CanucksCaptain
-
Posts
108 -
Joined
-
Last visited
Content Type
Profiles
Forums
Events
Blogs
Gallery
Posts posted by CanucksCaptain
-
-
Let's imagine if all the top picks reach their potential and become the player he was compared to, who would you pick with our 6th pick:
Reinhart/Toews
Bennett/Gilmour
Ekblad/Shea Weber
Draisaitl/Kopitar
MCD/C. Perry
Nylander/Pat Kane
Ehlers/P. Bure
Ritchie/Bertuzzi
Virtanen/Evander Kane
- 1
-
By just looking at the highlights, Ehlers looks like Bure to me with his speed, his shot and the way he drives to the net.
Nylander looks like Pat Kane to me with his puck handling and play making ability.
-
I don't subscribe.
They are calling Nylander a wild card, possible top 5, possible still around at 10. Can't read the whole thing.
can you copy and paste the draft?
With less than a month to go before the 2014 NHL draft, it's time for my initial projection for the first round. To be clear, these are not draft rankings; for information on these players (and 70 others), please see my top 100 draft prospects feature, linked above.
The reporting aspect of this mock draft can only go so far after the lottery picks, because at that point, it's much more of a guessing game due to potential trades. There are also an unusual number of front office changes this summer, and it's unclear just how the new general managers around the league will behave.
Unlike the NFL draft -- where position is a much higher priority -- and the MLB draft -- where teams show indications of potential draftees through signing bonus discussions -- the NHL draft is extremely tough to project, as teams consider players for multiple seasons down the line, and aren't as tied in to going for a specific position. While the possibility of trades and lack of fits for certain teams are noted, I obviously cannot be in a position to account for potential trades here. When "best player" is referenced, that is according to the feeling in the scouting industry, and not my personal opinion.
Note that Los Angeles has been given the 29th pick because the Kings are the favorites to win the Stanley Cup finals.
The wild card near the top of this year's draft class is William Nylander. It's possible that he goes in the top five; it's possible he's still on the board after the first 10 picks have been announced.
1. Florida Panthers: Aaron Ekblad, D, Barrie (OHL)
DOB: 2/7/96 | Ht: 6-4 | Wt: 216
This is one of the tougher top overall picks to project in a few years, due to the uncertainty in how Florida values this draft slot. The Panthers are very strong up the middle in young NHLers and prospects, making a pick of Sam Reinhart or Sam Bennett more of a debate in terms of how much their value changes on the wing. Panthers GM Dale Tallon has made it known that he's listening to offers at the least, and may deal down to get a top forward in exchange, with wingers like William Nylander or Michael Dal Colle the target if they move back. If they stick at No. 1, Ekblad is the consensus as the top player through much of the industry, but it's not a sure thing by any means. Florida has good young defensemen, but could use another right-handed shot, especially with Erik Gudbranson's slow development.
2. Buffalo Sabres: Sam Reinhart, C, Kootenay (WHL)
DOB: 11/6/95 | Ht: 6-1 | Wt: 183
Buffalo has some good centers in its organization -- Cody Hodgson, Tyler Ennis, Zemgus Girgensons and Mikhail Grigorenko -- but given that centers are the most valuable players on the board, an upgrade down the middle is likely imminent for the Sabres. Reinhart would add elite hockey IQ to the organization, with Bennett being the alternative option. I do think that Ekblad remains a real possibility -- even with the Sabres' barren offense -- should Florida opt for another player.
3. Edmonton Oilers: Leon Draisaitl, C, Prince Albert (WHL)
DOB: 10/27/95 | Ht: 6-1 | Wt: 209
The months-long rumor has linked the Oilers to Draisaitl. I suspect there may be some smoke and mirrors at play, but I still think this is the most likely option, especially if Reinhart goes second. If he and Draisaitl are both available, it's a coin flip.
4. Calgary Flames: Sam Bennett, C, Kingston (OHL)
DOB: 6/20/96 | Ht: 6-0 | Wt: 181
If either Reinhart or Bennett gets here, I believe that will be their pick, as my understanding is the organization is taking a "best player available" approach, regardless of the fact they took center Sean Monahan last summer. If both Sams are gone, which is a fair possibility, I think Calgary's pick could be Michael Dal Colle.
