Canucks Draft 2008 Thread - 10th Overall

Assuming our checking line is Burrows-Kesler-Pettinger, I think we have a strong checking line which has the potential to pot 45-55 goals.

I think that's really stretching those guys abilities. Burrows had a career year, but I don't see him scoring much more than 10 goals next season. Pettinger will chip in but again he will be lucky to pot more than 10 goals. Kesler will top out at 20 goals unless he gets PP time and better linemates.

well it's definitely possible to have three lines IMO you just have to think outside the box a little bit. I realize it's not going to happen because I don't think this organization would ever allow an 18/19 yr old on it's roster, and AV loves his grinders. I just think it's silly gameplan trying to keep the other team from scoring goals, and would like to see us play an aggressive exciting brand of hockey that tries to win the game instead of trying not to lose the game.
I just don't see Nonis going out and signing THAT many offensively skilled UFA's. Neither do I see anything really being able to put up those kind of numbers (50+ points range) coming up from the farm system. Hansen? Maybe. But that's it. Grabner needs at least another year on the Moose.

You can want to play that style - but you have to have the players with the skill to play that style.

I just don't see Nonis going out and signing THAT many offensively skilled UFA's. Neither do I see anything really being able to put up those kind of numbers (50+ points range) coming up from the farm system. Hansen? Maybe. But that's it. Grabner needs at least another year on the Moose.

You can want to play that style - but you have to have the players with the skill to play that style.

I can realistically see him signing one winger, trading for another, and retaining Morrison at a discount.

Maybe a bit late to post this, but if we pick at 10, and Beach falls to us, I say it's a no-brainer. Earlier in the year, I remember someone reccomending that we trade up to get a Top-5 pick and draft this guy. I haven't followed this guy, but from the sounds of it, it's not his play that maybe his downfall, it's his attitude. While that worries me, all reports indicate that he is wayy to talented to pass up at that spot, especially for us, not only since he seems like such a good fit for the Sedins, but because this team seriously lacks pure talent, and adding a talented gritty winger is just what they need.

If they pick at 6, take the BPA IMO. If that happens to be a defencemen, ah well. Nothing wrong with having another stud d-men, and it allows Nonis to use one or more of Bourdon/Bieksa/Edler/Krajicek as trade bait with less hesitation.

Colin Wilson probably could play next year. He's got NHL size, speed and he's defensively responsible; I think Wilson is more ready now than Kesler was in 2003.

I agree he has NHL size, and that he is defensively responsible, but I've read that his skating is only average right now.

I think that's really stretching those guys abilities. Burrows had a career year, but I don't see him scoring much more than 10 goals next season. Pettinger will chip in but again he will be lucky to pot more than 10 goals. Kesler will top out at 20 goals unless he gets PP time and better linemates.

You do realize that I said 45-55 goals. The total based on your predictions is 40. I think its quite realistic to think that Pettinger could pot 15-20 goals, considering he's scored 20 in the past. He scored 4 goals in 20 games which is an 82 game average of 16. This is taking into consideration the time he took to get used to the team as well as develop chemistry with some of the players.

Maybe a bit late to post this, but if we pick at 10, and Beach falls to us, I say it's a no-brainer. Earlier in the year, I remember someone reccomending that we trade up to get a Top-5 pick and draft this guy. I haven't followed this guy, but from the sounds of it, it's not his play that maybe his downfall, it's his attitude. While that worries me, all reports indicate that he is wayy to talented to pass up at that spot, especially for us, not only since he seems like such a good fit for the Sedins, but because this team seriously lacks pure talent, and adding a talented gritty winger is just what they need.

If they pick at 6, take the BPA IMO. If that happens to be a defencemen, ah well. Nothing wrong with having another stud d-men, and it allows Nonis to use one or more of Bourdon/Bieksa/Edler/Krajicek as trade bait with less hesitation.

My point on Beach is that he isnt exactly lighting up the WHL offensively so I couldn't really justify taking him with a top 10 pick. Other teams might, but I wouldn't be willing to. Also, he has injury concerns with that concussion.

What grave? And how are they different levels of experience and talent? Hoeffel is in his freshman year this year, just as White. Hoeffel was drafted later than White too.

Okposo was a freshman last year, and he was also a 1st round pick, just as White.

You know how some players play in different leagues or can be seen as 'late bloomers' in terms of physical development?

Did you not read the other posts made in here? :help:

White was out of High School/USHL

Hoeffel was part of the US Development Team.

White was out of High School/USHL

Hoeffel was part of the US Development Team.

That's a pretty good point, and one that I admit to overlooking. Kyle Okposo came out of the USHL before going to the NCAA.

I guess the theory that all freshmen are automatically 4th liners isn't a valid one though...which is what I was looking to disprove. Thanks to both of you for helping me with that :)

Pat White played in the USHL. Although he only played 12 games. Perhaps this means he wasn't necessarily the best pick at the time? I mean, what's the point of drafting a center prospect to fill a current need when he won't be ready for at least 4 years, if he even develops at all?

I agree he has NHL size, and that he is defensively responsible, but I've read that his skating is only average right now.

He does possess average skating, however, from what I have read, Colin Wilson is participating in a sophisticated skating program over the summer to increase his speed and if he continues this throughout his development years, his average skating skills will diminish.

I seriously think whoever we draft should play next season.
I don't want the prospect to pull a Bourdon...
Hansen, Grabner, Raymond, Shannon , I think two of those 4 could be regulars next season.

Do by two of those 4 do you mean Raymond and Shannon?

I think Grabs could do with another full year in the AHL (maybe an emergency call up?)

Hansen will be our go to top 6 call up guy. I don't think he has a spot on this team yet barring an outstanding training camp.

Pat White played in the USHL. Although he only played 12 games. Perhaps this means he wasn't necessarily the best pick at the time? I mean, what's the point of drafting a center prospect to fill a current need when he won't be ready for at least 4 years, if he even develops at all?

What says they were making that pick based on immediate need? You don't pick a kid and say right off the bat that he's a project, if you're expecting him to step into the lineup right quick.

I'd suggest that it was more about filling a gaping whole in their entire system, not just on the NHL club. I don't see all that many other guys they should have been really interested in at that spot, other than maybe Brett MacLean, who was damn nearly still around at their next pick anyway.
Perron was an overager with a bunch of question marks who, for a one-way player was hardly tearing up the QMJHL, and who was picked by the Blues with their third pick in the first round. He could have very easily gone either way, and then people would be pissing and moaning about having taken him.

Do by two of those 4 do you mean Raymond and Shannon?

I think Grabs could do with another full year in the AHL (maybe an emergency call up?)

Hansen will be our go to top 6 call up guy. I don't think he has a spot on this team yet barring an outstanding training camp.

I honestly would like to see Raymond, Shannon and Hansen make the team; however, I don't know where they would fit. If we want to go with 3 scoring lines and the Kesler checking line then it'd be easier, but I don't know if Hansen and Shannon are consistent top 6 players.

If there are no other options available then definitely; however, I would like to see the Canucks bring in provent offensive talent.

I think that's really stretching those guys abilities. Burrows had a career year, but I don't see him scoring much more than 10 goals next season. Pettinger will chip in but again he will be lucky to pot more than 10 goals. Kesler will top out at 20 goals unless he gets PP time and better linemates.

If all goes well.

Burrows 10-15
Kesler 20-25
Pettinger 20-25

50 - 65 in Best case senario. That's heluva 3rd line no?

What says they were making that pick based on immediate need? You don't pick a kid and say right off the bat that he's a project, if you're expecting him to step into the lineup right quick.

I'd suggest that it was more about filling a gaping whole in their entire system, not just on the NHL club. I don't see all that many other guys they should have been really interested in at that spot, other than maybe Brett MacLean, who was damn nearly still around at their next pick anyway.
Perron was an overager with a bunch of question marks who, for a one-way player was hardly tearing up the QMJHL, and who was picked by the Blues with their third pick in the first round. He could have very easily gone either way, and then people would be pissing and moaning about having taken him.

Well I do understand the riskyness of Perron, the guy has major skill and he has talent. The only differences between him and Beach are he is healthier than Beach (no history of concussions), he was a year older, and isn't a major source of penalty minutes. Perron is the typical late-bloomer. If he can improve his attitude then I see him being a 30 goal scorer in the NHL, easily.

I honestly would like to see Raymond, Shannon and Hansen make the team; however, I don't know where they would fit. If we want to go with 3 scoring lines and the Kesler checking line then it'd be easier, but I don't know if Hansen and Shannon are consistent top 6 players.

If there are no other options available then definitely; however, I would like to see the Canucks bring in provent offensive talent.

I doubt there are enough minutes to spread around to go with 3 scoring lines and the checkers. It's more likely that we'll see two scoring lines, the Kesler line, and then a 4th line of guys who bang bodies are affordable, and don't expect to see many minutes. I can very easily see a fourth line of Brown, Rypien, and either another middleweight/energy guy or an enforcer who can play without hurting the team. I think that this is the year where this team really starts to form into the reality of what Nonis/AV have in mind.

If all goes well.

Burrows 10-15
Kesler 20-25
Pettinger 20-25

50 - 65 in Best case senario. That's heluva 3rd line no?

I think those numbers are quite realistic. And considering that these guys's first priority is to shut down the other teams top line (and they will do that), I have no problem giving them more minutes than the typical 3rd line. Burrows and Kesler remind me a lot of Maltby and Draper.

I doubt there are enough minutes to spread around to go with 3 scoring lines and the checkers. It's more likely that we'll see two scoring lines, the Kesler line, and then a 4th line of guys who bang bodies are affordable, and don't expect to see many minutes. I can very easily see a fourth line of Brown, Rypien, and either another middleweight/energy guy or an enforcer who can play without hurting the team. I think that this is the year where this team really starts to form into the reality of what Nonis/AV have in mind.

You're probably right, although Buffalo did a great job at rolling 4 lines last season (06-07).

But then again, in the Western Conference the Anaheim model has proven to work, so if we can bring in some big bodies who can score, and then fill out our 4th line with guys like Brown-Rypien-Labrie or a UFA like Laracque or Goddard then we got some intimidation.

Well I do understand the riskyness of Perron, the guy has major skill and he has talent. The only differences between him and Beach are he is healthier than Beach (no history of concussions), he was a year older, and isn't a major source of penalty minutes. Perron is the typical late-bloomer. If he can improve his attitude then I see him being a 30 goal scorer in the NHL, easily.

I can see that, too. I think that Beach is much more of a sure-thing roster player. If he doesn't pan out in the top 6, I don't doubt that he'll end up as a pest who can score a bit, or something like that. Also Beach has been putting up decent numbers in the WHL for the past couple years, while Perron took until his 19 year old season to make a major junior team, and is basically going to make it as a goal scorer, or play in Europe somewhere.

The thing with Perron is that, with what was known about him on draft day, he's a guy I take with my second pick in the first round, like St. Louis did, but not necessarily a guy I take with my first round pick if I'm in a position like Vancouver was, where they're trying hard to restock the shelves.

The thing with Perron is that, with what was known about him on draft day, he's a guy I take with my second pick in the first round, like St. Louis did, but not necessarily a guy I take with my first round pick if I'm in a position like Vancouver was, where they're trying hard to restock the shelves.

Third first round pick. And I agree completely - it's much more justifiable to take a boom/bust type prospect if you have a decent stockpile and you're making a bunch of picks that draft than it is for a team that needs players.

You're probably right, although Buffalo did a great job at rolling 4 lines last season (06-07).

But then again, in the Western Conference the Anaheim model has proven to work, so if we can bring in some big bodies who can score, and then fill out our 4th line with guys like Brown-Rypien-Labrie or a UFA like Laracque or Goddard then we got some intimidation.

I don't think that last year's Buffalo would have been nearly as good in the West, and also Buffalo had the luxury of having a lot more help coming up from within.

I see Nonis's ideal-world blueprint for next year's team, as I've mentioned in other threads, as being something like:
Sedin - Sedin - Gritty puck-retrieving 30 goal scorer
Raymond - ? - Big, tough, gritty, 25 goal scorer who fights a bit
Burrows - Kesler - Pettinger/Pyatt/Hansen
Brown - Rypien - Guy who runs into people and punches people in the face

If ? is somehow a real talented centre with some grit, then maybe they put Pyatt on that wing and tell him that if he doesn't protect his linemates and run guys through the boards, they're taking his eyeliner supply away.

If the big, tough, gritty 25 goal scorer shows up, I can really see ? being Brendan Morrison on a short-term discount contract, who they would give the C as a transition between Naslund and Kesler or whoever would get it next.

I can see that, too. I think that Beach is much more of a sure-thing roster player. If he doesn't pan out in the top 6, I don't doubt that he'll end up as a pest who can score a bit, or something like that. Also Beach has been putting up decent numbers in the WHL for the past couple years, while Perron took until his 19 year old season to make a major junior team, and is basically going to make it as a goal scorer, or play in Europe somewhere.

The thing with Perron is that, with what was known about him on draft day, he's a guy I take with my second pick in the first round, like St. Louis did, but not necessarily a guy I take with my first round pick if I'm in a position like Vancouver was, where they're trying hard to restock the shelves.

Well Perron had a very high ceiling, but like you allude to he could turn out to be a major bust (Pavel Brendl anyone?). I guess I wanted to see the Canucks go after someone who has top end potential, but instead they went the project route on a guy who I personally don't see ever developing into a top line center, and is a big maybe to be a 2nd line center.

Beach very well could be a bottom 6 type player; however, with the 10th pick overall I would like more of a sure thing. With the 25th pick overall I'd be more willing to gamble, especially since we had the 33rd overall pick as well. With the 10th overall pick and not another pick until 40, I would opt to be more conservative.

I don't think that last year's Buffalo would have been nearly as good in the West, and also Buffalo had the luxury of having a lot more help coming up from within.

I see Nonis's ideal-world blueprint for next year's team, as I've mentioned in other threads, as being something like:
Sedin - Sedin - Gritty puck-retrieving 30 goal scorer
Raymond - ? - Big, tough, gritty, 25 goal scorer who fights a bit
Burrows - Kesler - Pettinger/Pyatt/Hansen
Brown - Rypien - Guy who runs into people and punches people in the face

If ? is somehow a real talented centre with some grit, then maybe they put Pyatt on that wing and tell him that if he doesn't protect his linemates and run guys through the boards, they're taking his eyeliner supply away.


:laugh: I love what you have for our 4th line RWer.

I believe that, if we are to keep the Sedins, that we'll need a very strong 2nd line. That 2nd line center better be someone like Jeff Carter and that 2nd line RWer better be someone who will score at least 30 goals, because the Sedins have proven that they can't handle being our top line and carrying this team offensively.

Well Perron had a very high ceiling, but like you allude to he could turn out to be a major bust (Pavel Brendl anyone?). I guess I wanted to see the Canucks go after someone who has top end potential, but instead they went the project route on a guy who I personally don't see ever developing into a top line center, and is a big maybe to be a 2nd line center.

Beach very well could be a bottom 6 type player; however, with the 10th pick overall I would like more of a sure thing. With the 25th pick overall I'd be more willing to gamble, especially since we had the 33rd overall pick as well. With the 10th overall pick and not another pick until 40, I would opt to be more conservative.

Oh, I'm not arguing for Beach in this draft. I think that in the Canucks' situation, there will be players available that they should take instead.

Personally, I think that White's year was to be expected. He's a kid coming out of highschool hockey, and the bits of the USHL before and after his highschool season, who is making a gigantic step up in play level into a league where young guys don't usually dominate unless they're real top-notch prospects. I think that, from what is said about him, he seems like an honest, hard-working kid, and he should go into the offseason knowing what to work on, and then will hopefully come back next season and be able to take on a bigger role given the players that are leaving the team.

If all goes well.

Burrows 10-15
Kesler 20-25
Pettinger 20-25

50 - 65 in Best case senario. That's heluva 3rd line no?

yeah and if all goes well Daniel Sedin will score 50 goals ;)

I even like all three of those guys, but I think Burrows had a career year this season which will be hard to repeat. Kesler will remain around the 15-20 goal mark as a 3rd line centre, but won't ever get in the range of 25 unless we move him up to 2nd line RW where he can play with better players. I don't see Pettinger getting anywhere close to 20-25 next year, best case scenario he gets 15 but even that would be stretching it IMO.

That 2nd line center better be someone like Jeff Carter and that 2nd line RWer better be someone who will score at least 30 goals, because the Sedins have proven that they can't handle being our top line and carrying this team offensively.

I think that the Sedins have shown that they can handle being our top line, but that they've shown that they can't be our only line. If you give them a player who complements them on their wing (which they haven't really had. Carter was close-ish, but I'd hope for a better finisher, and more grit and forecheck), and a second line that actually provides some level of scoring threat (Pyatt, Jaffray, Raymond is not it.), they can be just fine. They managed to carry this team offensively for quite a while, with basically no other real scoring line, and I think that down the stretch they just completely ran out of gas.

I'd love their second line to be Raymond - Carter - Malone or whatever, but I'm not sure that it's going to happen. I think that Raymond and Morrison paired with a 25+ goal scorer who has size and toughness enough to make those two look a couple sizes bigger, and gets in on the forecheck, bashes some pucks loose for them, and then gets to the net to pick up the garbage, can be an effective enough second line that teams will have to focus some attention away from the Sedins, allowing them to do their thing with just a bit more freedom.

I can see Hansen doing well on a checking line with Kesler and Burrows.

With both Burrows having offensive break out years in their careers respectively maybe that will improve with more of a playmaking winger in Hansen.

They are all good defensively, fast, got size so they should be able to provide some secondary scoring along with checking capabilities.

What is the likelihood that any player the Canucks select at 10th overall is going to be ready for NHL action next season? I think Sam Gagner and definitely Patrick Kane are better than any player the Canucks will draft at #10.

Colin Wilson might be able to make the jump right away, but I wouldn't expect more than what Kesler did in his first year. I haven't heard of anyone else from the draft other than top guys being anywhere near NHL ready.

yeah and if all goes well Daniel Sedin will score 50 goals ;)

I even like all three of those guys, but I think Burrows had a career year this season which will be hard to repeat. Kesler will remain around the 15-20 goal mark as a 3rd line centre, but won't ever get in the range of 25 unless we move him up to 2nd line RW where he can play with better players. I don't see Pettinger getting anywhere close to 20-25 next year, best case scenario he gets 15 but even that would be stretching it IMO.

If we Burrows continues to work on his dangles 15 shouldn't be out of the question considering hwo many breakaways he gets. As for Kesler he's really starting to look like a player out there, and despite his defense first play he somehow always finds himself with the puck around the net, if someone finallys melts his hands of stone I don't think 30 is out of the question (whether it be in 1, 2, 3 or more years from now). I agree on Petty though, i'd predict he gets less goals than Burrows.

If we Burrows continues to work on his dangles 15 shouldn't be out of the question considering hwo many breakaways he gets. As for Kesler he's really starting to look like a player out there, and despite his defense first play he somehow always finds himself with the puck around the net, if someone finallys melts his hands of stone I don't think 30 is out of the question (whether it be in 1, 2, 3 or more years from now). I agree on Petty though, i'd predict he gets less goals than Burrows.

Pettinger was on pace for 12g when projected from the 20 games he played with the Nucks.
I'd say in a full season as the 3rd piece on the Kesler-Burrows line he could easily net +15.

I

I'd love their second line to be Raymond - Carter - Malone or whatever, but I'm not sure that it's going to happen. I think that Raymond and Morrison paired with a 25+ goal scorer who has size and toughness enough to make those two look a couple sizes bigger, and gets in on the forecheck, bashes some pucks loose for them, and then gets to the net to pick up the garbage, can be an effective enough second line that teams will have to focus some attention away from the Sedins, allowing them to do their thing with just a bit more freedom.

problem is, with Morrison coming of an ACL you can't count on him producing next season. its extra unfortunate for him getting the injury so late in the season. speed and quickness is such a big part of his game, and it takes so long to get back to 100 per cent after an ACL that I don't think he'll do much next year.

