[RYAN-SMITH]

3 of the players the canucks selected were in the top 10 top ranked ncaa players headed in to the draft

jordan schroeder, joe cannata and kevin connauton

http://www.hockeysfu..._the2009_draft/


along with free agent signing eric walsky, how do you guys feel about gillis seeking the college route for prospects?

[LuongoG1]

Signed Evan Oberg too.

You get more mature players out of college, I think it's a good idea, and it's a large group a lot of teams don't' scout much so we might find some gems because of that.

[Salmon Arm Canuck]

It's a "moneyball" tactic that has worked well for the Oakland "A's in baseball and help keeps the overall bottom line down which is a strong business strategy.

That being said, is the NCAA the best place to find NHL-ready talent and player development? The CHL is still the place in my opinion.

[Rey]

Most NCAA players will have the option to play at the CHL. It really depends on development.

NCAA plays a tougher game and CHL is only better cause they play 50+ games more than NCAA.


The NCAA prepares players better while anyone in the CHL can have success. If you can perform in the NCAA, you can certainly perform in the CHL.

[thepowerbart]

i heard ncaa players can go straight to the ahl even in they arent the correct age yet, so is this what gillis might be thinking of doing?

[avelanch]

thepowerbart, on Jun 30 2009, 10:42 AM, said:

i heard ncaa players can go straight to the ahl even in they arent the correct age yet, so is this what gillis might be thinking of doing?

yes they can, since they are not under contract to the CHL (even though some teams may have their rights) I can see some players going that direction, it would have helped in hodgson's case, since he has no growth left in the OHL and cannot go to the AHL. Right now, the NHL is the only realistic place for him to continue to grow, but he may have benefited by playing a season in the AHL if it would have been an option.most NCAA players are comitted to their university for at least one more year when they are drafted, but they could make the jump to the AHL faster than CHL players.

[Captain Planet]

LuongoG1, on Jun 30 2009, 12:25 AM, said:

Signed Evan Oberg too.

You get more mature players out of college, I think it's a good idea, and it's a large group a lot of teams don't' scout much so we might find some gems because of that.

Stole the words out of my mouth.

This post has been edited by Canucks_Own: 30 June 2009 - 11:01 AM

[RYAN-SMITH]

LuongoG1, on Jun 30 2009, 12:25 AM, said:

Signed Evan Oberg too.

i had the name on the tip of my tongue, but no mention of his name anywhere in the prospect forum

[Bloodugly]

another plus is not having to pay for the development of college players until they leave.

[Verloren]

Bloodugly, on Jun 30 2009, 06:24 PM, said:

another plus is not having to pay for the development of college players until they leave.

This can be a good or a bad thing.

Coaches often have impart their own mentality onto a player they teach. An coach with a great history and connections, but ok at teaching players can stunt someone's growth.

[playboi19]

4 Undrafted College players are coming to canucks prospect camp. Two 6 foot 3 defenceman, one was captain of his team.

[timw33]

Many of these players have had the extra time they needed to grow into their bodies (especially if they experience growth spurts at age 18 or 19), the extra time to improve strength and conditioning, and also the time to mature mentally.

I think its smart way to get players that are more suited for the pro game.

[ovechkinsfan]

dose anyone know a cople players that have come out of ncaa?

[spooner]

ovechkinsfan, on Jul 7 2009, 10:39 PM, said:

dose anyone know a cople players that have come out of ncaa?

Tons of quality players from the NCAA. Just to name a few:

Parise, Heatley, Drury, St.Louis, Kesler, Bieksa, Orpik, Oshie, Umberger, Backes...the list is long

This post has been edited by spooner: 09 July 2009 - 09:01 AM

[Hinkil]

hopefully they have more luck then former guys canucks drafted out of ncaa or junior A teams... matt butcher, sarauer, white, etc. I dont see why they avoid the WHL so much, even though their euros who have played there have developed nicely so far. Edler and hansen have played in the NHL, Grabner is doing alright, Bliznak has had pretty good success being a 7th rounder and yet they avoid drafting whlers, i dont get it