 24th overall but could still change depending on their playoff result.
The Canucks will have the best odds to win the draft lottery, with a 25.5 per cent chance of ending up with the first overall pick. However, if they do fall, it can’t be any lower than third.
In the second round, the Canucks hold their own pick, which will be 33rd overall, and San Jose’s, which is 42nd.
All told, the Canucks have a great opportunity to move their rebuild forward this June at the draft in Buffalo.
Here are some players I would recommend targeting:
Players to target at first, second, or third overall
Ivar Stenberg, 5-foot-11, 183 pounds, left shot forward, Frolunda (SHL)
Stenberg had one of the most prolific scoring seasons for a draft eligible player in the history of the SHL. He contributed 11G-22A playing in Sweden’s top pro league. On the international stage, Stenberg has led by example with his competitiveness, three-zone detail and offensive impact. He was a big part of the reason Team Sweden were victorious at the world juniors, producing 4G-6A and being deployed in all situations.
Gavin McKenna, 6-foot, 170 pounds, left shot forward, Penn State (NCAA)
McKenna is an offensive dynamo who can change the momentum of the game on his own with the skill he presents. He ended his freshman season at Penn State with 15G-36A in 35 games played. McKenna won’t kill penalties at the NHL level, but his defensive detail improved exponentially after Christmas this year.
Caleb Malhotra, 6-foot-2, 182 pounds, left shot centre, Brantford Bulldogs (OHL)
Malhotra is a complete player. He’s deployed in a variety of roles at the OHL level and contributed 29G-55A in 67 regular season games this year. He’s currently competing in the OHL playoffs and has already produced 8G-5A in seven games. His team in Brantford has an opportunity to go on a deep run this spring, which would allow the Canucks to monitor him closely in high-leverage scenarios.
The following clip is an example of the kind of detail and compete Malhotra provides defensively. He loses the face-off, but doesn’t chase the play. He remains glued to his check until he decides to spill to the flank to block a shot. After corralling the puck, he attacks up ice with speed which leads to offensive zone possession for his group.
Strategy in the top three
I’ve decided to strategize selecting one of the top three forwards from my draft list. As much as I value the right shot defencemen (Chase Reid and Keaton Verhoeff) I feel Malhotra is the top centre in the draft class. His game reminds me of Nick Suzuki at the same age and I believe he will develop into Vancouver’s top centre in time.
On note is that Malhotra is currently committed to Boston University for next fall. It will be interesting to monitor his process after the draft. Would he sign a pro contract and take a run at making the NHL next fall, return for a second year in the OHL, or wait a year to sign and instead develop next season at BU?
Players to target at 24th overall
Vancouver will still have lots to choose from by the time this slot arrives. I would stick with the game plan of drafting the best available player and eliminate any positional bias in the process. It’s never wise to draft for need in the first-round. Vancouver’s strategy has to include adding the most valuable assets for their organization and also one that will carry value outside the organization in case of trades down the line.
Liam Ruck, 6-foot, 177 pounds, right shot winger, Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL)
Ruck finished second to his brother Markus in the WHL scoring race with 45G-59A in 68GP. He plays the game quick and displays an extra gear in transition when required. His goal output clearly displays his aggressiveness when it comes to ripping the puck on net. There’s a good chance that Liam will have already been picked before this slot, but if he’s available I’m already envisioning him and Malhotra at the top of the Canucks’ lineup someday.
JP Hurlbert, 5-foot-11, 183 pounds, right shot centre, Kamloops Blazers (WHL)
Hurlbert exploded on to the scene in the WHL this season after making the move from the USNTDP. He finished fourth in league scoring with 42G-55A. The bulk of his ice time came at even strength and on the power play. Hurlbert is committed to Michigan next fall.
Player to target at 33rd overall
This slot is as valuable as a late first-round selection and I’m hoping Vancouver takes full advantage.
Tommy Bleyl, 5-foot-10, 165 pounds, right shot defence, Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL)
Bleyl is a dynamic, transitional defenceman and power play quarterback. When I consider the upside Zeev Buium provides Vancouver as a left-shot defenceman, I see Bleyl providing the Canucks with a one-two punch offensively from the back end. Bleyl produced 13G-68A in the regular season this year.
Player to target at 42nd overall
At this stage of the second round I certainly still want to select the best player available, but I also want to insulate our prospect pool with relentless competitors who present an “A” and “B” game. When the player isn’t scoring, for example, I’m searching for a prospect who will make life miserable for our opponent with a detailed approach defensively and hopefully physical push back.
Jack Hextall, 6-foot, 188 pounds, left shot centre, Youngstown Phantoms (USHL)
Hextall is the kind of player who can be slotted into a variety of roles up and down the lineup. I’m comfortable projecting him as a middle-six NHL forward. The way he approaches the game in all three zones leads me to believe he can play the wing as well as centre if required. Hextall is a Michigan State commit who produced 20G-38A in 59 regular season games with the Phantoms this year.
This year will be a very important draft for the Canucks as they chart a new path. My strategy has tried to identify not only some of the best players available, but also ones who will provide the organization with the character and identity it desperately needs to add moving forward.