If I was a gm I'd be looking at him as a 4th liner that can help out on the pp. anything more than that has to be considered a bonus. if he wanted to sign a 1yr/$1.5-2m deal so he can do his rehab from home, then I'd do it. But I don't think it's a good gamble to expect Mo to be a productive 2nd line centre for 82 games next year.

I agree he has NHL size, and that he is defensively responsible, but I've read that his skating is only average right now.

One of the misconceptions about Wilson is his skating ability. Despite some reports to the contrary, Wilson is actually an outstanding skater. His off-ice training has markedly enhanced his speed. He combines that with powerful yet fluid strides and his transitioning is also quite good. As the season has gone along, Wilson's overall skating has seen a dramatic improvement. Parker explains that the misconceptions about Wilson's skating could be attributed to a hamstring problem that plagued his young centerman throughout last year and into the first few weeks of this season.

"Colin had a major problem with a hamstring situation that was tight on him, so he couldn't fire out on his left leg and he was always concerned about it," Parker said. "It almost looked at times like he was skating with a limp. We've had him seeing a massage specialist who discovered what to do regarding this one area of Colin's body that had to be fixed. And now it's fixed and that has made him so much more fluid that it was like somebody threw a switch and told him that he could skate freely now. All of a sudden, he's able to skate anytime he wants at any speed that he wants without something in the background that holds him back. Colin is able to perform physically better but it also makes him so much more comfortable mentally because he knows that he doesn't have something wrong with him. It has taken away any questions that he might have had about his leg and therefore made him much more of an easy skater out there. Colin played with it all of last year with the NTDP and they never figured out what was wrong with him."

"The only thing that I know that I have to improve as far as my skating goes is my agility," Wilson said. "I've never felt faster than I do right now. I'm skating better right now than I've ever skated in my life. Even now, I'm skating every day after practice to get it better. I'm doing stops and starts to make sure that I do get faster. I just feel that my side-to-side stuff and the starts and stops are what I like to work on."


http://www.hockeysfuture.com/articles/10084/2008_prospects_colin_wilson/

EDIT: This kid's willingness to work hard is simply off the charts.

http://www.hockeysfuture.com/articles/10084/2008_prospects_colin_wilson/

EDIT: This kid's willingness to work hard is simply off the charts.

He sounds like a Dave Nonis pick for sure.

Forget about Best Player Available. We should draft to build organizational depth so that within the system we a "pipeline" of players at all positions who are ready to step up to the next level. Across our organization right now; NHL, AHL, Europe, NCAA and CHL, we have one glaring deficiency - we don't have a single skilled power forward (Pat White is questionable).

Through out the organization we have a virtual log jam at D that is not going to change any time soon. Assuming we re-sign Ohlund next year (he was still our most dependable D-man this year) our top four defense are all under contract for the next several years. Mitchel, Salo and Ohlund have NTCs. Krajicek and Edler are RFAs next year, Bourdon the year following. We have McIver waiting in the wings and Rahimi and Ellington in the system. The likes of Weaver, Miller, Fitzpatrick, etc. are not difficult to come by on the FA market. The only major changes I can see is we might trade Bieksa in the offseason to add some punch and size up front.

That said, we should draft a defenseman, but not in the first round. Nonis loves depth D-man, but he should continue along the Fitzpatrick, Miller, Weaver line rather than wasting a draft pick on a depth d-man.

We have a bunch of small, speedy wingers in the system, none of whom really have the potential to put on much size. Raymond has a tall, but thin frame. Hansen could put on a few more pounds and Simek could add some bulk, but for the most part our wingers are smurfs. White could potentially be a "power forward" but we drafted a project who is several years from the NHL at this point. If we are going to make good on the forwards we have drafted in the past, we have to add size up front, and preferable at Centre. If Grabner and Raymond are going to make it to the NHL on a full time basis, it is going to be with a big, fast, physical mother at centre. Alternately, if Ryan Shannon is going to be the 2nd line centre of the future, he has got to have a big physical guy and a sniper on his wings (reminiscent of the Momesso, Ronning, Courtnal line of the early '90s).

Also consider that Alain Vigneault prefers players who play with a physical edge and have the size to back it up.

An other factor to consider is the Sedins. We have now seen 2 years in a row that they can be shut down as a #1 unit when the physical intensity of the game gets cranked up in the stretch drive and playoffs. We have to consider building a 2nd line that has the potential to supplant or at least complement the Sedins as a first line. this means we need players who can produce when the checking gets tight and physical.


BTW - those bemoaning picking Grabner over Giroux, why? Giroux may have scored at a much higher pace in the wide open Q versus Grabner's numbers in the WHL, but from what I saw of him at the WJC's he is even softer than Grabner. He absolutely can not play along the boards and will never get to the front of the net in the AHL.

That's a pretty good point, and one that I admit to overlooking. Kyle Okposo came out of the USHL before going to the NCAA.

I guess the theory that all freshmen are automatically 4th liners isn't a valid one though...which is what I was looking to disprove. Thanks to both of you for helping me with that :)

Pat White played in the USHL. Although he only played 12 games. Perhaps this means he wasn't necessarily the best pick at the time? I mean, what's the point of drafting a center prospect to fill a current need when he won't be ready for at least 4 years, if he even develops at all?

How many games did Okposo play vs. how many games did White play.

You're talking about going after someone who won't be ready for 3-4 years and how he isn't the best player available as a result of that.

The way I see it, White was selected because it's been seen that he has the raw skill available. The problem with him is that he needs to refine it, which he'll only get by playing more hockey and developing.

Whether or not he'll pan out remains to be seen, but he had a good freshman season, where he was being played in a variety of key situations and was getting some double shifting going on.

The fact that you can proclaim a player to be a bust when you know absolutely nothing about them is what I was referring to about digging your own grave. The same thing with Grabner, who you were harping on and on about being a 'soft Euro' who shies away from physical play. Now you're thinking he's going to make the team next year? :help::laugh:

As much as I agree that we need size and strength in our forward prospects, I'd love to see Nonis trade up to draft Filatov. He's a great passer and could be a great set-up man for Grabner down the road. Assuming Patrick White pans out to be a first line center, a line of Filatov-White-Grabner could be an absolute powerhouse in 5 years or so.

And even though he's Russian, he's publicly stated his desire to play in North America next year and already speaks English (and some French as well). I wouldn't have any reservations about drafting him.

As much as I agree that we need size and strength in our forward prospects, I'd love to see Nonis trade up to draft Filatov. He's a great passer and could be a great set-up man for Grabner down the road. Assuming Patrick White pans out to be a first line center, a line of Filatov-White-Grabner could be an absolute powerhouse in 5 years or so.

And even though he's Russian, he's publicly stated his desire to play in North America next year and already speaks English (and some French as well). I wouldn't have any reservations about drafting him.

Filatov or Stamkos is exactly what this team needs. I'd be fine with Boychuk, Wilson, etc but for this team to really get to that next level (stanley cup contenders) we really need a stud like Filatov or Stamkos up front. I'm sick of seeing other teams best players torch the canucks, while all we got is the Sedins which dont exactly put fear into other teams. I want us to have a line that when it goes on to the ice, other teams fear it, like the WCE where the shear site of that line made defenseman piss themselves.

Forget about Best Player Available. We should draft to build organizational depth so that within the system we a "pipeline" of players at all positions who are ready to step up to the next level. Across our organization right now; NHL, AHL, Europe, NCAA and CHL, we have one glaring deficiency - we don't have a single skilled power forward (Pat White is questionable).

Through out the organization we have a virtual log jam at D that is not going to change any time soon. Assuming we re-sign Ohlund next year (he was still our most dependable D-man this year) our top four defense are all under contract for the next several years. Mitchel, Salo and Ohlund have NTCs. Krajicek and Edler are RFAs next year, Bourdon the year following. We have McIver waiting in the wings and Rahimi and Ellington in the system. The likes of Weaver, Miller, Fitzpatrick, etc. are not difficult to come by on the FA market. The only major changes I can see is we might trade Bieksa in the offseason to add some punch and size up front.

That said, we should draft a defenseman, but not in the first round. Nonis loves depth D-man, but he should continue along the Fitzpatrick, Miller, Weaver line rather than wasting a draft pick on a depth d-man.

We have a bunch of small, speedy wingers in the system, none of whom really have the potential to put on much size. Raymond has a tall, but thin frame. Hansen could put on a few more pounds and Simek could add some bulk, but for the most part our wingers are smurfs. White could potentially be a "power forward" but we drafted a project who is several years from the NHL at this point. If we are going to make good on the forwards we have drafted in the past, we have to add size up front, and preferable at Centre. If Grabner and Raymond are going to make it to the NHL on a full time basis, it is going to be with a big, fast, physical mother at centre. Alternately, if Ryan Shannon is going to be the 2nd line centre of the future, he has got to have a big physical guy and a sniper on his wings (reminiscent of the Momesso, Ronning, Courtnal line of the early '90s).

Also consider that Alain Vigneault prefers players who play with a physical edge and have the size to back it up.

An other factor to consider is the Sedins. We have now seen 2 years in a row that they can be shut down as a #1 unit when the physical intensity of the game gets cranked up in the stretch drive and playoffs. We have to consider building a 2nd line that has the potential to supplant or at least complement the Sedins as a first line. this means we need players who can produce when the checking gets tight and physical.


BTW - those bemoaning picking Grabner over Giroux, why? Giroux may have scored at a much higher pace in the wide open Q versus Grabner's numbers in the WHL, but from what I saw of him at the WJC's he is even softer than Grabner. He absolutely can not play along the boards and will never get to the front of the net in the AHL.

The problem with big guys is that they seem to have a higher rate of busting in the Canucks organization. Seriously we've never been able to develop a power forward internally.

As for D-Men in the system, if you have a choice between Schenn and Boychuk, Wilson, etc you take Schenn. You do not pass on potential top pairing defensemen just becuase you have a glut of players in the system. I could be misinterpreting what you meant (i.e. don't use early picks on depth p-dmen) but if I interpreted correctly I have to disagree.

The problem with big guys is that they seem to have a higher rate of busting in the Canucks organization. Seriously we've never been able to develop a power forward internally.

As for D-Men in the system, if you have a choice between Schenn and Boychuk, Wilson, etc you take Schenn. You do not pass on potential top pairing defensemen just becuase you have a glut of players in the system. I could be misinterpreting what you meant (i.e. don't use early picks on depth p-dmen) but if I interpreted correctly I have to disagree.

I agree you gotta take Schenn if the elite talent like Stamkos/Filatov is gone.

A shutdown pair of Mitchell-Schenn is too good to pass up, not to mention 5 years down the road with a top pairing of Edler-Schenn.

I'd be ecstatic with Boedker, Wilson, or Filatov. Actually, most of the top 10 I'd be very happy with, besides Beach.

The problem with big guys is that they seem to have a higher rate of busting in the Canucks organization. Seriously we've never been able to develop a power forward internally.

As for D-Men in the system, if you have a choice between Schenn and Boychuk, Wilson, etc you take Schenn. You do not pass on potential top pairing defensemen just becuase you have a glut of players in the system. I could be misinterpreting what you meant (i.e. don't use early picks on depth p-dmen) but if I interpreted correctly I have to disagree.

Well clearly you don't pass up a potential "elite" player for good player because of organizational depth. Teams drafting in the top 3 or top 5 are probably best advised to take the best talent because there is usually a steep drop off somewhere between 2 and 5. However once you are out of that position (like 10th) if you have huge holes in your organizational depth, you can safely address them through the draft.

At some point in the 2nd round, you probably go back to talent again because the probability of any player beyond the top 30 making it to the NHL decrease. So by picking the BPA you increase those odds.

However between about #5 and about #40 I would go for organizational depth.

Note - this doesn't mean you draft for immediate need on the NHL club because your needs today can change quite dramatically in 2 or 3 years.

I'd be ecstatic with Boedker, Wilson, or Filatov. Actually, most of the top 10 I'd be very happy with, besides Beach.

agreed. Beach has bust written all over him, i wouldnt go after him unless he dropped alot.

Filatov
Wilson
Colborne

any of those players would be extremely pleasing to the Canucks future.

What would it take to move up and get Stamkos?

Forget about Best Player Available. We should draft to build organizational depth so that within the system we a "pipeline" of players at all positions who are ready to step up to the next level. Across our organization right now; NHL, AHL, Europe, NCAA and CHL, we have one glaring deficiency - we don't have a single skilled power forward (Pat White is questionable).


I agree completely - unless one of the big 4 on defence slips to where ever we're picking. Luke Schenn, for example, is like na Adam Foote clone but may slip to #8-11 for a lack of offensive game. If all of them are gone I suggest draft a big strong forward with offence. We're talking a scouting staff lead by Ron Delorme here though so all bets are off.

Filatov would be nice but again. He could be risky.

Filatov would be nice but again. He could be risky.

Redline says he looked like an equal to Stamkos in the latest tournament he played in. There is little or no risk that he will stay in Russia as he's stated wants to come to North America multiple times (he already speaks English and even some French).

Thing is even if we luck out in the draft lottery it's unlikely he'll be around by the time we pick.

I don't think Nonis is going to keep the 10th pick... I think he's going to either (1) move up (to draft a top-end talent); or (2) move down (as part of a deal to pick up a top 6 forward)... I don't see him sitting on the 10th pick... It's a good pick that gives him some options... Using past drafts as an example, there's likely going to be at least one team below them that has a top player (in their eyes) off everyone's top 10 radar... and there's likely going to be at least one team above them that has a top player (in their eyes) that they want to secure being able to draft...

Well clearly you don't pass up a potential "elite" player for good player because of organizational depth. Teams drafting in the top 3 or top 5 are probably best advised to take the best talent because there is usually a steep drop off somewhere between 2 and 5. However once you are out of that position (like 10th) if you have huge holes in your organizational depth, you can safely address them through the draft.

At some point in the 2nd round, you probably go back to talent again because the probability of any player beyond the top 30 making it to the NHL decrease. So by picking the BPA you increase those odds.

However between about #5 and about #40 I would go for organizational depth.

Note - this doesn't mean you draft for immediate need on the NHL club because your needs today can change quite dramatically in 2 or 3 years.

I agree that we should be drafting a centre when we're drafting in the 10 spot.
Also, take it for what it's worth, but I read an article that quoted brian burke saying something like how there's 7 very good players in the draft and after that there's a drop off.

Could these be the 7 that he's referring to?

Stamkos
Doughty
Pietrangelo
Schenn
Bogosian
Beach
Hodgson

There's a strong possibility LA will draft a defenseman in the first round. Maybe we can package one of our defensive prospects with our first rounder and move up the draft.

the thrashers will probably either take a defenceman but more likely Filatov

I'm starting to like Myers more and more. Can you imagine a potential top pairing of Edler-Myers!!!!

I think there's a real good chance that our young defencemen are going to get traded for offensive help this offseason so drafting Myers might not be a bad option at all.

Here's what the redline had to say about him in March of 2008:

Also cracking our Top 20 for the first time from out west is Tyler Myers. He's still not putting up big offensive numbers, but at 6-7/210-pounds, he moves the puck so quickly and confidently. With his exceptional wingspan and fine footwork, he's impossible to beat off the rush, and his poke check is something to behold — with that reach and his ability to use it correctly, it really is a difference-maker in games.

He's kind of dialed the physical aggressiveness down a little bit, though. He's not standing guys up at the blue line and going for big hits. But he's taking the body in the D-zone better and clearing the crease more reliably. His physical game is more safe than aggressive lately, and that's actually not a bad way for him to play. With his enormous physical gifts, Myers really doesn't have to do much more to be considered a very safe mid-first rounder.


http://www.usatoday.com/sports/hockey/columnist/woodlief/2008-03-20-red-line-report_N.htm

We could have a future blue line that looks something like this(assuming Bourdon gets traded):

Edler-Myers
Ellington-Bieksa
Rahimi-Salo
McIver

If we do infact trade guys like Krajicek, Bourdon, Bieksa then I think drafting Myers is not a bad option at all.

There's a strong possibility LA will draft a defenseman in the first round. Maybe we can package one of our defensive prospects with our first rounder and move up the draft.

The guy they're going to get in the draft is going to be better than the propect the Canucks would be giving them, and they would probably rather have an elite defensive prospect who is pretty close to stepping in (ie. around when Bernier will step in) than a couple good prospects.

So Canucks will be picking 10th overall,

It will be quite interesting on draft day to see if Nonis will try to move up since it will be unlikely to have such a high pick in the near future, Nonis may be in inclined to move up and exchange for a higher draft pick in order to draft a game-breaker player with high offensive potential(Nikita Filatov). In the following order I would be ecstatic if Nonis acquires one of these players listed:

Filatov
Wilson
Colborne

This is some uncertainty on drafting Wilson since it seems he prefers to play in the US by changing his passport and rather play for the US national team than the Canadian national team but this of course is all speculation.

So Canucks will be picking 10th overall,

It will be quite interesting on draft day to see if Nonis will try to move up since it will be unlikely to have such a high pick in the near future, Nonis may be in inclined to move up and exchange for a higher draft pick in order to draft a game-breaker player with high offensive potential(Nikita Filatov). In the following order I would be ecstatic if Nonis acquires one of these players listed:

Filatov
Wilson
Colborne

This is some uncertainty on drafting Wilson since it seems he prefers to play in the US by changing his passport and rather play for the US national team than the Canadian national team but this of course is all speculation.

Personally I don't know if it'll be worth it to move up in this draft unless we can move up to the 1st overall pick.

Unless the Canucks brass feels that they can move up and draft a franchise player I don't think it'll be worth it.

We'll have the chance to draft a real good player with the 10th overall pick. There is at least 10 solid players in this draft and however you break it down we'll get a good player with our pick. However the question is do you feel you'll be able to add a signicantly better player by moving up and IMO that's a real tough question to answer.

The cost of moving up is going to be a ton as well and I don't think it'll be worth it. In fact I wouldn't mind moving down in the draft and adding a few more picks/prospects. This is a deep draft and there's a good chance we can find a few good players in the late 1st/2nd rounds.

It'll be interesting to see what happens but hopefully Nonis doesn't blow this pick away. I think most of us have all agreed that it's best to stay away from Beach but other then that we should be able to find a solid player in the top 10.

The guys drafted from 1-6 all should be top line/pairing players. But the guys in the 7-10 range do have the potential to be top line players but are safe bets to at least be second line players.

And by the way Myers is a right handed shot...something that this organization needs on defence.

I'm moderately excited that we have the tenth pick, its pretty much the perfect spot (as opposed to 11th or 12th.) We're guaranteed one of Stamkos, Doughty, Pietrangelo, Bogosian, Myers, Wilson, Filatov, Schenn, Boedker or Hodgson. Seriously if Nonis doesn't take one of those ten i'll be PISSED.:nod:

I'm moderately excited that we have the tenth pick, its pretty much the perfect spot (as opposed to 11th or 12th.) We're guaranteed one of Stamkos, Doughty, Pietrangelo, Bogosian, Myers, Wilson, Filatov, Schenn, Boedker or Hodgson. Seriously if Nonis doesn't take one of those ten i'll be PISSED.:nod:

I think we can take Stamkos off that list unless somehow Nonis can trade up to the 1st overall pick.

With that said I do agree with you. I think we're sitting pretty good right now and losing that final game of the season was worth it.

I doubt we'll be able to get Doughty, Pietrangelo, or Bogosian. It's very highly unlikely that we'll get Schenn, or Filatov but there's a real good chance that we'll get one of Boedker, Hodgson, Wilson or Myers and either of those players would be a great selection for this organization. You got two center, a speedy left winger and a giant right handed defencemen. Any of those players would be awesome.

This is some uncertainty on drafting Wilson since it seems he prefers to play in the US by changing his passport and rather play for the US national team than the Canadian national team but this of course is all speculation.

Why would that matter at all?

Why would that matter at all?

I agree. The only reason he choose to play for the US was because he felt he'd have a better shot at playing which you can take either way.

You can say that he wants to assure himself of a spot on a team where he feels he'll be able to do well and gain some valuable experience or you can say that he's scared he isn't good enough to make the Canadian team and doesn't want to compete for a spot on the team.

Either way that doesn't mean he doesn't want to play in a Canadian city.

I don't think the Canucks should blow assets to move up in the draft. Basically we are in a good spot to get a very solid asset. Filatov and Stamkos would be worth moving up for, but either these guys are going #1 + #2 or Filatov will drop so hard he will likely be available where we pick.

The Canucks should focus their assets on acquiring other assets. Perhaps right now might be a good time to go after a Brule or a Brassard w/ Bourdon. Picking up a solid prospect who was drafted a year or two ago is just as good as picking up a solid prospect who was drafted this year.

i like the sound of colbourne. perhaps trading down a couple spots and aquiring a couple more picks

I'm starting to like Myers more and more. Can you imagine a potential top pairing of Edler-Myers!!!!

I think there's a real good chance that our young defencemen are going to get traded for offensive help this offseason so drafting Myers might not be a bad option at all.

Here's what the redline had to say about him in March of 2008:




http://www.usatoday.com/sports/hockey/columnist/woodlief/2008-03-20-red-line-report_N.htm

We could have a future blue line that looks something like this(assuming Bourdon gets traded):

Edler-Myers
Ellington-Bieksa
Rahimi-Salo
McIver

If we do infact trade guys like Krajicek, Bourdon, Bieksa then I think drafting Myers is not a bad option at all.

So we go with a very strong defence to 3 of our strong returning D men and 3 potential nobodies....

So I think we are all in agreement that if we draft a defenceman in the first round, Nonis has officially let us know that we'll be big players in the FA market and the Trade market...

i like the sound of colbourne. perhaps trading down a couple spots and aquiring a couple more picks

This would be my ideal draft:

trade down and pick up an extra second and fourth

1. Joe Colborne C/Camrose
-->Has the entire package with the only knock on him that he plays at a low level(see Zajac/Turris).
2. Zac Dalpe C-RW/Penticton
-->Went from 5'7" to 6'1" and did not lose any of his gamebreaking speed. Is more of a finisher so may be moved to the wings.
2. Geordie Wudwrick LW/
-->Power forward type who impressed at the prospects game. Above average skating for a guy his size.
3. Eric Mestery D/Tri-Cities
Smooth skating defenseman with size. Is willing to drop gloves and plays a safe game.
4. Johan Erkgards C-LW/Farjestad
Two way player with excellant skating and decent scoring. Compares to PJ Axelsson
5. Mattias Ekholm D/Mora
Swedish version of Eric Mestery without the fighting
6. Kurtis Bartliff LW/Listowel
Dominating at the Jr. B level in Ontario. Has speed to burn and good finish. Could be a draft sleeper
7. Tiegen Zahn D/Saskatoon
Good skater who plays a simple game.


The Canucks need to continue to grow their prospect base for their long term future and find short term solution in FA and trade.

I think you guys are all wasting your time. The Canucks plummet gave Nonis one very valuable and unanticipated asset in a desperate offseason. My money is on this pick moving with a defenseman to acquire a top 6 forward at the draft.

This would be my ideal draft:

trade down and pick up an extra second and fourth

1. Joe Colborne C/Camrose
-->Has the entire package with the only knock on him that he plays at a low level(see Zajac/Turris).
2. Zac Dalpe C-RW/Penticton
-->Went from 5'7" to 6'1" and did not lose any of his gamebreaking speed. Is more of a finisher so may be moved to the wings.2. Geordie Wudwrick LW/
-->Power forward type who impressed at the prospects game. Above average skating for a guy his size.
3. Eric Mestery D/Tri-Cities
Smooth skating defenseman with size. Is willing to drop gloves and plays a safe game.
4. Johan Erkgards C-LW/Farjestad
Two way player with excellant skating and decent scoring. Compares to PJ Axelsson
5. Mattias Ekholm D/Mora
Swedish version of Eric Mestery without the fighting
6. Kurtis Bartliff LW/Listowel
Dominating at the Jr. B level in Ontario. Has speed to burn and good finish. Could be a draft sleeper
7. Tiegen Zahn D/Saskatoon
Good skater who plays a simple game.


The Canucks need to continue to grow their prospect base for their long term future and find short term solution in FA and trade.

Bob Mackenzie just wrote an interesting article about a very similar player:

NHL scouts and management types will tonight be flocking to Thorold, Ont., -- just as they have been for the past couple of weeks to St. Catharines – to get what could be their final look at one of the rising stars of this year's NHL entry draft.

His name is Daultan Leveille, a 17-year-old speedster who plays for the St. Catharines Falcons of the Golden Horseshoe Jr. B League.

A few months ago, the kid who is now being billed as one of the fastest skaters in the draft was barely on the radar screen of most NHL teams, but now he's looking more and more like a solid first-round pick for the 2008 draft.

Leveille is listed at 6-feet, 160 pounds, but has only recently gone through a growth spurt of several inches. That's when pro interest picked up in a big way.

On any given night in St. Catharines recently, scouts from 10 to 15 NHL teams have been there to watch Leveille, who will attend Michigan State University next season.

And Leveille has not disappointed.

In spite of a leg injury that is limiting his explosive speed, Leveille has 12 goals and 28 points in 15 playoff games.......

http://www.tsn.ca/columnists/bob_mckenzie/?id=233730&lid=sublink02&lpos=headlines_columnists-bob_mckenzie

whoever the Canucks end up drafting He damn well better celebrate with enthusiasm when he scores goals.

After taking some consideration, this would be my ideal picks for the first two rounds:

1st Round(10th Overall) - Joe Colborne(C)

Joe Colborne is projected to go between 10th-15th and has all the essentials to be a star number one center:
Dominant NHL size - He is just going to get bigger and not many players will have the ability to push a player off the puck that features a 6 foot 5 frame.
NHL speed - Colborne can skate very well with big powerful strides that can cover a lot of ice.
Offensively-gifted - Colbornes biggest asset is his playmaking abilities which is one of the reasons why Colborne is often compared to the likes of Joe Thornton, Vincent Lecavalier, and Eric Staal.

2nd Round(40th Overall) - Evgeny Grachev(RW)

Grachev is a skilled 6'4 winger with a mean streak, he is a potential 1st round draft pick and has 1st line upside. He would be a great complimentary winger to Joe Colborne and this would give Canucks farm depth a lot more size in order to compete with the NW division.

After taking some consideration, this would be my ideal picks for the first two rounds:

1st Round(10th Overall) - Joe Colborne(C)

Joe Colborne is projected to go between 10th-15th and has all the essentials to be a star number one center:
Dominant NHL size - He is just going to get bigger and not many players will have the ability to push a player off the puck that features a 6 foot 5 frame.
NHL speed - Colborne can skate very well with big powerful strides that can cover a lot of ice.
Offensively-gifted - Colbornes biggest asset is his playmaking abilities which is one of the reasons why Colborne is often compared to the likes of Joe Thornton, Vincent Lecavalier, and Eric Staal.

2nd Round(40th Overall) - Evgeny Grachev(RW)

Grachev is a skilled 6'4 winger with a mean streak, he is a potential 1st round draft pick and has 1st line upside. He would be a great complimentary winger to Joe Colborne and this would give Canucks farm depth a lot more size in order to compete with the NW division.

I think we get the 50th pick.

After taking some consideration, this would be my ideal picks for the first two rounds:

1st Round(10th Overall) - Joe Colborne(C)

Joe Colborne is projected to go between 10th-15th and has all the essentials to be a star number one center:
Dominant NHL size - He is just going to get bigger and not many players will have the ability to push a player off the puck that features a 6 foot 5 frame.
NHL speed - Colborne can skate very well with big powerful strides that can cover a lot of ice.
Offensively-gifted - Colbornes biggest asset is his playmaking abilities which is one of the reasons why Colborne is often compared to the likes of Joe Thornton, Vincent Lecavalier, and Eric Staal.

2nd Round(40th Overall) - Evgeny Grachev(RW)

Grachev is a skilled 6'4 winger with a mean streak, he is a potential 1st round draft pick and has 1st line upside. He would be a great complimentary winger to Joe Colborne and this would give Canucks farm depth a lot more size in order to compete with the NW division.I think we could definitely trade down to get Colborne. I also agree that it would be a good pick, but he's also committed to going to the NCAA next year so it would be at least 2-3 years before he even thinks about turning pro.

Since everyone's talking about trading with Buffalo we could always swap picks with them, if they want to move up, although it's not much of a difference between 10th and 13th.

I think we get the 50th pick.

Nope, 10+30=40

If Nonis want's Colborne badly and Wilson/Boedker/Hodgson are taken already, hopefully he trades down to perhaps 14, and picks up another second round pick.

Nope, 10+30=40

If Nonis want's Colborne badly and Wilson/Boedker/Hodgson are taken already, hopefully he trades down to perhaps 14, and picks up another second round pick.

I think the format isn't like that.
Tampa Bay gets pick #1, and pick number 60.
First pick in round one, and last pick in round 2.
So Canucks would be 60-10.

Hear from the prospects:

Colin Wilson: http://hfboards.com/showthread.php?t=490811
Joe Colborne: http://hfboards.com/showthread.php?t=470345
Kyle Beach: http://hfboards.com/showthread.php?t=441768

I think the format isn't like that.
Tampa Bay gets pick #1, and pick number 60.
First pick in round one, and last pick in round 2.
So Canucks would be 60-10.

No man you're way off. Tampa gets the first round pick and the 31st pick.

Nope, 10+30=40

If Nonis want's Colborne badly and Wilson/Boedker/Hodgson are taken already, hopefully he trades down to perhaps 14, and picks up another second round pick.

Colborne has all the requirments that is missing in the Canucks prospect system which is a center with 1st line upside, dominant size, and premium skills.

Not only does he Colborne meet those qualifications, he also meets Nonis' requirements for a draft pick when you consider his draft history:
Player competing in lower-tier leagues - check
Player moving on to college - check
Player that will take time to develop(project) - check

This pick fits like a glove for Nonis and Canucks system, realistically I can see Nonis picking Colborne or Kyle Beach.

I think the format isn't like that.
Tampa Bay gets pick #1, and pick number 60.
First pick in round one, and last pick in round 2.
So Canucks would be 60-10.

its not a snake draft that was only for the one year (sidney crosby draft) after the lockout. Canucks have 10 and 40 and 70.

No man you're way off. Tampa gets the first round pick and the 31st pick.
That's correct. The first round is arranged by the lottery. The later rounds are arranged purely by standings.

i.e. last year's 1st round was:
1. Chicago
2. Philly
3. Phoenix
4. LA
5. Wash.
etc.

Later rounds were:
31. Philly
32. Phoenix
33. LA
34. Washington
35. Chicago
etc.

I think he was confused with all the hockey pool fantasy drafts he's been doing. :)

its not a snake draft that was only for the one year (sidney crosby draft) after the lockout. Canucks have 10 and 40 and 70.

Ok. my bad.

I'm more interested to see what trades occur at the draft. Like 2006, the Canucks should be players again this year (for obvious reasons).

An Alex Edler for Olli Jokinen deal (or something of that ilk) would be not unlike the Patrick O'Sullivan for Pavol Demitra deal of 2006.

The Latest NAC Rankings:

Rk Name Height Weight Position Team Birthdate
1 Steven Stamkos 6'1 183 RC Sarnia Sting Feb-90
2 Alex Pietrangelo 6'4 202 RD Niagara IceDogs Jan-90
3 Drew Doughty 6'1 209 LD Guelph Storm Dec-89
4 Nikita Filatov 6'0 170 LW CSKA May-90
5 Zach Bogosian 6'2 202 RD Peterborough Petes Jul-90
6 Luke Schenn 6'2 210 RD Kelowna Rockets Nov-89
7 Kyle Beach 6'3 205 LW Everett Silvertips Jan-90
8 Colten Teubert 6'3 197 RD Regina Pats Mar-90
9 Zach Boychuk 5'10 190 LC Lethbridge Hurricanes Nov-89
10 Colin Wilson 6'1 200 LC Boston University Oct-89
11 Josh Bailey 6'1 190 LC Windsor Spitfires Oct-89
12 Cody Hodgson 5'11 185 RC Brampton Battalion Feb-90
13 Colby Robak 6'3 195 LD Brandon Wheat Kings Apr-90
14 Michael Del Zotto 6'0 190 LD Oshawa Generals Jun-90
15 Mikkel Boedker 5'11 200 RW Kitchener Rangers Dec-89
16 Tyler Cuma 6'1 190 LD Ottawa 67's Jan-90
17 Tyler Myers 6'7 205 RD Kelowna Rockets Feb-90
18 Mikhail Stefanovich 6'2 200 RW Quebec Remparts Nov-89
19 Luca Sbisa 6'2 190 LD Lethbridge Hurricanes Jan-90
20 Jared Staal 6'3 200 RW Sudbury Wolves Aug-90
21 Mattias Teddenby 5'9 170 LW HV 71 Jrs. Feb-90
22 James Livingston 6'2 200 RW Sault Ste. Marie Mar-90
23 Brandon Burlon 6'1 190 LD St. Mikes Buzzers Mar-90
24 Phillippe Cornet 6'0 180 LC Rimouski Mar-90
25 Cody Goloubef 6'1 180 RD University of Wisconsin Nov-89
26 Mitch Wahl 5'11 195 RC Spokane Chiefs Jan-90
27 Harri Sateri 6'0 190 G Tappara Dec-89
28 Kirill Petrov 6'2 220 LW Ak Bars Kazaan Apr-90
29 A.J. Jenks 6'2 205 LW Plymouth Whalers Jun-90
30 Philip McRae 6'2 195 LC London Knights Mar-90
31 Patrice Cormier 6'2 200 LC Rimouski Jun-90
32 Josh Brittain 6'4 210 LW Kingston Jan-90
33 Evgeni Grachev 6'4 217 RW Yaroslavl Feb-90
34 Tyler Beskorawany 6'4 205 G Owen Sound Attack Apr-90
35 Yann Sauve 6'2 215 LD Saint John Seadogs Feb-90
36 Kristoffer Berglund 5'10 180 LD Bjorkloven Aug-88
37 James Wright 6'3 185 LC Vancouver Giants Mar-90
38 Eric O'Dell 5'11 165 RC Sudbury Wolves Aug-90
39 Chris Carrozzi 6'3 190 G St. Michaels Majors Mar-90
40 Greg Nemisz 6'3 200 RC Windsor Spitfires Jun-90
41 Kevin Poulin 6'1 205 G Voctoriaville Apr-90
42 Peter Delmas 6'2 175 G Lewiston Maineiacs Feb-90
43 Corey Trivino 6'1 170 LC Stouffville Spirit Jan-90
44 Viktor Tikhonov 6'2 190 RW/C Cherepovets May-88
45 Johan Motin 6'1 205 RD Bofors Oct-89
46 Shawn Lalonde 6'1 175 RD Belleville Bulls Mar-90
47 Eric Doyle 6'4 190 RD Swift Current Broncos Apr-89
48 Roman Josi 6'0 186 LD SC Bern Jun-90
49 Robbie Czarnik 6'1 175 RW US Under 18's Jan-90
50 John Carlson 6'2 215 RD Indiana Jan-90
51 Jordan Eberle 5'10 175 RC Regina Pats May-90
52 Thomas McCollum 6'2 205 G Guelph Storm Dec-89
53 Mark Barberio 6'1 210 LD Moncton Wildcats Mar-90
54 Tomas Kundratek 6'1 185 RD Trinec Dec-89
55 Tyler Ennis 5'9 160 LC Medicine Hat Oct-89
56 David Toews 5'11 180 LW Shattuck St. Mary's Jun-90
57 Geordie Wudrick 6'2 200 LW Swift Current Broncos Apr-90
58 Jimmy Hayes 6'5 215 RW US Under 18's Nov-89
59 Grant Scott 6'4 210 RW US Under 18's Jan-90
60 Jamie Arniel 5'11 185 RC Sarnia Sting Nov-89
61 Robert Mayer 6'2 195 G Saint John Oct-89
62 Joe Colborne 6'5 190 LC Camrose Kodiaks Jan-90
63 Nathan Moon 6'0 185 RW Kingston Jan-90
64 Philip Larsen 6'1 180 RD Frolunda Jrs. Dec-89
65 Steven Delisle 6'6 210 RD Gatineau Jul-90
66 Steven West 6'0 195 RD US Under 18's Feb-90
67 Jake Gardiner 6'1 175 LD Minnetonka Jul-90
68 Milan Doczy 6'5 210 RD Owen Sound Jan-90
69 Michael Stone 6'2 190 RD Calgary Hitmen Jun-90
70 Justin Florek 6'5 195 LW US Under 18's May-90
71 Cody St. Jacques 6'0 185 G Guelph Storm May-90
72 Vyacheslav Voinov 5'11 200 RD Chelyabinsk Jan-90
73 Lukas Stoop 6'0 180 RD Davos Mar-90
74 Maxime Sauve 6'0 175 LC Val D'Or Jan-90
75 Anton Gustafsson 6'3 205 LC Frolunda Jrs. Feb-90
76 Matt Zarbo 6'2 190 LW Boston Jr. Bruins May-90
77 Nate Condon 6'0 180 LC Wassau West May-90
78 Vinny Saponari 6'0 180 RW US Under 18's Apr-90
79 Stefan Della Rovere 6'0 200 LW Barrie Colts Feb-90
80 Chet Pickard 6'2 210 G Tri-City Dec-89
81 Adam Henrique 6'0 185 LC Windsor Spitfires Feb-90
82 Michael D'Orazio 6'0 205 RD Owen Sound Aug-89
83 Eric Mestery 6'5 200 RD Tri-City May-90
84 Joel Champagne 6'3 215 LC Chicoutimi Jan-90
85 Chris Doyle 6'0 200 LC PEI Rocket Mar-90
86 Nicolas Deschamps 6'1 175 LC Chicoutimi Jan-90
87 Jacob Markstrom 6'3 180 G Brynas Jan-90
88 Danny Kristo 5'11 175 RW US Under 18's Jun-90
89 Eddie Lack 6'4 192 G Leksand Jan-88
90 Kruise Reddick 5'9 170 LC Tri-City Jul-90
91 Mark Cundari 5'11 200 LD Windsor Spitfires Apr-90
92 Anders Lindback 6'6 195 G Brynas Apr-88
93 Dmitri Kugryshev 5'10 190 LW CSKA 2 Jan-90
94 Emil Bejmo 6'0 170 LC Farjestad Oct-89
95 Aaron Ness 5'11 190 LD Roseau HS May-90
96 Brian Lashoff 6'3 195 LD Barrie Colts Jul-90
97 Harry Young 6'5 210 LD Windsor Spitfires Nov-89
98 Tomas Kubalik 6'3 190 RW Plzen May-90
99 Andrei Loktionov 6'0 190 LW/C Yaroslavl May-90
100 Jordan Southorn 6'2 190 LD PEI Rocket May-90

EDIT: This isn't the official CSS ranking but from an independent Service call North American Central Scouting so the reliability of this ranking is uncertain.

An Alex Edler for Olli Jokinen deal (or something of that ilk) would be not unlike the Patrick O'Sullivan for Pavol Demitra deal of 2006.

Edler and the 10th overall pick is likely what it would cost, maybe more.

how's jared staal looking?

Jimmy Hayes sounds like an intriguing prospect, wasn't he projected to go top 10 at one point?

"62 Joe Colborne 6'5 190 LC Camrose Kodiaks Jan-90"

interesting if he falls out of the first round I would like to see the Canucks either take him at 40 or trade for another second round pick and grab him. Just too much talent and size not to be interested at that point.

"62 Joe Colborne 6'5 190 LC Camrose Kodiaks Jan-90"

interesting if he falls out of the first round I would like to see the Canucks either take him at 40 or trade for another second round pick and grab him. Just too much talent and size not to be interested at that point.

The probability of Joe Colborne being drafted in the 1st round is very high, he won't slip past 30th. Every draft list has a different ranking order and ultimately the only list that matters is the list the individual team has compiled.

Well we all know we need offense next year.
Many things Nonis can do here, we'll just have to see what Nonis have up his sleeves.

The probability of Joe Colborne being drafted in the 1st round is very high, he won't slip past 30th. Every draft list has a different ranking order and ultimately the only list that matters is the list the individual team has compiled.

I agree completely, I'm just saying If.....

Although apparenlty this list is not CSS but by NAC and NAC does not seem very reputable, so take it for what it is worth. I want to see some lists by more respected organizations, however I will have to wait for that.

Anyone who can score.

Now that's the most important.

Well we all know we need offense next year.
Many things Nonis can do here, we'll just have to see what Nonis have up his sleeves.

You're expecting whoever the Canucks draft to be part of the solution for the offense next season?

Edler and the 10th overall pick is likely what it would cost, maybe more.

I'd think the price would be higher. Love Edler, but I'd be all over that deal.

Edler and the 10th overall pick is likely what it would cost, maybe more.

That deal is a no-brainer.

The Latest NAC Rankings:



EDIT: This isn't the official CSS ranking but from an independent Service call North American Central Scouting so the reliability of this ranking is uncertain.


Gees - look at where Jimmy Hayes, Scott Arniel and Joe Colborne have dropped to. :amazed:

I figured all three to be late first rounders.

Gees - look at where Jimmy Hayes, Scott Arniel and Joe Colborne have dropped to. :amazed:

I figured all three to be late first rounders.

here is an interesting take on Colborne and may explain his falling stock lately:

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/hockey/columnist/woodlief/2008-02-22-redline_N.htm


Okay, first we have to set the scene a bit for this item. On Jan. 23 the entire NHL scouting community, plus many of the League's general managers, descended on Edmonton for the annual CHL Top Prospects Game. The following evening, the whole crew (many GMs included) moved on to Camrose, one hour down the road, for the sole purpose of getting a quality viewing of the Kodiaks' Joe Colbourne, a lanky 6-5 center with soft hands and offensive skills that will likely get him selected in the first round of this June's NHL Draft.

The configuration of the rink led to all the NHL scouts standing on the concourse railing, ringing all the way around the ice surface. Mr. Colbourne could not possibly have failed to notice the scouting hordes as early as warm-ups. And yet, he put in one the most passionless, non-intense efforts imagineable.

Look, the bottom line here is that some team is going to envision what he could become as he fills out into a 220-pounder with that impressive skillset, and grab him early, probably in the top 16-18 picks. But it wouldn't be us at RLR. We see significant bust potential with a kid whose family is financially well off, who didn't want to try competing in the nightly wars of the WHL, and who can't even muster any passion in front of an audience that includes the biggest decision makers in the NHL.

Jimmy Hayes has had a horrible year, I'm not surprised he's fallen so far....though I think he is a very good risk in the 2nd or third round

I think you mean't Jamie Arniel? No clue about him....maybe size is a concern?

I think you mean't Jamie Arniel? No clue about him....maybe size is a concern?

Yeah - I meant Jamie - Scott's nephew.

Myers might be a key player as to who the Canucks pick this draft. If you read some of the mock lottery drafts on the prospect board, a lot of people see Myers going a little before the 10 spot. If he does, either Wilson or Boedker should be available.

If nobody is tempted to pick a very tall, good-skating "project", Myers, before our pick, our choice might be between the physically small, but talented Zach Boychuck and the bad-attitude, recently concussed Kyle Beach.

So If I hear Myers name called out before the 10 spot, I'm going to get excited, but then I'll start worrying that Dave and the scouts ignore the obvious choice, which is which ever one of Wilson and Boedker is left on the board.

I guarantee this...The Vancouver Canucks will not be drafting the #10 pick in this years draft, I have no doubt that it will be traded.

So stop dreaming of Wilson, Beach, Boychuck and the rest...they will not be wearing a Canucks Jersey come draft day

Can someone give me a scouting report on Jordan Eberle? would he be a wise pickup in the second round?

Can someone give me a scouting report on Jordan Eberle? would he be a wise pickup in the second round?


Jordan Eberle possesses hockey sense and skill that cannot be taught. Both intelligent and creative, he stands head and shoulders above most of the Pats? forwards and won numerous accolades for his play as a 17-year old. Can make plays out of almost nothing and sees the ice as well as anyone in the WHL. He is at his most dangerous in close quarters to the opposing goaltender; he will often carry the puck out from behind the net and force the goalie to scramble laterally. While his offensive abilities are exceptional, Eberle can also play both sides of the ice; he finishes his checks cleanly and is not a liability in his own zone as he receives significant time on the penalty kill. The only reasons he?s not considered among the top ten prospects are his size (5?11?, 165 lbs) and that he perhaps tries to do a bit too much, but this is not borne of selfish play. Sometimes his teammates aren?t expecting his passes considering the traffic he can slide the puck through. Projects similar to Peter Schaefer: a former WHL scoring machine that uses his two-way ability to complement his offensive talent at the NHL level, but Eberle needs less ice than Schaefer to work his magic and is as adroit a passer as he is a scorer. Capable of game-changing manoeuvres, but can be limited by defensive checking until, and possibly even after, he reaches his full size and strength.
http://www.mynhldraft.com/

I don't think he will still be available in the 2nd round.

http://www.mynhldraft.com/

I don't think he will still be available in the 2nd round.

Wow..the NAC rankings posted above had him at 51....so I thought we would have a shot in the 2nd.

Thanks for the scouting report.

I guarantee this...The Vancouver Canucks will not be drafting the #10 pick in this years draft, I have no doubt that it will be traded.

So stop dreaming of Wilson, Beach, Boychuck and the rest...they will not be wearing a Canucks Jersey come draft day

Who will it be traded for?

If we take a D-man with the 10th pick (assuming the top 4 rated guys are gone) I really hope it's Michael Del Zotto (although I'd prefer to drop down a few spots if we take him) and not someone like Myers. Pure Offensive defenseman are harder to come by, just look at some of the deals handed out the past few years. Just look at Mike Green in Washington, Brian Campbell in San Jose, Sergei Gonchar in Pitts, Nicklas Lidstrom in Detroit, etc and you start to see the importance of an elite offensive defenseman to a teams goal scoring ability.

If we take a D-man with the 10th pick (assuming the top 4 rated guys are gone) I really hope it's Michael Del Zotto (although I'd prefer to drop down a few spots if we take him) and not someone like Myers. Pure Offensive defenseman are harder to come by, just look at some of the deals handed out the past few years. Just look at Mike Green in Washington, Brian Campbell in San Jose, Sergei Gonchar in Pitts, Nicklas Lidstrom in Detroit, etc and you start to see the importance of an elite offensive defenseman to a teams goal scoring ability.

Good idea, it's definatly something they should consider if they keep the pick. I've read posts by at least two different people who watch him play on a fairly regular basis and they both said Del Zotto is underrated.

why would the team want to draft another defenseman when we obviously needs a center?

why would the team want to draft another defenseman when we obviously needs a center?

a) BPA
b) Nonis might be able to pick up a Top-6 centre through trade who can actually contribute now.
c) If they draft a Centre he might not be ready for the NHL until 1-3 years from now and might not be an impact player until he's been in the league for 1-3 seasons.
etc.

why would the team want to draft another defenseman when we obviously needs a center?

BPA?
also the fact that this draft has many star potential or top pairing potential defenseman. It never hurts to have good defenseman, especially if it's offensive defenseman. Also add the fact that one of Edler, Bourdon, or Bieksa will be traded.
And our main corp of Ohlund and Salo are getting old.

why would the team want to draft another defenseman when we obviously needs a center?

What was said above is pretty much bang on. You can never have enough assets at a position.. especially defense. If there is no forward who is close to stepping in or that appealing at 10th there is nothing wrong with taking a top notch d-man. We can trade him or move another one of the established guys instead. Nashville is a great example of how you can never have to many d-men.

What was said above is pretty much bang on. You can never have enough assets at a position.. especially defense. If there is no forward who is close to stepping in or that appealing at 10th there is nothing wrong with taking a top notch d-man. We can trade him or move another one of the established guys instead. Nashville is a great example of how you can never have to many d-men.

Especially when I think in the top 10, half of them are defensemen.
There aren't many high calibur top line forwards in this draft, but many defenseman like Bogosian, Schenn, Doughty, Pietrangelo, Myers, Del Zotto, and even some more I probably left out.
All have great potential, especially the top 4. With star potential.
Forward wise, Stamkos and maybe Filatov have star potential. While only Beach, Wilson, Hodgson, and Boedker only have top line potential, and may not even develop into one. Even if they do, it will probably take years.
Bieksa is most likely traded. And look how valuable Edler and Bourdon are when it comes to other teams wanting to trade with us.

I really want the Canucks to move up and somehow try to get the LA 2nd overall pick.

It would be real difficult but I do think it's possible.

Trade Patrick White, Daniel Rahimi, 10th overall pick to NYI for 5th overall pick.

Trade 5th overall pick, 40th overall pick, LA 3rd round pick in 2009 to LA for 2nd overall pick.

Draft Doughty:D:D

Would this get it done?? I doubt it

Does this make sense?? Maybe if we trade away guys like Bourdon, or Edler

Why do this?? Franchise defencemen like Doughty are way to hard to comeby and this might be the best chance we get at a player like him for a long long time.(at least as long as Louie is here).

LA needs a more physical defencemen and at 5 they should be able to draft Shenn or Bogosian.

The Islanders add more depth to the system with Rahimi and White(a former 1st round draft pick). At 10 they'll get a good pick as well so it's not a bad deal for them.

MAKE IT HAPPEN NONIS!!!

I really want the Canucks to move up and somehow try to get the LA 2nd overall pick.

It would be real difficult but I do think it's possible.

Trade Patrick White, Daniel Rahimi, 10th overall pick to NYI for 5th overall pick.

Trade 5th overall pick, 40th overall pick, LA 3rd round pick in 2009 to LA for 2nd overall pick.

Draft Doughty:D:D

Would this get it done?? I doubt it

Does this make sense?? Maybe if we trade away guys like Bourdon, or Edler

Why do this?? Franchise defencemen like Doughty are way to hard to comeby and this might be the best chance we get at a player like him for a long long time.(at least as long as Louie is here).

LA needs a more physical defencemen and at 5 they should be able to draft Shenn or Bogosian.

The Islanders add more depth to the system with Rahimi and White(a former 1st round draft pick). At 10 they'll get a good pick as well so it's not a bad deal for them.

MAKE IT HAPPEN NONIS!!!


I suck at figuring out trade value usually, but this seems like a ridiculous overpayment just to move down. Why wouldn't you just trade with LA instead...Bieksa + prospect + our 1st if you have to so LA gets that physical defenceman they need/want. That way you cut out the middleman...it'd essentially be White, Rahimi, 1st, 2nd and 3rd rounders for the 2nd overall pick. For a team that doesn't have the best stocked cupboard, that seems like a silly move to make.

I don't think it is worth it to trade down in this draft.

We will get someone really good at #10, its not worth giving up our 2nd, roster players, young players, prospects or other picks to move down a few spots to get a guy who will still be a couple years away from making an impact for our team.

Re: the last two posters.

do you guys mean move up?
I'm a bit confused. Why would we move people on our team to move down a draft?

If Nonis does this, then I will lead a march from Toronto to Vancouver to raise awareness to the need to fire Nonis.
:D

Just extra info on kyle beach- I go to school with him in kelowna-- played last half of the year with a sports hernia, and end of season and playoffs with a fractured orbital bone, and 2 cracked ribs, plus if he had anything from that concussion..


AS to his mental game...it could definatly use some work. but couldn't this be what it we need? big mean center, with some scoring touch?

Re: the last two posters.

do you guys mean move up?

:D

bahahah....good catch KDizzle....I nominate YOU for GM for your outstanding reading comprehension and attention to detail. We need someone like that at the helm. Surely you'd be able to recognize our need to draft the BPA and get some scoring help. :D

I suck at figuring out trade value usually, but this seems like a ridiculous overpayment just to move down. Why wouldn't you just trade with LA instead...Bieksa + prospect + our 1st if you have to so LA gets that physical defenceman they need/want. That way you cut out the middleman...it'd essentially be White, Rahimi, 1st, 2nd and 3rd rounders for the 2nd overall pick. For a team that doesn't have the best stocked cupboard, that seems like a silly move to make.

I agree but at the same time this all depends on what Nonis does leading up to the draft.

If for example he trades away Bieksa then it makes a ton of sense to move UP and try to draft a guy like Doughty.

I like to look at an organization like San Jose who targets the player they want and then they go out there and get him. Look at what they did last season to get Couture. They found a guy they wanted and they went out there and made sure they got him.

The 2nd and 3rd round draft pick may never pan out. But if you've got a chance to add a franchise defencemen like Doughty then IMO it is worth it.

Trading away Patrick White isn't something you want to do. Yeah he's had a bad season but it was his rookie year and I think he'll be fine next season but once again this all depends on what Nonis does leading up to the draft.

If he feels he's got a deal done with the Sedins and he adds a guy like Carter to the mix and signs him to a 5-6 year deal then trading away White is something you can afford to do.

Once again this all depends on who Nonis deals away. If you trade away Krajicek and Edler for example then this organization can use a stud defencemen like Doughty.

Another thing you have to factor in is the fact that you may not draft this low again for a while. I agree that we should be able to find a good prospect in the 10 slot but if we can get a defencemen that can one day be a top 10 if not top 5 defencemen in the NHL then you have to think hard about it.

Franchise defencemen don't come around easy. Personally I'd be perfectly happy if Nonis traded away those assets in order to get a player like Doughty. In fact I'd like to see Nonis be more aggressive like that.

Doughty is a stud and in a season or two nobody would complain about the assets we gave up to get him.

I'd love to see the Canucks draft Doughty, reminds me a lot of Ray Bourque. That said, any expendable assets will most likely be used to acquire current scoring help.

We've got 3 "potential" #1 dmen on the roster already. it doesn't make sense to give up extra assests to add another one. if a dman is BPA, great. but no trading up for a dman.

bahahah....good catch KDizzle....I nominate YOU for GM for your outstanding reading comprehension and attention to detail. We need someone like that at the helm. Surely you'd be able to recognize our need to draft the BPA and get some scoring help. :D

Well see I took this course online in reading comprehension and stating the obvious.
It comes in handy in trying times such as these.

Plus it impresses the ladies at the parties.
:laugh:

We've got 3 "potential" #1 dmen on the roster already. it doesn't make sense to give up extra assests to add another one. if a dman is BPA, great. but no trading up for a dman.

Once again a potential number 1 defencemen is alot different then a franchise defencemen.

Ohlund is a number 1 defencemen....Scottie Neidermeyer and Chris Pronger are franchise defencemen.

Franchise defencemen are difference makers.

Edler and Bourdon may or may not one day become number 1 defencemen. Doughty is going to become a franchise defencemen.

I agree with PG though that it's more likely our assets are going to be used to improve our offence but if Nonis has a chance to move up to draft Doughty while still improve our offence with other deals then he's got to pull the trigger on the deal.

I gaurantee you guys would not be disappointed with Doughty.

I gaurantee you guys would not be disappointed with Doughty.

He could probably play as early as next season and would provide a lot of much needed offense from the blue-line. The asking price would be ridiculously high though I'm guessing.

He could probably play as early as next season and would provide a lot of much needed offense from the blue-line. The asking price would be ridiculously high though I'm guessing.

I agree. But if the we're able to move up to the 2nd overall pick and it costs us 10th overall pick, White, Rahimi, 40th overall pick and the 3rd round pick in 2009 from LA then you make the move and don't think twice about it.

Just extra info on kyle beach- I go to school with him in kelowna-- played last half of the year with a sports hernia, and end of season and playoffs with a fractured orbital bone, and 2 cracked ribs, plus if he had anything from that concussion..


AS to his mental game...it could definatly use some work. but couldn't this be what it we need? big mean center, with some scoring touch?

Although i commend his ability to play through injuries, that is a lot of injuries this young, wouldn't it be risky taking a player with so many injury issues at such a young age?

All the people screaming about Nonis needing to trade up in the draft to get Doughty/Filatov/etc. had better not complain if he does it, and then doesn't make a trade for help up front for next season.

Although i commend his ability to play through injuries, that is a lot of injuries this young, wouldn't it be risky taking a player with so many injury issues at such a young age?

Personally, given his style of play, the multiple concussions in quick succession make him a non-starter at 10th overall in the Canucks' situation.

All the people screaming about Nonis needing to trade up in the draft to get Doughty/Filatov/etc. had better not complain if he does it, and then doesn't make a trade for help up front for next season.

I don't think anyone is "screaming" for Nonis to move up in the draft, Just stating that with a top 10 pick it's the ideal time to try and move up to get a top pick and Nonis should look at all options. Nonis tried hard to move up in last year's draft but failed, it wouldn't surprise me if he tried again this season, given he's got a much better pick to dangle.

The team I would target for getting into the top five would be St.Louis at #4. St.Louis has some good depth on defense, led by Erik Johnson, and a tonne of depth up front, but what they really lack is a top notch goaltending prospect. Enter, Cory Schneider. Schneider and the 10th overall for the 4th overall pick is something I could see Nonis contemplating. Ensures the Canucks land either one of the big four on defense or Nikita Filatov. Drafting a Doughty, Bogosian or Pietrangelo makes Alex Edler completely expendable to be move for current help up front. Just something to think about.

I don't think anyone is "screaming" for Nonis to move up in the draft, Just stating that with a top 10 pick it's the ideal time to try and move up to get a top pick and Nonis should look at all options. Nonis tried hard to move up in last year's draft but failed, it wouldn't surprise me if he tried again this season, given he's got a much better pick to dangle.

The team I would target for getting into the top five would be St.Louis at #4. St.Louis has some good depth on defense, led by Erik Johnson, and a tonne of depth up front, but what they really lack is a top notch goaltending prospect. Enter, Cory Schneider. Schneider and the 10th overall for the 4th overall pick is something I could see Nonis contemplating. Ensures the Canucks land either one of the big four on defense or Nikita Filatov. Drafting a Doughty, Bogosian or Pietrangelo makes Alex Edler completely expendable to be move for current help up front. Just something to think about.

one step forward, two steps back.

That proposal doesn't make sense from Canucks perspective to diminish their depth for one prospect. Cory Schneider has all the essentials to be a franchise goalie and on top of that giving the other team a top 10 draft pick in order to draft one player which is also a prospect is not very wise.

I don't think anyone is "screaming" for Nonis to move up in the draft, Just stating that with a top 10 pick it's the ideal time to try and move up to get a top pick and Nonis should look at all options. Nonis tried hard to move up in last year's draft but failed, it wouldn't surprise me if he tried again this season, given he's got a much better pick to dangle.

The team I would target for getting into the top five would be St.Louis at #4. St.Louis has some good depth on defense, led by Erik Johnson, and a tonne of depth up front, but what they really lack is a top notch goaltending prospect. Enter, Cory Schneider. Schneider and the 10th overall for the 4th overall pick is something I could see Nonis contemplating. Ensures the Canucks land either one of the big four on defense or Nikita Filatov. Drafting a Doughty, Bogosian or Pietrangelo makes Alex Edler completely expendable to be move for current help up front. Just something to think about.

Great post Mr. Griffin(yes I know who Peter Griffin is....giggity giggity)

This is something that could easily work out.

I'm willing to bet that if something like that happened LA would be more then willing to deal their 2nd overall pick for the 4th overall pick and 40th. The only question remains whether or not you believe Doughty is that much better then the other guys.

If Nonis feels that Doughty is a franchise defencemen while the other are a step behind then you move up to number 2 otherwise stay at number 4 and there's a good chance you'll be able to draft a Bogosian, Filatov, or Pietrangelo.

I wouldn't even mind staying at number 10. At the 10 spot we'll have a chance at Myers, Hodgson, Wilson or Boedker and they all have great potential.

Man I cant wait until the draft.

I don't think any of the teams in the top 5 need Corey Schneider

1) TBay has Smith, even then Schneider plus the tenth wouldn't be good enough
2) LA has Bernier who will be ready in a coupe of seasons
3) Atlanta has Lehtonen
4) St. Louis has Schwarz who should be ready for NHL action next season
5) The Islanders have DiPietro signed to that massive contract already

one step forward, two steps back.

That proposal doesn't make sense from Canucks perspective to diminish their depth for one prospect. Cory Schneider has all the essentials to be a franchise goalie and on top of that giving the other team a top 10 draft pick in order to draft one player which is also a prospect is not very wise.

What good is having a franchise goalie in the minors if you've got a better one on your pro club? Schneider is only valuable to this team if Luongo leaves, otherwise he's tradebait and at this point his value may never be higher. Look what happened with Al Montoya's value once Henrik Lundqvist was re-signed. He went from being the 6th overall pick in the same draft as Schneider, had a few pretty solid seasons in the AHL, and then was traded for what ammounts to a 3rd liner in Sjostrom.

If Nonis has confidence that he can re-sign Luongo, then Schneider is definitely trade bait. IMO it's a bit of a question at this point in whether or not Schneider's trade value will increase or decrease, it's a risk either way. I think having the chance to draft a franchise defenseman, something this club has NEVER had, is a very intriguing prospect.

I wouldn't even mind staying at number 10. At the 10 spot we'll have a chance at Myers, Hodgson, Wilson or Boedker and they all have great potential.

Man I cant wait until the draft.

Same here. I'm just throwing out possible ideas that Nonis may be pondering heading up to the draft.

4) St. Louis has Schwarz who should be ready for NHL action next

Schwarz has been less than stellar as a pro, to the point where he was demoted to the ECHL this season. I don't think the Blues are all too high on Schwarz to be honest.

one step forward, two steps back.

That proposal doesn't make sense from Canucks perspective to diminish their depth for one prospect. Cory Schneider has all the essentials to be a franchise goalie and on top of that giving the other team a top 10 draft pick in order to draft one player which is also a prospect is not very wise.

The guy you draft 4th overall gives you the ability to trade a Bieksa, Edler, Krajicek or Bourdon with ease. That's the whole point of it.

For example you trade Edler to Philly for Carter, Krajicek for Kotalik. Here's what the defence looks like now if you draft Bogosian at 4th overall:

Ohlund-Salo
Mitchell-Bieksa
Bourdon-Miller/Bogosian

Up front you've got H.Sedin, D.Sedin, Carter, Raymond, and Kotalik in your top 6. Doesn't look to bad to me.

If we trade up to the #2 pick, I don't even think you take Doughty as I see him as the third best defenseman in this draft behind Bogosian and Pietrangelo. Bogosian is the guy you take IMO, he reminds me a TON of Brent Burns and I'd kill to have Brent Burns in a canuck uniform.

Here's what I think about this draft?
We are obviously in need of help up front.
Stamkos and Filatov are obviously the top 2.
Doughty, Schenn, Pietrangelo, and Bogosian are the top 4 defensemen all with "Franchise potential" (each person defines it differently, take it for what it's worth). All 4 are pretty even. I've seen lists with Doughty first, Bogosian, or Pietrangelo. Schenn, from what I've heard is almost NHL ready. But Bourdon was "NHL ready", look where he is now. Take it for what it's worth. These defenseman are very good, and can all be a future number one.

The other forwards past Stamkos and Filatov are:
Beach, Boedker, Wilson, and Hodgson are another crop. These guys do not unnecessarily have star potential, but all top line or top 6 forwards.
It's really a toss up for these 4.
Unless Nonis knows for sure that one of these 4 forwards are above the rest, then we should move up, or draft a d-man.
There is a very high chance that one of the top 4 dman are still available at #10.
If Nonis moves up to #5 or #6 ish. He can get a top 4 dman or maybe Filatov will drop.
That's my take.

I don't think anyone is "screaming" for Nonis to move up in the draft, Just stating that with a top 10 pick it's the ideal time to try and move up to get a top pick and Nonis should look at all options. Nonis tried hard to move up in last year's draft but failed, it wouldn't surprise me if he tried again this season, given he's got a much better pick to dangle.

The team I would target for getting into the top five would be St.Louis at #4. St.Louis has some good depth on defense, led by Erik Johnson, and a tonne of depth up front, but what they really lack is a top notch goaltending prospect. Enter, Cory Schneider. Schneider and the 10th overall for the 4th overall pick is something I could see Nonis contemplating. Ensures the Canucks land either one of the big four on defense or Nikita Filatov. Drafting a Doughty, Bogosian or Pietrangelo makes Alex Edler completely expendable to be move for current help up front. Just something to think about.

St Louis has Marek Shwarz. Not sure if they would see Schneider as an upgrade.

I'm not against trading up to find a franchise defenseman but with the draft being prior to July 1st it really puts Nonis in a tough spot. Without knowing how many significant pieces we can add through free agency it'll probably make management hesitant to deal valuable assets to move up in the draft. There's going to be a lot of presure to revamp the offense and it would be a risky move to deal picks or prospects that could help to build for next year.

I think if we're going to add a franchise defenseman it will be in a rebuilding year.

St Louis has Marek Shwarz. Not sure if they would see Schneider as an upgrade.

I commented on Schwarz in an earlier post. He has been far from impressive as a pro. I doubt the Blues are that high on him at this point.


I'm not against trading up to find a franchise defenseman but with the draft being prior to July 1st it really puts Nonis in a tough spot. Without knowing how many significant pieces we can add through free agency it'll probably make management hesitant to deal valuable assets to move up in the draft. There's going to be a lot of presure to revamp the offense and it would be a risky move to deal picks or prospects that could help to build for next year.


Most likely the case. Nonis' best chance to make a trade to acquire offensive talent will be at the draft, so he should have a good idea of what his assets can get him prior to deciding what he will do with the 10th overall pick. One scenario could have Nonis moving up to get a top 4 pick, assuring him one of the big four on defense, which makes it a lot easier to move Edler in a deal for a current offensive contributor.

I commented on Schwarz in an earlier post. He has been far from impressive as a pro. I doubt the Blues are that high on him at this point.



Most likely the case. Nonis' best chance to make a trade to acquire offensive talent will be at the draft, so he should have a good idea of what his assets can get him prior to deciding what he will do with the 10th overall pick. One scenario could have Nonis moving up to get a top 4 pick, assuring him one of the big four on defense, which makes it a lot easier to move Edler in a deal for a current offensive contributor.

The problem is if we want to upgrade our offense we'll need at least 3 top 6 forwards. Let's assume we find 1 guy through free agency like Michael Ryder that leaves 2 deals to be made. If Edler's dealt to acquire another piece up front and with the Schneider deal at the draft it doesn't leave too many options to find the much needed 3rd forward. I wouldn't imagine Bourdon and Krajicek have much value and we have very little in the way of forward prospects to deal. Bieksa? That would really hurt our scoring from the defense.

If we can acquire 2 top 6 forwards through free agency than moving up in the draft makes sense. This is the problem with the draft being 1st.

If we were moving up into the top 5 to draft an offensive player that was NHL ready than IMO this would be a more likely scenario. Could Filatov play in our top 6? That type of deal I would do.

Goaltender prospects are worth nothing, hell, even NHL goalies are put on waivers and traded for 2nd round picks.

Goaltender prospects are worth nothing, hell, even NHL goalies are put on waivers and traded for 2nd round picks.

Yep, if you have a prospect goalie, you hold onto him and hope he turns out to be a star.

BTW, all I remember of Schwarz at this point is him being exposed as small and him losing his net alot.

Yep, if you have a prospect goalie, you hold onto him and hope he turns out to be a star.

BTW, all I remember of Schwarz at this point is him being exposed as small and him losing his net alot.

Isn't Schwarz like 6'? That's not really huge or anything, but still.

Isn't Schwarz like 6'? That's not really huge or anything, but still.

5'11" would be pushing it

I don't think anyone is "screaming" for Nonis to move up in the draft, Just stating that with a top 10 pick it's the ideal time to try and move up to get a top pick and Nonis should look at all options. Nonis tried hard to move up in last year's draft but failed, it wouldn't surprise me if he tried again this season, given he's got a much better pick to dangle.

The team I would target for getting into the top five would be St.Louis at #4. St.Louis has some good depth on defense, led by Erik Johnson, and a tonne of depth up front, but what they really lack is a top notch goaltending prospect. Enter, Cory Schneider. Schneider and the 10th overall for the 4th overall pick is something I could see Nonis contemplating. Ensures the Canucks land either one of the big four on defense or Nikita Filatov. Drafting a Doughty, Bogosian or Pietrangelo makes Alex Edler completely expendable to be move for current help up front. Just something to think about.

Thats too much to move up 6 spots in the draft. Schneider has been outstanding lately and I'd be hesitant to make that deal. Plus, if Schneider continues to develop and dominate the AHL.. maybe that gives us another option to free up salary and get top 6 talent next season (as in move Luongo)....

Or at the very least, Schneider should be moved for a forward who can step in and contribute now. Not a player that may still be a year or two away. The team is set to win now with Luongo.. not in 2 years.

The problem is if we want to upgrade our offense we'll need at least 3 top 6 forwards. Let's assume we find 1 guy through free agency like Michael Ryder that leaves 2 deals to be made. If Edler's dealt to acquire another piece up front and with the Schneider deal at the draft it doesn't leave too many options to find the much needed 3rd forward. I wouldn't imagine Bourdon and Krajicek have much value and we have very little in the way of forward prospects to deal. Bieksa? That would really hurt our scoring from the defense.

If we can acquire 2 top 6 forwards through free agency than moving up in the draft makes sense. This is the problem with the draft being 1st.

If we were moving up into the top 5 to draft an offensive player that was NHL ready than IMO this would be a more likely scenario. Could Filatov play in our top 6? That type of deal I would do.

Krajicek may not get you anything alone but Bourdon can. A team like Buffalo would be more then happy to trade one of their offence gives for a guy like Bourdon. IMO Bourdon and Bernier are pretty close to fair value.

If this team trades Edler for Carter, Bourdon for Bernier, and signs Ryder then our top 6 isn't looking to bad and Nonis can focus on moving up in the draft if the price is right.

Nonis is going to have plenty of options available and he's got a few real good assets that are real close to being NHL ready.

I think Nonis can move up in the draft and still add a few peices up front.

Trading Edler and Bourdon would kill our defensive depth. I would prefer to trade one of them. Especially considering how injury prone our top 3 guys are.

If this team trades Edler for Carter, Bourdon for Bernier, and signs Ryder then our top 6 isn't looking to bad and Nonis can focus on moving up in the draft if the price is right.

Yes, we need TWO lazy forwards who don't show up sometimes and plunk them on a line with the Sedins. You either get Ryder or Bernier, and I'd much rather have Ryder since he can net 30 by himself, while Bernier hasn't done anything remotely similar. Plus, Ryder doesn't cost us any assets.

Trading Edler and Bourdon would kill our defensive depth. I would prefer to trade one of them. Especially considering how injury prone our top 3 guys are.

I think you have to understand that this team needs to add at least 3 top six forwards this summer. There's a pretty good chance we might have to do that by trading away two of Bourdon, Edler, Krajicek and Bieksa. It all depends on what options are available for Nonis but he may have to trade both Edler and Bourdon.

I agree that it hurts out depth but you have to take a chance and hope you can add a few depth defencemen in free agency.

Personally I'd rather trade Krajicek and one of the other 3 guys.

This is another reason why drafting a defencemen might not be a bad idea especially in a draft that has so many potential studs on the back end.

Heck we may even get a chance to draft Myers 10th overall and he's got the potential to be the best defencemen in the draft.

Plus, Ryder doesn't cost us any assets.

Exactly. Wave a short-term contract for a reasonable but probably slightly discounted salary at him and tell him he's going to be playing with the Sedins and getting an opportunity to earn more money in the future. Then get to work on signing or trading for another winger to play on the 2nd line who is maybe less of a goal scorer, but grittier, so that he can take shifts with the Sedins if Ryder isn't getting the job done against a physical team.

Who will it be traded for?

I am hoping for something like Bourdon and the 1st for Jeff Carter

Exactly. Wave a short-term contract for a reasonable but probably slightly discounted salary at him and tell him he's going to be playing with the Sedins and getting an opportunity to earn more money in the future. Then get to work on signing or trading for another winger to play on the 2nd line who is maybe less of a goal scorer, but grittier, so that he can take shifts with the Sedins if Ryder isn't getting the job done against a physical team.

I don't think this works anymore. Playing well with the Sedins didn't get Anson Carter anymore money. Doesn't mean we can't bring Ryder in, but I don't think you can entice him to come cheap on a one year deal just to play with the Sedins.

I don't think this works anymore. Playing well with the Sedins didn't get Anson Carter anymore money. Doesn't mean we can't bring Ryder in, but I don't think you can entice him to come cheap on a one year deal just to play with the Sedins.

Carter's salary went up 150% following his season with the twins

I don't think this works anymore. Playing well with the Sedins didn't get Anson Carter anymore money. Doesn't mean we can't bring Ryder in, but I don't think you can entice him to come cheap on a one year deal just to play with the Sedins.

I thought he signed a 1 year $1 million deal with the Canucks, played with the Sedins and then signed a 1 year $3 million deal with the blue jackets...if that's what actually happened, I think he did get more money simply because of his performance with the Sedins...

Goaltender prospects are worth nothing, hell, even NHL goalies are put on waivers and traded for 2nd round picks.

But in the same year Bryzgalov was given away Vokoun and Toskala both brought back 1st rounders. Goaltending value is tricky, it has its own market that goes up and down. And now every goalie that needed to be traded has been done, so the buyers market has dried up a bit. I don't think it would be unreasonable to expect St. Louis could be interested in Schneider.

First, before you read the rankings and predictions below please read this little introduction.

What I’ve written here is a basic draft primer to give people who don’t have much knowledge of who’s likely to go high in the 2008 entry draft a bit of meat to chew on. Die hard draft junkies will already know a lot of what follows, although I hope there might be something informative or surprising here for you. So why should you read this? Well, I’m involved in hockey, have scouted for many years, have contacts, have my ears to the ground, and have actually seen almost all of the players mentioned here. Not only that but I’ve been doing it for several years so I guess I know my way around a draft. In short, it’s not authoritative, but it is informed.

For obvious reasons I’m not going to give away the house. I’m not writing up personal scouting reports except for those details which are already pretty well known. Other people connected to HF Boards who compile detailed draft lists with profiles are good reads for that purpose, not to mention services like ISS, McKeen’s, Redline. Instead, what follows is a general prediction as to who we might see go around where in the top two rounds of the upcoming draft. Some of these players I personally rank higher or lower than listed here because I’m trying to give you an idea of where they’ll actually go in the draft. Having said that thought, it is not a mock draft. I have virtually 0% confidence trying to predict exactly who will go where. Nor is it a strict 1-40 ranking. What I’ve tried to do here is present draftees in sets or bunches. Of course, all it takes is for just one team to really like a certain player a lot and the whole thing is shot to pieces- and that WILL happen.

Finally, I’m doing this before the World U18s, which is a huge litmus test not only for the Euros but also for the Canadians and U.S. added players to see how they fare against a different type of composition. And with the CHL and USHL playoffs still going there is certainly room for change. OK- Here goes:

1. Steve Stamkos- nothing much to say. Pretty much everyone has him in this position.

2-4. Nikita Filatov, Zach Bogosian, Drew Doughty
(* When I list players in a bunch it doesn’t mean that I think they’ll go in EXACTLY that order). I think it might be fair to say that Bogosian and Doughty may have separated themselves ever so slightly from the other two top ranked defensemen, Pietrangelo and Schenn. Filatov is the wild card here. If you are absolutely sure that he’ll come over, without many hassles from the Russian federation, his agent or his Russian club, he goes top 4. He has stated that he plans to stay in North America but clubs will need assurances. If they get those he goes top 4. (*This applies to all Russians in this draft and, due to the new 2 year signing rule, will likely affect all Europeans who are not based in North America. It ain’t 2001 anymore).

5-8 Alex Pietrangelo, Luke Schenn, Mikkel Boedker, Colin Wilson
I don’t think anyone would disagree that the “other two” top rated defenders now come into play. Boedker and Wilson are quite a contrast in types. If you haven’t seen Boedker play, be prepared to see some elite skating and stickhandling, as pretty as Filatov and Stamkos. Wilson is the mature, all-purpose, two-way, can’t miss type of forward.

9-12 Tyler Myers, Cody Hodgson, Zack Boychuk, Matthias Tedenby
One giant defenceman and three smallish but skilled forwards. Draft fans will notice what scouts have seen all year- how Myers is shooting up the rankings because of his enormous upside. I feel safe on saying that he could be hovering in the top 5 for some clubs while others will have him in the late teens, a greater span than the defensemen mentioned earlier. Tedenby, is the wild card here (as most Euros- especially Russians- are). The U18s will tell us more, but his performance in the top Swedish league hasn’t done anything to hurt his status. He’s certainly top 12 in skill and Sweden has been producing a lot of talent recently. Hodgson and Boychuk need no introduction to the HF Prospects’ Board.

13-18 Joe Colbourne, Jason Bailey, Jake Gardiner, Colby Robak, Luca Sbisa, Michael Del Zotto
Gardiner, Robak and Sbisa are all-purpose, strong-skating defensemen in the ascendancy. Gardiner could surprise as NHL scouts see more USHS than HF Boards posters do. Del Zotto is a different story. Last year he was considered very close to the OHL big three for this draft but struggled at the start of the year. However, he has picked it up again in the 2nd half and has arguably the best offensive skills of the four. Colbourne, like all Junior A players is a bit of a draft enigma, not just because of his league but because while he has great size and top level skill some people aren’t sure about his competitive instincts. He could move up to the preceding group if a team thinks he has the fire. Bailey is simply a solid pick here.

19-26 John Carlson, Tyler Cuma, Colin Teubert, Chet Pickard, Kyle Beach, Corey Trivino, Evgeny Gratchev, Mikhail Stefanovich
Obviously Beach is the wild card and controversial item here. He wasn’t the same player in the last third of the season and the playoffs. Everyone knows that. An anomaly or the start of a slide? His health (concussions) will be a factor- his medical records will be scrutinized closely. No player is likely to get as close a psychological profiling too. My feeling is that a team who has two 1st round picks will take him, possibly in the group listed above this. Cuma and Teubert will be at the U18s with Robak so viewers can make their own judgments there. Teubert’s nasty streak will endear him to many. I’m going with the notion that Pickard will be the first goalie taken, also to a team with more than one 1st round pick. For Trivino and Carlson, the usual Jr. A questions will apply but this X factor could move them in either direction (Jr. A players have the biggest fluctuations). Gratchev is in the same boat as Filatov. He’s a top 12 talent and my understanding is that he also wants to play in North America although the usual Russia cautions may apply. Stefanovich (from Belarus) should be the first QMJHL player picked.

27-33 Maxime Sauve, Thom McCollum, Zac Dalpe, Anton Gustafson, Tyler Ennis, Aaron Ness, Viktor Tikhonov
Too bad the Swede Gustafson will miss the U18s but he is a legitimate first round candidate (and bloodlines DO matter- to an extent). Ennis and Ness are exciting and energetic but tiny. With top 15 skill, there’s a very good chance someone will roll the dice on these two a bit higher. BCJHL star Dalpe could make it 3 Jr. A players in the 1st round. McCollum and Sauve have had very strong late season rises (and, as I said, bloodlines- Sauve- are always a positive). Tikhonov is the only previously undrafted player to rte highly. He does have a history in North America and there is talk of him staying but, again, it will have to be a sure thing for a team to take him 1st round. His WJC tournament was excellent but not every outing has been as successful.

34-42 Brandon Burlon, Shawn Lalonde, Daulton Leveille, Johan Motin, Vyacheslav Voinov, Mitch Wahl, Jordan Eberle, Cody Goloubef, Jamie Arniel
You may not have heard much of Jr.A players Burlon and Leveille but they have some pretty big boosters, If you read Bob Mackenzie’s TSN column you’ll see him giving a scoop on Leveille. Voinov has the usual Russia caveats surrounding him. He’s a top 15 talent but I have heard nothing about a willingness to play in North America yet. Motin had a so-so WJC but could jump into the first round with a strong U18s.Wahl and Eberle- remember when WHL players were stereotyped as tough, slow skating grinder types? Well, if you look at those two plus Boychuk and Ennis and the old stereotype goes right out the window. Lalonde and Goloubef have been steady all year- the latter as one of the very youngest players in the NCAA. Arniel turned it up late in the season.

43-52 A.J. Jenks, Greg Nemisz, Phil McRae, Dan Kristo, Yann Sauve, Jakub Markstrom, Harri Sateri, Michael Hutchison, Patrick Wiercioch, Michael Stone
This draft’s weak point is not really goalies (Sateri and Markstrom could well move up with big U18 tournaments and Hutchison ended the season on a mostly upbeat note) but power forwards. Nemisz and Jenks both have that highly-valued power forward air about them but also have some flaws that may mean a strong fluctuation between where they are ranked by different teams. McRae and Sauve both need consistency although the raw talent is tempting. Wiercioch, a Canadian playing in the USHL, hasn’t been talked about much on HF boards but scouts know who he is and he could surprise. Kristo appears to be the best of the US U18 forwards but this should be determined later this month at the World U18s. Stone might be in position to join the WHL defenders ranked a bit more highly with a good playoff performance.

53-64 Eric O’Dell, David Toews, Kevin Poulin, Peter Delmas, Jimmy Hayes, Roman Josi, Max Nicastro, Justin Schulz, Kiril Petrov, Nicolas Deschamps, Jyri Niemi, Emil Bejmo
Late riser O’Dell could consolidate his position here with a strong U18 tournament. Watch him closely (by the way his linemate in Sudbury, Jared Staal, I’d predict as a third rounder). The name Staal inevitably bring us to Toews, more bloodlines, with similar questions and comparisons to siblings, and the effect a “name” might have. Hayes is a classic “Will the real …. please stand up?” case. After a mediocre regular season he picked it up at the end in the USHL and there is no doubt that some scouts like his potential although he is very much a polarizing player. QMJHL draft prospects have disappointed this year and there seems to be little consensus as to who will be the highest picks (after Stefanovich, M. Sauve and possibly, his namesake on defense, Yann). The highly-touted goalies Poulin and Delmas should go sometime around here or in the early third after up and down seasons. Deschamps is one of the few Q prospects who seems to be held in pretty high regard by almost everybody although it appears there are about 15 QMJHL skaters ranked just outside the top 3 rounds. Nicastro (USHL) and Schulz (BCJHL) are lesser-known top 60 candidates on DF. For Petrov, the standard Russian cautions apply but even more so in his case as he has a rep for being very up and down. If Josi (from Switzerland) and Bejmo (Sweden) indicate that they plan to come over to North America they could surprise. Bejmo is a late 89 and so falls into that draft blackhole: late birthdate Europeans. Saskatoon-based Finn Niemi may make the top 60 by virtue of his shot alone although we may see other Finns emerge (especially Joonas Rask and Teemu Hartilainen) at the U18s.

Other Europeans could suddenly step up at the U18s and move into top 60 contention (as could a few Canadian and US players who I’ve not listed here- watch US captain and Aaron Ness-sized defenseman David Warsofsky and forward Robert Czarnik in particular). For Russia, note Sergei Ostapchuk, Andri Loktionov, Maxim Chudinov, Pavel Chernov, and Dmitri Kugryshev. Keep an eye on Lukas Stoop for the Swiss, Jerome Flaake for Germany. Mattias Ekholm and Andre Petterson could make an impact for Sweden. Philp Larsen hasn’t been talked about much lately despite early season talk of 1st round potential and he hasn’t been named to Denmark’s U18 team so I’m unsure of his status right now. The top Czech players (The Czechs are going through a disappointing spell right now) are the two Tomases, Kundratek (DF) and Kubalik (RW). The Czechs were relegated at the U18s so it might be difficult to gauge their progress.

Excellent post, I would be ecstatic if Canucks can manage to draft Colborne, Gratchev, Hayes in the first three rounds.

Excellent post, I would be ecstatic if Canucks can manage to draft Colborne, Gratchev, Hayes in the first three rounds.

I would be happy with Wilson/Colborne, Eberle and O’Dell

EDIT - I could also see Nonis trading down to 12th (anahiem) and taking Colborne and in the process getting edmontons 2nd rounder as well.

EDIT - I could also see Nonis trading down to 12th (anahiem) and taking Colborne and in the process getting edmontons 2nd rounder as well.
Seeing as how Burke "likes" 2nd round picks - I hope that happens.

I would be happy with Wilson/Colborne, Eberle and O’Dell

EDIT - I could also see Nonis trading down to 12th (anahiem) and taking Colborne and in the process getting edmontons 2nd rounder as well.

I can't see Anaheim giving up a 2nd to move up 2 positions unless there is only one player they have targeted and the really believe Chigago (11th) is going to take him.

For a high 2nd, the Canucks would probably have to move down at least 4 to 6 positions (Carolina, Nashville, Boston).

I can't see Anaheim giving up a 2nd to move up 2 positions unless there is only one player they have targeted and the really believe Chigago (11th) is going to take him.

For a high 2nd, the Canucks would probably have to move down at least 4 to 6 positions (Carolina, Nashville, Boston).

Maybe they would give up their own second rounder (if they have one)?

Would it be stupid for the Canucks to take Eberle at 10th or trade down to take him later? I would be extremely happy with that pick. Everything I've read about the guy says steal. His size is all thats holding him back and thats what they said about guys like Sakic and Parise.

What would it take for the canucks to move upto 6th ... considering that most likely stamkos and the 3 bid dmen are almost a lock to go in 4 of the top 5 picks that leaves one team in the top 5 to take a forward, likely filatov since hes coming over, that means if the canucks were to trade up to 6th they would have a good shot at boedker ... or filatov if he pulls a cherepanov V2 ... what would you be willing to give up and would another team even consider say something like our 10th + krajicek/mid ronder for the 6th

Would it be stupid for the Canucks to take Eberle at 10th or trade down to take him later? I would be extremely happy with that pick. Everything I've read about the guy says steal. His size is all thats holding him back and thats what they said about guys like Sakic and Parise.

small players are a no no for Vancouver, Ron Delorome. It will never happen. :shakehead

small players are a no no for Vancouver, Ron Delorome. It will never happen. :shakehead

Incorrect, in Grabner's draft year, Nonis instructed his scouts to focus more on speed and skill rather than size because this philosophy was suited best for the "new" NHL.

Incorrect, in Grabner's draft year, Nonis instructed his scouts to focus more on speed and skill rather than size because this philosophy was suited best for the "new" NHL.


which is why our drafting sucks.. drafting should always be BPA focusing on all aspects rather than a few attributes.

1 word and a name...

DRAFT MIKKEL BOEDKER


plzzzz :handclap:

I'd say this draft is Stamkos, Filatov, the big 4 on d, then about 5-6 forwards of similar talent and 1 defenseman who may or may not jump into the top 5.

Filatov may drop because of the Russian factor in which case we should likely take him. If Filatov doesn't drop, I'd say the remaining 5 forwards are close enough that it doesn't make sense to trade up for one of them, we just take one of the remaining three that fall to us.

I have not seen or heard anything that distinguishes Boedker from Beach from Wilson from Hodgson from Boychuck. I've even heard the gap between Filatov, the big 4 and 5 forwards is not that big and that it wouldn't be a shocker if any of the aforementioned forwards were drafted #2 overall.

That being said, I don't think the Canucks need to trade up, I do not believe anyone has distinguished themselves from the pack (in the eyes of the scouting community in general) and I don't really trust the Canucks scouts enough to waste an asset on their huches on who may be the best. Basically 2-12 seems pretty close with a slight edge to the big 4 on D (with Filatov also having a slight talent edge over the other forwards which is counteracted on account of him being Russian).

Any of the following can fall to us:
Pietrangelo, Schenn, Beach, Wilson, Boedker, Hodgson.
MUST DRAFT ONE OF THESE. obviously filatov, bogosian, doughty, and stamkos will be gone.

Peitrangelo and Schenn are probably out of reach, but I suppose if a coupld of teams ahead of us go way off the board with an unconventional picks, anything is possible.

Daulton Leveille

I don't care where they are from, how tall they are, how much they weigh, what colour their hair is, how much weight they can bench, how fast they are, what hand they shoot, what their father does for a living............just draft someone who can put the puck into the net. That's all I am asking.

Peitrangelo and Schenn are probably out of reach, but I suppose if a coupld of teams ahead of us go way off the board with an unconventional picks, anything is possible.

I say there is still a chance.
We have a legit chance at one of those players...

I'd say this draft is Stamkos, Filatov, the big 4 on d, then about 5-6 forwards of similar talent and 1 defenseman who may or may not jump into the top 5.

Filatov may drop because of the Russian factor in which case we should likely take him. If Filatov doesn't drop, I'd say the remaining 5 forwards are close enough that it doesn't make sense to trade up for one of them, we just take one of the remaining three that fall to us.
I have not seen or heard anything that distinguishes Boedker from Beach from Wilson from Hodgson from Boychuck. I've even heard the gap between Filatov, the big 4 and 5 forwards is not that big and that it wouldn't be a shocker if any of the aforementioned forwards were drafted #2 overall.

That being said, I don't think the Canucks need to trade up, I do not believe anyone has distinguished themselves from the pack (in the eyes of the scouting community in general) and I don't really trust the Canucks scouts enough to waste an asset on their huches on who may be the best. Basically 2-12 seems pretty close with a slight edge to the big 4 on D (with Filatov also having a slight talent edge over the other forwards which is counteracted on account of him being Russian).

don't trade up, trade down. hopefully a couple of the teams 4-7 spots behind us will really fall in love with one of the "second level" players and offer us their 2nd to make sure they get him. I think our needs get addressed better having 3 picks <50 rather than just the #6 (or whatever).

But in the same year Bryzgalov was given away Vokoun and Toskala both brought back 1st rounders. Goaltending value is tricky, it has its own market that goes up and down. And now every goalie that needed to be traded has been done, so the buyers market has dried up a bit. I don't think it would be unreasonable to expect St. Louis could be interested in Schneider.

We are talking about JFJ and Martin here...there were also different pieces to these trades. But, yes you are correct, goaltending markets are extremely hard to gauge. But you should look no further than the Montoya trade, which is probably the best way of gauging a trade involving Schneider.

Here's a related story I found from a few months back that talks about Hansen and Boedker. Seems like Hansen and Boedker are good buds.

http://www.moosehockey.com/news/07-08/20071231b.php

Here's a related story I found from a few months back that talks about Hansen and Boedker. Seems like Hansen and Boedker are good buds.

http://www.moosehockey.com/news/07-08/20071231b.php

great article thanks a lot for digging that up

I know it's sort of a safe pick, but I really like Zach Boychuk. What would you guys think if we drafted him?

I know it's sort of a safe pick, but I really like Zach Boychuk. What would you guys think if we drafted him?

heard he suffered a concussion last game. Still not sure if his style of game will translate well to the next level as it's a lot easier to throw hits and be fearless against kids your own age. Against grown men it's another story and he would get absoultely murdered out there. He needs to play like Cliff Ronning or Pat Kane and use his speed/skill to outsmart people, and not try to play like a midget power forward like Gilbert Brule.

heard he suffered a concussion last game. Still not sure if his style of game will translate well to the next level as it's a lot easier to throw hits and be fearless against kids your own age. Against grown men it's another story and he would get absoultely murdered out there. He needs to play like Cliff Ronning or Pat Kane and use his speed/skill to outsmart people, and not try to play like a midget power forward like Gilbert Brule.

Or Martin St. Louis. Or Theoren Fleury...

The last post is spot on regarding Boychuk IMO - but I still think it's a solid pick at 10 for the Canucks. Boychuk's a gamer with skill who plays full out every shift. The only picks I see otherwise are Myers and Beach because I think if Toronto or Phoenix don't take Boedker (after Hodgson) Nashville will

I have a strong feeling Beach will be there at 10 and the Canucks will take the high -risk high-reward chance on the B.C. boy.

The last post is spot on regarding Boychuk IMO - but I still think it's a solid pick at 10 for the Canucks. Boychuk's a gamer with skill who plays full out every shift. The only picks I see otherwise are Myers and Beach because I think if Toronto or Phoenix don't take Boedker (after Hodgson) Nashville will

I have a strong feeling Beach will be there at 10 and the Canucks will take the high -risk high-reward chance on the B.C. boy.
Beach seems like a very risky pick.

What's his potential? At best Milan Lucic type or can he be more of a power forward/goalscorer type like a Todd Bertuzzi?

At worst he'll be a Brett Lindros that gets a couple of concussions and calls it quits?

What are the odds of each happening?

Anyway, I think no matter who we pick at 10 (if we actually keep the pick), it should be a sure-fire NHL'er with solid character and some scoring ability.

Or Martin St. Louis. Or Theoren Fleury...

Both of who had really strong base to their bodies and one of them was a complete nutcase while the other isn't much of a hitter. There isn't too many players that can successfully play a physical style of hockey on a nightly basis when you are 5'8 which is why most of them use their skills speed and smarts to outwit big strong defenseman. Boychuk ain't going to last long if he tries to hit the likes of Pronger, Phaneuf, etc, he's much better off trying to dangle around them and use his quickness.

Beach seems like a very risky pick.

What's his potential? At best Milan Lucic type or can he be more of a power forward/goalscorer type like a Todd Bertuzzi?

At worst he'll be a Brett Lindros that gets a couple of concussions and calls it quits?

What are the odds of each happening?

Anyway, I think no matter who we pick at 10 (if we actually keep the pick), it should be a sure-fire NHL'er with solid character and some scoring ability.

No argument here - he is a risky pick, but I'd give him more o-upside than Lucic (and I'm a big Giants fan) as a power forward prospect

That's why I like Boychuk for the Canucks - If somehow Boedker falls (unlikely) then he's the only one I'd take before Zac Boychuk

I just hope we don't get another Grabner diminutive with speed type.

I just hope we don't get another Grabner diminutive with speed type.

Grabner is 6'1 and is built like a tank (he works out like crazy)and has a really strong base to accelerate from. He's not exactly diminutive. Raymond would be a better example of a speedy diminutive type because he doesn't have the strongly built lower half that you see with Grabner.

Grabner is 6'1 and is built like a tank (he works out like crazy)and has a really strong base to accelerate from. He's not exactly diminutive. Raymond would be a better example of a speedy diminutive type because he doesn't have the strongly built lower half that you see with Grabner.

Yeah, Grabner has really packed on the muscle since his Spokane Days (170 Pounds).

Here's hoping he kicks ass in the AHL playoffs and has an excellent camp.

Blues might choose to trade down their 4'th pick, and pick up Boedger at 6-7 + a D-man later in the rounds.

Boedker have unreal chemistry with Eller, since they played together in the same line for a couple of years in Vestra Frölunda junior 18 and 20.

Actually i believe that they also played together with another Blues prospect Hjalmersson.. could be pretty unreal to pick up all 3 members of that line .. unreal chemistry!!!

Beach seems like a very risky pick.

What's his potential? At best Milan Lucic type or can he be more of a power forward/goalscorer type like a Todd Bertuzzi?

At worst he'll be a Brett Lindros that gets a couple of concussions and calls it quits?

What are the odds of each happening?

Anyway, I think no matter who we pick at 10 (if we actually keep the pick), it should be a sure-fire NHL'er with solid character and some scoring ability.

I think that if all turns out well, Beach could b ea Keith Primeau or Todd Bertuzzi in their prime. He has that much talent.

That being said, I hope the Canucks go for either Filatov or Hodgson as I think one of those guys will be available. 2-12 this draft is fairly close. Also, don't put too much stock in the recent past, it seems like TO might be interested in getting Beach.

Beach seems like a very risky pick.

What's his potential? At best Milan Lucic type or can he be more of a power forward/goalscorer type like a Todd Bertuzzi?

At worst he'll be a Brett Lindros that gets a couple of concussions and calls it quits?

What are the odds of each happening?

Anyway, I think no matter who we pick at 10 (if we actually keep the pick), it should be a sure-fire NHL'er with solid character and some scoring ability.


There seems to be a lot of negativity on the boards regarding Beach and his character. But jeez, this is the type of player the Canucks are desperately lacking, a big, strong, tough power forward who can do all the heavy lifting. The last time I checked, hockey is still a physical game even though skill and speed are now emphasized and we severely lack size in our top six. We're never going to get past teams like Anaheim or SJ if we don't beef up the front lines. Obviously, a lot of interviews have to be done with his coaches, teammates etc. to check his character, but if everything checks, we'd be crazy to pass on him.

There seems to be a lot of negativity on the boards regarding Beach and his character. But jeez, this is the type of player the Canucks are desperately lacking, a big, strong, tough power forward who can do all the heavy lifting. The last time I checked, hockey is still a physical game even though skill and speed are now emphasized and we severely lack size in our top six. We're never going to get past teams like Anaheim or SJ if we don't beef up the front lines. Obviously, a lot of interviews have to be done with his coaches, teammates etc. to check his character, but if everything checks, we'd be crazy to pass on him.

I'm more worried about his injury history...more specifically his concussion problems.

Let's not forget this is the draft and the player we draft now will 95% likely not have an impact on the team next year.

The team will choose the best player available at the time

Saw this on another board, great article (over a year old, though) about David Conte, one of the best scouts around:

http://www.hockeysfuture.com/articles/9417/scouting_is_simple_says_the_devils_david_conte/

Featured Article
"Scouting is simple" says the Devils David Conte

Written by: Simon Richard on 01/29/2007

A total of 134 NHL scouts were present at the 2007 World Junior Championships in Leksand and Mora, Sweden.
Three of them were from the New Jersey Devils organization - David Conte (Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations and Director of Scouting), Claude Carrier (Assistant Director of Scouting) and Dan Labraaten (European scout).

Hockey's Future caught up with Conte in the Ejendals Arena in Leksand.

“We have a goalie [Martin Brodeur] that doesn't like to lose, so we have to find good players to keep him happy,” said Conte, smiling.

“This is a great great hockey experience,” said Conte talking about the WJC. “I have been doing it for a lot of years and I'm enjoying these games like the fans do, like you do.

“We don't have a lot of meetings here, we are primarily here because it is a very important tournament in the sense that the best chunk of junior players are here. This is the best hockey at this time of the year we can find.”

According to Conte, the Devils representatives don't attend the WJC just to watch the 2007 eligibles or those already drafted by the organization.

“We are here to see all the players," he pointed out. "Whether they are drafted or nor drafted, it really doesn't matter. We need to know all the players, especially with the new CBA.

“Players will become free at some point in time, some players won't be signed and will be put back in the draft, some will be traded because of the salary cap, some will develop later like [Brian] Rafalski and [John] Madden, anything happens, we have to be ready, we have to know all the players,” he said.

“You have to think a little more with the new CBA. You have now two years to sign the Euros otherwise you can't put them in the bank and save them. They are young, so there is some sort of lottery and gamble,” he observed.

“Scouting is a simple job, you need to know all the players, whether they are drafted or not drafted, underage or overage it does not matter. You need to know the players, who are the players,” added Conte.

“In the Devils organization, we are looking for players that will contribute to the organization. We don't care if you are Russian, Czech, Canadian, French Canadian, American. If you can play, you can play," said Conte. "If you are older, if you are younger, if you are smaller, if you are bigger, it doesn't matter. You can play, you can play,” he repeated.

Since 1992, the Devils have never had the opportunity to select before the 10th position at the NHL Entry Draft. Only one other NHL team, the Detroit Red Wings, lacked the same chance.

Since 1992, the average rank the Devils had in the first round of the annual draft was No. 21. Nevertheless, the team made sounded choices that help them win.

“Clearly, scouting is a lot easier if you draft in the No. 1, 2, 3 positions, but you have to be a bad team to do that. This is not the price we are willing to pay right now,” said Conte.

The Devils may have the best scouting and developing organization since they entered the NHL. Let's examine some facts.

A great scouting organization
In May 1982, the Colorado Rockies franchise moved to New Jersey. The team then got its Devils' nickname, a term that takes roots in a very old New Jersey folklore -- from a contest conducted by a newspaper.

The New Jersey Devils have won three Stanley Cups between 1995 and 2003 and are still seen as a serious challenger every season.

This success is by no way a question of chance. It is basically explained by the organization's excellent work at the NHL annual Entry Draft.

Over the 25 years the Devils have participated in the NHL Entry Draft, the team rarely had a poor drafting year. More important, as opposed to most of the NHL teams, the Devils never suffered a few years in a row of a poor drafting.

So, when comes the time to identify the best NHL organization in term of drafting and developing prospects over the last 25 years, the Devils must be considered as the probably best of all.

Past data show a lot of success
An analysis of the 4,621 prospects drafted between 1979 and 1997 supports that affirmation. It shows that the Devils lead or are at the top in many aspects of drafting.

During that period, 28 percent of the 185 Devils drafted players became NHLers (200 games played or more for the forwards and 125 or more for the goalies) while the NHL average is only 22 percent. Overall, 52 Devils prospects made it to the NHL. Only three teams had a better record - Buffalo (60), Colorado/Québec (58) and Montréal (55).

The capacity of drafting prospects who will become NHL superstars or star (impact) players is the most important criteria when evaluating a team's drafting performance. Between 1979 and 1997, no NHL team has a better record than the Devils in recruiting superstars or star players. The Devils drafted 17 such players, including Martin Brodeur, Scott Niedermayer, Kirk Muller, Sean Burke, Brendan Shanahan and Patrik Elias. (For the record, the St. Louis Blues have the poorest record during that period with a mere three superstars or star players coming out of the draft - Doug Gilmour, Rod Brind'Amour and Cliff Ronning.)

The Devils were particularly effective in the first round -- 47 percent of their selections became star players while the league's average is only 30 percent for the period.

The Devils had a great success in the key position of a NHL team - goaltending. Overall, seven of their goalie picks became NHLers. Only the Colorado/Québec organization surpasses the Devils with 10 NHLers but none of these players are even close to the quality of Martin Brodeur and Sean Burke.

Among the best to convert late-rounders and undrafted into NHLers
The Devils also have a great success in converting late draftees and undrafted prospects into NHLers. At the beginning of November 2006, a total of 711 players had played at least one game in the NHL so far this season. Among them, 177 were either undrafted or selected in the eighth round or later.

Nine of these somewhat “unwanted” prospects were either drafted by the Devils of signed as undrafted by that team. Only the Boston Bruins and the Blues, with 11 apiece, have a greater number of such players. But no team has a total of three quality players like the Devils' “unwanted” prospects such as the 2000 Selke Trophy winner John Madden, the All-Star team members Steve Sullivan and Brian Rafalski.

Still a great future ahead
The Devils have a few excellent young players in their roster, including the MVP of the 2004 WJC as well as the MVP of the 2007 NHL YoungStars game Zach Parise (2003) and Travis Zajac (2004) to name a couple.

They have also many great prospects in their organization. With five prospects present at the 2007 WJC, the Devils were among the leaders in terms of the number of representatives.

Of the seven Devils selections made at the 2005 NHL Entry Draft, four traveled to Leksand and Mora -Swedes Niklas Bergfors (23rd) and Alexander Sundstrom (218th), Americans Jeff Frazee (38th) and Sean Zimmerman (170th).

Alexander Vazyunov (58th), a Devils 2006 selection, was also in Sweden, playing for Russia.

A great scouting staff
A team can't have such a success in drafting and developing prospects without a great staff.

Devils CEO and President Lou Lamoriello is known as one of the best general managers in the NHL. Conte also earns a lot of respect across the league. And so does Claude Carrier.

Overall, the team's scouting staff is composed of 21 members, including Conte and Carrier. Four of them scout professional players.

“Scouting is a simple job, if you can play, you can play,” says Conte.

I'm more worried about his injury history...more specifically his concussion problems.

I agree. A player who plays the way Beach needs to in order to be successful with a history of concussion problems is a big red flag. He's the kind of player I'd love to have on the team, but not if injury problems are going to potentially pose a significant threat to being successful in the NHL. On a team that desperately needs top-end offensive talent in the system, I think they need to be slightly more risk-averse.

Beach seems like a very risky pick.

What's his potential? At best Milan Lucic type or can he be more of a power forward/goalscorer type like a Todd Bertuzzi?

At worst he'll be a Brett Lindros that gets a couple of concussions and calls it quits?

What are the odds of each happening?

Anyway, I think no matter who we pick at 10 (if we actually keep the pick), it should be a sure-fire NHL'er with solid character and some scoring ability.

You would think that the Canucks would have scouted Beach as much or more than anyone, as both Ellington and Gendur were on the Silvertips. I think Beach will be one of the most scrutinized players both medically and psychologically, so you have to trust that if the Canucks take him they will have done their due diligence and that all those tough questions will have been answered satisfactorily. However, if he does pass all the tests fine, I believe someone like the Leafs will take him before 10 anyways.

I would be absolutely fine with the Canucks taking Beach: watching the playoffs so far, I realize the Canucks would be eaten alive against most teams, and a chance to add someone with good skill and snarl is welcome in my books.

You would think that the Canucks would have scouted Beach as much or more than anyone, as both Ellington and Gendur were on the Silvertips. I think Beach will be one of the most scrutinized players both medically and psychologically, so you have to trust that if the Canucks take him they will have done their due diligence and that all those tough questions will have been answered satisfactorily. However, if he does pass all the tests fine, I believe someone like the Leafs will take him before 10 anyways.

I would be absolutely fine with the Canucks taking Beach: watching the playoffs so far, I realize the Canucks would be eaten alive against most teams, and a chance to add someone with good skill and snarl is welcome in my books.


I would be surprised if the Canucks asked Gendur or Ellington about Beach and the players would be advised not to say much.

There is a liability angle - I am not a lawyer, but I believe that bad employment references can be slanderous if they are false, personal or malicious in nature and not based on evidence. In the case of Beach, the questions the Canucks would have would concern his "character" and his health, would be subjective in nature and as neither Gendur or Ellington is authorized to speak for the Silvertips, anything they say about Beach could be considered malicious. When the difference between a top 5 draft pick and a top 20 draft pick is hundreds of thousands of dollars, I wouldn't risk it.

Secondly, liability aside, think of the position it would put the players in. Beach is their teammate. There is a culture in sports of keeping events and things said in the dressing room (and on the bus and hotel etc.), in the dressing room. However Gendur and Ellington also have reason to have some loyalty to the Canucks. So asking them questions about their teammate puts them in an ethical dilemma.

I think wetcoastwhale's point was more that the Canucks have obviously scouted the Silvertips considering that they've drafted two players off of their current roster - and hopefully they countinue to scout those players to monitor their progress. As such they've likely had ample opportunity to get a look at Beach.

i manage to watch a game of boston university vs Vermont. Colin Wilson is actually a pretty good player, he skates well and he play well on his own zone, and he put himself in the right position in the offensive zone, he was even given some powerplay time to work with, for an teenager thats quite an accomplishment playing on a top 6 role and scoring almost a point per game. the only problem with him is that he seems to be lost without the puck, thats something he should work on, and i would hope that he can be more phyiscal. Maybe i am asking too much for a 18 years old, but again thats just one game.

I think he will stay in college for at least 2-3 more years.

if you have ever watched beach play, he is a terribe fighter, big mouthpiece that cant back it up. has some skill but is very high risk. the attitude is very evident on the ice. factor in concussion issues, and the canucks track record of poor drafting. we cannot afford to have a top ten bust. let him be someone else's problem. wilson and other are a much smarter choice for the franchise as a whole. personally i would like to see us trade down and obtain another 2nd and such and chose colbourne

Whatever we do, I hope we pick someone going the junior route, not the college route...

Whatever we do, I hope we pick someone going the junior route, not the college route...

who holds colbournes junior rights ? perhaps he might oull an obrian and decide to play in the whl

who holds colbournes junior rights ? perhaps he might oull an obrian and decide to play in the whl

Colborne has committed to Denver University and quite honestly I prefer players from the college route. When players go through 3-4 years of college they transform into a mature, composed, and intelligent player, for instance, just look at the difference between Mason Raymond in a interview compared to Luc Bourdon, you can differentiate which player went through college and which one didn't.

Colborne has committed to Denver University and quite honestly I prefer players from the college route. When players go through 3-4 years of college they transform into a mature, composed, and intelligent player, for instance, just look at the difference between Mason Raymond in a interview compared to Luc Bourdon, you can differentiate which player went through college and which one didn't.

Lol... I like this idea.

if you have ever watched beach play, he is a terribe fighter, big mouthpiece that cant back it up. has some skill but is very high risk. the attitude is very evident on the ice. factor in concussion issues, and the canucks track record of poor drafting. we cannot afford to have a top ten bust. let him be someone else's problem. wilson and other are a much smarter choice for the franchise as a whole. personally i would like to see us trade down and obtain another 2nd and such and chose colbourne

Not that I'm disagreeing about drafting Beach, but it's funny how folks are advocating going for the 'safe' choice...something which has been a major sticking point for fans wrt the Canucks scouts.

just look at the difference between Mason Raymond in a interview compared to Luc Bourdon, you can differentiate which player went through college and which one didn't.

I hope you are being sarcastic.

You know, if we're going to draft a forward, I just hope we get someone noted for their shot. I don't care about their two-way play, I don't care about character, I don't even really care about skating...I just want someone who knows how to shoot the puck. How many players do we currently have who can beat a goaltender purely with their shot? Naslund used to be able to do that, but no longer. I don't think it's a stretch to say that no forwards currently on the roster strike fear into the hearts of goaltenders.

You know, if we're going to draft a forward, I just hope we get someone noted for their shot. I don't care about their two-way play, I don't care about character, I don't even really care about skating...I just want someone who knows how to shoot the puck. How many players do we currently have who can beat a goaltender purely with their shot? Naslund used to be able to do that, but no longer. I don't think it's a stretch to say that no forwards currently on the roster strike fear into the hearts of goaltenders.

Patrick White was said to be possibly the best sniper in his draft after kane, and Grabner is purely known for his ability to score off a wicked snipe. Simek also can pick corners with the best of them.

An article on Ron Delrome:

Jury still out on scouts' more recent choices
Canucks 10th pick could be a prospect or bait for some scoring help
Ben Kuzma, The Province
Published: Sunday, April 13, 2008

As Ron Delorme drove to an OHL game between Windsor and Sarnia last month, he wanted to make one thing clear.

"We're not looking at Steven Stamkos," the Canucks chief amateur scout joked in reference to the top-ranked prospect for the 2008 NHL entry draft.

"If we get Stamkos, that means there's a chance we won't have a job."

The Canucks would have had to be in the bottom five of non-playoff teams for a chance to win the draft lottery and land the Sarnia centre. Tampa Bay won that sweepstakes last Monday, while the Canucks will select 10th on June 21.

With the Canucks missing the playoffs twice in the last three seasons, there will be a considerable housecleaning of the on-ice product. As for the scouting staff, it's also an uneasy time because everything and everybody is under review.

Delorme can take solace in solid draft picks the last several years. He also knows the ones that get away -- namely Anze Kopitar and David Perron in the 2005 and 2007 drafts -- are occupational hazards that critics dwell upon and management must put into perspective.

Scouts judge success by having two players from any draft advancing to the NHL -- regardless of what team they play for. They also judge what occurred at the draft last June in Columbus as part of the hard knocks that any franchise takes.

After Perron had a strong Memorial Cup showing in Vancouver last May, his stock rose rapidly. There was some thought that the Canucks were interested in the crafty playmaker with the 25th overall pick.

Instead, the Canucks opted for Minnesota high school star Patrick White, who is a year younger. He had limited ice time and just six goals and 10 points through 45 games this season at the University of Minnesota.

Meanwhile, St. Louis snagged Perron with the 26th pick. The winger not only cracked the roster, he had 27 points [13-14] in 62 games and was a plus-16 in 12:33 of average ice time.

Ouch.

"We could have had Perron but 25 teams, including Vancouver, missed on him," reasoned Delorme. "I'm not going to say that we made a mistake, because you know what? The kid got an opportunity to play and he's playing in the NHL.

"Who knows about the guys ahead of him. Maybe they turn out to be better players. We don't know. Right now, he's a good pick and playing and maybe we should have taken him.

"But I don't think he'd be on our team. How many first-year guys ever make our team? Very few."

That's an indictment of some of the Canucks' first-round picks and decisions like R.J. Umberger in 2001 (contract dispute) and Nathan Smith in 2000 (no points in 17 NHL games). In the second round, the Canucks took Marc-Andre Bernier in 2003 (no NHL games) and Kiril Koltsov in 2002 (no NHL games, playing in Russia).

However, the Canucks have reversed a terrible trade-deadline trend. In 2004, '06 and '07 combined, they parted with four second-round picks, two third-rounders and two fourth-rounders for players who are no longer in the organization.

Then again, it remains to be seen if they made a first-round faux pas on White.
The Canucks were hoping that White would have ample opportunity to work on his skating this season. He already had playmaking smarts, but a lack of ice time isn't sitting well with the Canucks.

"I think what the kid has to improve on -- and that's why he went the college route -- was his foot speed," added Delorme. "Right now, I would say he's at the pace of an average skater. And if we could improve his foot speed, then I think he'll be OK because he's smart. He just needs ice time -- and he's not getting that this year.

"We have to decide as a group what we're going to do. If that's going to happen again, we have to do something about it."

Sometimes, you make the right pick, but the business side of the sport gets in the way. The Canucks couldn't come to contract terms with Umberger, their first pick in the 2001 draft. He sat out the '03-'04 season in the dispute so he could become an unrestricted free agent.

The Canucks dealt him to the New York Rangers at the 2004 trade deadline for Martin Rucinsky, who had two goals in 20 games. Umberger also couldn't come to terms with the Rangers and signed with Philadelphia.

Umberger had 50 points [13-37] in 71 games this season and scored 20 goals in 2005-06. He could have given the Canucks the big centre they've long sought.

"Umberger was our pick and whatever happened after that was not in our hands -- it was in management's hands," said Delorme. "But we [scouts] understand the big picture. We were trying to get somebody in Rucinsky who could help us immediately."

That might be the case at the draft.

As much as the Canucks could use the 10th pick to land a prize prospect, they could also deal it to get immediate scoring help.

Players that Canucks could be scouting,

Windsor Spitfire: Greg Nemisz, Josh Bailey
Sarnia Sting: Jamie Arniel

. Simek also can pick corners with the best of them.

Maybe so, but he didn't do it very often with the Moose this year.

An article on Ron Delrome:



Players that Canucks could be scouting,

Windsor Spitfire: Greg Nemisz, Josh Bailey
Sarnia Sting: Jamie Arniel

Mind you, that was a month ago when the Canucks likely weren't expecting to pick at #10. I'm sure Delorme was there to scout the players you mentioned, but I can't see them taking them 10th overall.

Maybe so, but he didn't do it very often with the Moose this year.

but when he does score it almost always is top corner, i know that doesn't mean much but its nice to watch atleast. Hes still young, 21, i am hoping for a 6th round pick more of a jump next year, kid of like what happened to Hansen's numbers.

Mind you, that was a month ago when the Canucks likely weren't expecting to pick at #10. I'm sure Delorme was there to scout the players you mentioned, but I can't see them taking them 10th overall.

I was leaning towards that these players could be picked up in the later rounds except for Bailey. However, its a positive sign that Canucks are looking more in-depth into the OHL.

However, its a positive sign that Canucks are looking more in-depth into the OHL.

Definitely, they've avoided that league it seems since they selected Bryan Allen. Probably has to do with that scout the Canucks signed from the Sharks' organization, apparently he's OHL based.

Ron Delorme is an idiot. We are struggling offensively TODAY Is because we drafted poorly and made bad choices in the pass, that is hurting us now. What an idiot, 25 teams, could have had him, so its ok for you to pass up on him? Damit dude were drafting 25th overall, if a guy like that is gonna drop to you hell pick him! ARe you stupid Delorome?

we are saying Grabner might become a 30 goal scorer in the NHL, but hell, ask any St.Louis Blues fans, the way he plays Perron is gonna develope into a potent goal scorer in the NHL.

What an idiot, you have to risks.

No risk no reward. I hope hes happy with Nathan Smith. Cause right now I wouldnt mind Having Boyes as a 2nd line centerman.

im glad his job is under review. If it was up to me, I grade him a F, and fire his ass. \

Patrick White is smart at what? School? play making? ok, he had 4 assist, in 40 games..... ok there buddy.... he played on a weak team, and he was on the 4th line? on a weak team? Gotta be kidding me right?

I knew that Delorme watched a game in Kitchener recently which very well could mean Boedker could be on the shortlist.

The notion that Ron Delorme is an idiot has been universal since 1999/2000.

Ron Delorme is an idiot. We are struggling offensively TODAY Is because we drafted poorly and made bad choices in the pass, that is hurting us now. What an idiot, 25 teams, could have had him, so its ok for you to pass up on him? Damit dude were drafting 25th overall, if a guy like that is gonna drop to you hell pick him! ARe you stupid Delorome?

we are saying Grabner might become a 30 goal scorer in the NHL, but hell, ask any St.Louis Blues fans, the way he plays Perron is gonna develope into a potent goal scorer in the NHL.

What an idiot, you have to risks.

No risk no reward. I hope hes happy with Nathan Smith. Cause right now I wouldnt mind Having Boyes as a 2nd line centerman.

im glad his job is under review. If it was up to me, I grade him a F, and fire his ass. \

Patrick White is smart at what? School? play making? ok, he had 4 assist, in 40 games..... ok there buddy.... he played on a weak team, and he was on the 4th line? on a weak team? Gotta be kidding me right?

:rolleyes:

You know, if we're going to draft a forward, I just hope we get someone noted for their shot. I don't care about their two-way play, I don't care about character, I don't even really care about skating...I just want someone who knows how to shoot the puck. How many players do we currently have who can beat a goaltender purely with their shot? Naslund used to be able to do that, but no longer. I don't think it's a stretch to say that no forwards currently on the roster strike fear into the hearts of goaltenders.

You mean like Oscar Moeller who played right here in Chilliwack and we passed over last year with our 2nd round pick in favour of Taylor Ellington?

I knew that Delorme watched a game in Kitchener recently which very well could mean Boedker could be on the shortlist.

Doesn't surprise me at all. Boedker is projected to be right in around our range.

Patrick White was said to be possibly the best sniper in his draft after kane, and Grabner is purely known for his ability to score off a wicked snipe. Simek also can pick corners with the best of them.

define "possibly" in this context... do you mean there's a 1% chance that this could happen?

Ron Delorme is an idiot. We are struggling offensively TODAY Is because we drafted poorly and made bad choices in the pass, that is hurting us now. What an idiot, 25 teams, could have had him, so its ok for you to pass up on him? Damit dude were drafting 25th overall, if a guy like that is gonna drop to you hell pick him! ARe you stupid Delorome?

we are saying Grabner might become a 30 goal scorer in the NHL, but hell, ask any St.Louis Blues fans, the way he plays Perron is gonna develope into a potent goal scorer in the NHL.

What an idiot, you have to risks.

No risk no reward. I hope hes happy with Nathan Smith. Cause right now I wouldnt mind Having Boyes as a 2nd line centerman.

im glad his job is under review. If it was up to me, I grade him a F, and fire his ass. \

Patrick White is smart at what? School? play making? ok, he had 4 assist, in 40 games..... ok there buddy.... he played on a weak team, and he was on the 4th line? on a weak team? Gotta be kidding me right?
if i recall correctly, White plays for a team that heavily relied on veterans instead of their rookies, even their coach comment White as one of their best player when some of the players are injured, dont forget that he is only a teenager, why judge him now when you can be patient and see what happen next season?

Yeah, we should have taken Perron instead of White, but it doesnt mean that White cant be a good player.

Grabner is 6'1 and is built like a tank (he works out like crazy)and has a really strong base to accelerate from. He's not exactly diminutive. Raymond would be a better example of a speedy diminutive type because he doesn't have the strongly built lower half that you see with Grabner.Really, I didn't know that. Did he just fill out like crazy after joining the organization? I don't remember hearing about his size when we drafted him.

Really, I didn't know that. Did he just fill out like crazy after joining the organization? I don't remember hearing about his size when we drafted him.


He was a lanky 6'1 175 pounder in his last junior year.

Bulked up to 183 by the start of training camp this year, hoping he gets up to the 195 range.

http://forum.canucks.com/index.php?showtopic=164714

Like the most of you, when I heard White's name called, I wasn't thrilled. But the more I read about him, the more I like him. I have also been very impressed with the way he conducts himself in interviews. He are some encouraging quotes I've gathered from people that have seen him play...

"White is incredibly strong with the puck. In last year's state championship game, Roseau head coach Scott Oliver instructed his players to try and play off White, because of his ability to bounce off of checks. White also has a hard, accurate shot which allows him to score a lot of goals. He is also responsible on his own end of the ice, which should make him even more attractive to NHL teams."

"White will head to the University of Minnesota next season. Whichever team drafts him will likely want White to play at least 2 or three years as he develops physically. White has a great deal of strength, but there is a big difference between being high school-strong and NHL-strong, and it takes time to build that strength. White projects to a solid two-way player that can be a solid finisher on a powerplay. White is one of the more complete players in the draft, with no glaring weaknesses. It will just be a matter of how he continues to develop."

"I really like White. I have a feeling he will end up on the gophers top line with Stoa and Okposo. He does everything well. He has the strength and smarts to make things happen. What i like about White the most is his willingness to shoot the puck. Some snipers in the making have the shot but do not shoot. White loves to shoot the puck. He likes to be that guy. I think he will be a steal where he was picked. Supposedly he is taking classes at the U already to work out with team and get early chemistry. He says and does all the right things. I hate to to cross compare stats but Sam Gagner had 11 goals in 40 some games in the USHL last year. This year White had 8 goals in 12 games."

"It's no secret that the Wild like Minnesota high school talent and Minnesota collegians. With White, they'd be getting both as he's headed for the University of Minnesota in 2007-08. However, this wouldn't be merely a public relations selection. Minnesota needs a future first-line center and White fits the bill--albeit a few years down the road. This pick seems like a natural."

"Can be a downright scary player to go up against when his game is on. Had a nice debut in the USHL and his short stay there leaves the mind open as to what he is really capable of. When he’s motivated, he can go out there and control games with his speed and mental game. Can go end to end at a moments notice when he turns on his afterburners. Again, consistency is a problem but not something “scary” enough to warrant dropping him out of the top 30."

"Minnesota : Lots of hometown players in this draft, and some of them are good, and still available. One of them will be quite good, and could turn out as the best sniper of the draft. His name, Patrick White. His shot is great, his release is fast, his shot is deadly accurate. Add to that good skating, good two way game, and you have a complete player. Will need time to reach the NHL, but he’ll be a good one."

"Pat White. Seen him as high as top 10 and as low as "who is Pat White." Totally carried his HS team to back to back state tournament appearance in what i think is the toughest section in the state to begin with. Took second both years. Plays well at both ends. Hard to knock off of the puck. Great shot. Loves to fish out pucks down low and take them out front and bury it. Possible 2 way sniper."


"I watched him play at the MN State Hockey Tournament. He was the leader of the Grand Rapids team. He's a very smooth skating player. The bottom line is he's a gamer. He simply took over the three games I watched him play. He's scores the important goals, very clutch. The knock on him is he can drift in and out of games which I saw at times. However, with the game on the line there wasn't anybody as clutch as him."

"The best stick handler in the draft besides Pat Kane."

"On the other side of the ice, the more I see Pat White, the more I'm convinced he'll be a first round draft pick next summer. He had another great performance. Even though he was held off the scoresheet, he was still making his presence felt on the ice."

"He's a very strong two-way player and can really dominate along the wall with the puck -- very strong kid. Give him three years at Minnesota and I think you'll find yourselves very happy with this pick. I know as a Gopher/Wild fan, I'm loving the fact White's here for the next few years, but now with Vancouver taking him, it's too bad he'll get to eat up the Wild down the road."

"He was also the AP Player of the Year in the state of Minnesota. He won this award over, among others, Ryan McDonagh, who of course went earlier in the first round to Montreal."

"He's a smart two-way center with great puck sense. His poise with the puck is exceptional and his best traite is his ability to draw the opposition to him and then break the defense down by threading the needle with a slick pass. He's also a precise finisher with a quick and accurate shot, especially in tight. His skating is deceptively good and his defensive game is underrated."

There are three forwards - Colin Wilson, Cody Hodgson, and Mikkel Boedker - that I'd be satisfied with (in that order). One of them ought to fall to us, and if not, that means we'll have a shot at a higher-ranked defenseman like Luke Schenn.

Might be worth trying to move up 2/3 spots...Krajicek might be able to do it.

I want to avoid Kyle Beach (concussions) and Zach Boychuk (too small).

There are three forwards - Colin Wilson, Cody Hodgson, and Mikkel Boedker - that I'd be satisfied with (in that order). One of them ought to fall to us, and if not, that means we'll have a shot at a higher-ranked defenseman like Luke Schenn.

Might be worth trying to move up 2/3 spots...Krajicek might be able to do it.

I want to avoid Kyle Beach (concussions) and Zach Boychuk (too small).

If Canucks acquire Brunnstrom and Jeff Carter then I would much rather see them draft Tyler Meyers who can turn into a Pronger-substitute.

Remember anybody who is picked won't make an impact on the roster for at least two years minimum. So dont' pick based on 'what we need now'. Get the BPA.

The more I read about Filatov (check out his blogs on the Propects forum), the more I want Nonis to trade up and snag him. Sounds like wicked prospect with his head in the right place.

but when he does score it almost always is top corner, i know that doesn't mean much but its nice to watch atleast. Hes still young, 21, i am hoping for a 6th round pick more of a jump next year, kid of like what happened to Hansen's numbers.

I liked Simek at training camp this year and expected he'd do much more in his rookie season. He has talent but didn't show much this year. Give him another season and then we'll know.

define "possibly" in this context... do you mean there's a 1% chance that this could happen?

"Minnesota : Lots of hometown players in this draft, and some of them are good, and still available. One of them will be quite good, and could turn out as the best sniper of the draft. His name, Patrick White. His shot is great, his release is fast, his shot is deadly accurate. Add to that good skating, good two way game, and you have a complete player. Will need time to reach the NHL, but he’ll be a good one."

Infact read all of Tbones post. When White was taken it was siad that he had a deadly snipe. I have never seen him play live so I don't know the truth to this, but prospect guides and hockey analysts don't usually just striaght out and out BS about things like this. Is he the best sniper in the draft other than Kane, at this point no, will he be theres a chance, but it isn't likely what with the likes of Gagner already contributing on the scoresheet. However that was not my point I said at the time of the draft he was said to be..... Will it happen, lets wait and see how he develops. Next year is going to be a big year for Pat White.

"Minnesota : Lots of hometown players in this draft, and some of them are good, and still available. One of them will be quite good, and could turn out as the best sniper of the draft. His name, Patrick White. His shot is great, his release is fast, his shot is deadly accurate. Add to that good skating, good two way game, and you have a complete player. Will need time to reach the NHL, but he’ll be a good one."

Infact read all of Tbones post. When White was taken it was siad that he had a deadly snipe. I have never seen him play live so I don't know the truth to this, but prospect guides and hockey analysts don't usually just striaght out and out BS about things like this. Is he the best sniper in the draft other than Kane, at this point no, will he be theres a chance, but it isn't likely what with the likes of Gagner already contributing on the scoresheet. However that was not my point I said at the time of the draft he was said to be..... Will it happen, lets wait and see how he develops. Next year is going to be a big year for Pat White.
I got the impression from that artcile that Delorme is disappointed in the Gophers for not giving White ice time. There are aspects of his game he clearly needs to improve and he can only do so with practice in game situations.

I don't know what the issue with Okposo was but wasn't it something along these lines? I could be making that up.

Whatever the case, I'm thinking Pat White signs with the Canucks after next college season and plays with the Moose in the stretch run.

Whatever the case, I'm thinking Pat White signs with the Canucks after next college season and plays with the Moose in the stretch run.

I wouldn't be surprised if the Canucks ask White to go play major junior next year.

Remember anybody who is picked won't make an impact on the roster for at least two years minimum. So dont' pick based on 'what we need now'. Get the BPA.

Some things we've needed for as long as the franchise has existed...such as a true #1 center *cough*Kopitar*cough*.

Drafting the BPA isn't a bad idea, but with Delorme at the helm it's an oxymoron.

define "possibly" in this context... do you mean there's a 1% chance that this could happen?

No.
By many he was the best sniper after Kane.

I wouldn't be surprised if the Canucks ask White to go play major junior next year.

If he doesn't get increased ice time, then yes, we should try and get him to join the Thunderbirds.

UPDATED ISS APRIL:

1 Stamkos, Steven C 2/7/90 R 5.11.7 176 Sarnia OHL
2 Filatov, Nikita LW 5/25/90 R 6.00 165 Moscow CSKA-2 RusDi
3 Bogosian, Zach RD 7/15/90 R 6.02 197 Peterborough OHL
4 Doughty, Drew RD 12/8/89 R 6.00.5 219 Guelph OHL
5 Pietrangelo, Alex RD 1/18/90 R 6.03.2 206 Niagara OHL
6 Schenn, Luke RD 11/2/89 R 6.02.2 216 Kelowna WHL
7 Boedker, Mikkel LW 12/16/89 L 5.11.2 195 Kitchener OHL
8 Wilson, Colin (Fr.) C 10/20/89 L 6.01 215 Boston Univ H.E.
9 Hodgson, Cody C 2/18/90 R 5.11.5 185 Brampton OHL
10 Sbisa, Luca LD 1/30/90 L 6.01.7 190 Lethbridge WHL
11 Bailey, Joshua C 10/2/89 L 6.00.5 188 Windsor OHL
12 Boychuk, Zac C 10/4/89 L 5.09.5 175 Lethbridge WHL
13 Beach, Kyle C 1/13/90 R 6.03 203 Everett WHL
14 Tedenby, Mattias LW 2/21/90 L 5.09 165 HV71 SweJE
15 Myers, Tyler RD 2/1/90 R 6.07.2 204 Kelowna WHL
16 Nemisz, Greg C 6/5/90 R 6.03 197 Windsor OHL
17 Del Zotto, Michael LD 6/24/90 L 5.11.7 211 Oshawa OHL
18 Teubert, Colten RD 3/8/90 R 6.03.5 185 Regina WHL
19 Grachev, Evgeny C 2/21/90 R 6.03 202 Yaroslavl RusDi
20 Robak, Colby LD 4/24/90 L 6.03 194 Brandon WHL
21 Carlson, John RD 1/10/90 R 6.02 212 Indiana USHL
22 Petrov, Kirill LW 4/13/90 L 6.03 198 Kazan RusDi
23 Colborne, Joe LW 1/30/90 L 6.05 190 Camrose AJHL
24 Ness, Aaron LD 5/18/90 L 5.10 162 Roseau MN-HS
25 Eberle, Jordan C 5/15/90 R 5.10 174 Regina WHL
26 Gardiner, Jake LD 7/4/90 L 6.02 170 Minnetonka MN-HS
27 Toews, David LW 6/7/90 R 5.10 175 Shattuck-St. MN-HS
28 Sauve, Maxime C 1/30/90 L 5.11.5 170 Val d'Or QMJHL
29 Dalpe, Zac C 11/1/89 R 6.00 170 Penticton BCHL
30 Cuma, Tyler LD 1/19/90 L 6.01.5 180 Ottawa OHL

Joe Colborne seems to be falling and could mean a possibility that he can slip to the second round. Imagine drafting Colin Wilson and Joe Colborne in the first two rounds.

last time i watched Colin Wilson, his skating is fine but he is not playing very well without the puck and his offensive instinct isn't really that good despite able to position himself in the right spot in the right time. IMO, he can be a better player with his size. the plus side is that he gets PK and PP minutes as a teenager, thats really something.

Surprised that Beach is down that far. Sbisa continues to climb a lot as well. Myers not in the top 10 is a surprise as well, considering that a lot people are high on his potential.

If Wilson/Hodgson/Boedker are taken before us, I hope we take Beach or Sbisa/Myers and then deal Edler in the offseason for Carter.

Surprised that Beach is down that far. Sbisa continues to climb a lot as well. Myers not in the top 10 is a surprise as well, considering that a lot people are high on his potential.

If Wilson/Hodgson/Boedker are taken before us, I hope we take Beach or Sbisa/Myers and then deal Edler in the offseason for Carter.


Two concussions, soft play, terrible penalties, and playoff invisibility will do that to you (Beach).

Two concussions, soft play, terrible penalties, and playoff invisibility will do that to you (Beach).
I dont want the canucks taking him too, but last year he did score 11 points in 11 post-season game, so one off year shouldnt be labeled as "playoff invisibility"

I dont want the canucks taking him too, but last year he did score 11 points in 11 post-season game, so one off year shouldnt be labeled as "playoff invisibility"

Also.. I hear he is playing with busted ribs or something similiar.
I also believe there should be good prospcets with less questionmarks available at 10th.

But I'm not devastated if we do pick KB.

Also.. I hear he is playing with busted ribs or something similiar.
I also believe there should be good prospcets with less questionmarks available at 10th.

But I'm not devastated if we do pick KB.

I'd say if Beach was playing with a busted rib (something we can find out from Gendeur if its really a secret at all), I'd say the Canucks should go for him. The only reason he's dropped is because of some pretty poor play late in the season and the playoffs, if an injury that will fully heal was the problem, I'd say he's good to go. If possible, maybe we could try to acquire a mid to late first rounder (say Ottawa's) and get Beach with that one.

One thing though, in talking to people who have played with Beach, I think the first word mentioned is ****** or ******* a lot, even from guys with no reason to be jealous like Colton Gillies.

I'd say if Beach was playing with a busted rib (something we can find out from Gendeur if its really a secret at all), I'd say the Canucks should go for him. The only reason he's dropped is because of some pretty poor play late in the season and the playoffs, if an injury that will fully heal was the problem, I'd say he's good to go. If possible, maybe we could try to acquire a mid to late first rounder (say Ottawa's) and get Beach with that one.

One thing though, in talking to people who have played with Beach, I think the first word mentioned is ****** or ******* a lot, even from guys with no reason to be jealous like Colton Gillies.

but then u have to worry about the 2 concussions, players like these, with attitude problems should be left to other organizations, the Canucks can not waste another top ten pick. With what I mean is at 15 I would probably say yes and hope it works out but at 10 it just seems to high to get a project pick. Beech may work out great for a team and i would still be happy we passed on him knowing what we know now.

but then u have to worry about the 2 concussions, players like these, with attitude problems should be left to other organizations, the Canucks can not waste another top ten pick. With what I mean is at 15 I would probably say yes and hope it works out but at 10 it just seems to high to get a project pick. Beech may work out great for a team and i would still be happy we passed on him knowing what we know now.

Agreed.
Buuuuttttt...
You won't see me crying if we do pick him.
I like the whole mean big skilled thing he got going.

Not sure if its ever been used in this context but I guess it might be a guilty pleasure for me in a way..
The whole bad boy big mean kid.. We could use a bully on our team.

It seems ever more likely that we're going to get one of Hodgson, Boedker or Wilson, all of which would be wicked.

Something to consider though is that our new GM might not have been scouting this year or involved at all, which would give alot of power to our Scouts. So, if we're looking at a Delorme or Gradin pick it seems ever more likely that if Boedker's off the board we will draft Beach, which scares me because he is easily the most risky pick at the top of the draft.

I like the whole mean big skilled thing he got going.

Big won't matter much with those two concussions. Another one at the NHL level will could cause him to play like the Lindros at the end of his career - a perimeter player.

Who would we rather have?
Wilson or Hodgson?

Who would we rather have?
Wilson or Hodgson?

Good question, I honestly don't know who I'd take.

id take Hodgson... and I'd still consider Beach.

Good question, I honestly don't know who I'd take.
I dont know about Hodgson, but Wilson sounds like another long term project to me.

I dont know about Hodgson, but Wilson sounds like another long term project to me.

That's not what I've heard. Frankly, Wilson may only need one more year of college considering the season he just had.

From what I've heard, Hodgson's upside is a Daymond Langkow type center, and Wilson's upside is a Chris Drury type forward. I don't know who I'd rather have, but I lean towards Wilson since he's supposedly a very good skater.

That being said, it's highly unlikely that both these guys will fall to the #10 spot.

Well, i know I only watched Wilson played one game, but this is how i see him base on that game.

- his skating is good, but not great
- his offensive instinct is good as he position himself in the right place at the right moment, but he should have shot more often
- he is lost without the puck
- he could have used his size better
- the good thing is he gets PK and PP time as a teenager, that saids a lot, especially the PK minutes he receive when the team is losing

i'll take hodgson

I'd be glad with whichever one, if either, drops to 10th.