5. New York Islanders: Michael Dal Colle, LW, Oshawa (OHL)
DOB: 6/20/96 | Ht: 6-2 | Wt: 172
The industry has mostly settled around a top-five tier of Ekblad, Reinhart, Bennett, Draisaitl and Dal Colle in some order. Whichever of those five is left is most likely the player that the Islanders will pick. Given recent picks of centers John Tavares, Ryan Strome and Brock Nelson, an elite winger may be a welcome addition if they combine need and best player.
6. Vancouver Canucks: Nikolaj Ehlers, LW, Halifax (QMJHL)
DOB: 2/14/96 | Ht: 6-0 | Wt: 163
A team with a recent change in management is incredibly tough to project, with obvious uncertainties in the air. If things get interesting at the top -- such as a team with a top-five pick selecting Nylander -- I think Vancouver would take Draisaitl or Dal Colle should either slide to the sixth spot. Despite the local ties, I don't think Jake Virtanen is under consideration here.
7. Carolina Hurricanes: Jake Virtanen, RW, Calgary (WHL)
DOB: 8/17/96 | Ht: 6-1 | Wt: 209
Carolina is starved for talent in its farm system and is another team with a new GM, which makes projections tougher. I think a power forward like Virtanen is the pick here, but could also see one of three highly skilled European wingers in the mix, in Nylander, Kasperi Kapanen or Kevin Fiala.
8. Toronto Maple Leafs: Nick Ritchie, LW, Peterborough (OHL)
DOB: 12/5/95 | Ht: 6-3 | Wt: 236
This may seem like a lazy projection, with Ritchie being from Ontario and Toronto's identity as liking big, tough players (even though the Leafs have used lottery picks to select or trade for small, elite skill players like Nazem Kadri, Morgan Rielly and Phil Kessel). There's a fit here based on the industry consensus on Ritchie's talent, team need in the system (though not at the NHL level) and what the team likes. Nylander could also be under consideration here, based on new president Brendan Shanahan's preference for skill.
9. Winnipeg Jets: William Nylander, RW, Modo (SHL)
DOB: 5/1/96 | Ht: 5-11 | Wt: 170
I haven't heard a specific name attached to the Jets, and some may doubt this projection because of the lack of Europeans drafted under GM Kevin Cheveldayoff. But short-term trends aren't very telling, as most teams select the best player available. Nylander is the best player available here, and fits in to an organizational need at wing as well as the organizational emphasis on hockey sense. Fiala could also be a possibility here.
10. Anaheim Ducks (from Ottawa Senators): Kasperi Kapanen, RW, KalPa (Liiga)
DOB: 7/23/96 | Ht: 6-0 | Wt: 181
Kapanen isn't a consensus top-tier player within the industry, but there are a number of teams that consider him a clear top-8 prospect. It's been a few years since the Ducks have drafted a winger this high -- although Rickard Rakell may end up on the wing -- and based on talent along with industry consensus this seems like the pick that fits. I imagine if Nylander somehow slides to No. 10, this would be a probable stopping point.
11. Nashville Predators: Jared McCann, C, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)
DOB: 5/3/96 | Ht: 6-1 | Wt: 174
McCann's stock has been a little up and down based on discussions with sources. I think he can go at 11 based on talent, but he also fits the mold of player Nashville likes, being a good two-way forward. A screaming need for good forwards in the pipeline is another reason this is a fit. If Kapanen drops this far, I could very well see him being the Predators' pick, as well.
12. Phoenix Coyotes: Haydn Fleury, D, Red Deer (WHL)
DOB: 7/8/96 | Ht: 6-3 | Wt: 198
Brad Treliving was a big part of the draft with Phoenix, and with his leaving to be Calgary's new GM, it's tougher to project their pick. The Coyotes have been known as a team that emphasized a "from the net out" approach, and enriched their forward group the past few years by drafting Max Domi, Henrik Samuelsson and Laurent Dauphin. I could see them adding another top prospect to their system's depth on defense this year.
13. Washington Capitals: Kevin Fiala, LW, HV71 (SHL)
DOB: 7/22/96 | Ht: 5-11 | Wt: 194
Yet another management change makes yet another pick tough to project, but given that the Capitals' change was in-house, there could still be some stability in drafting philosophy. Washington has typically targeted high-risk, high-reward type players with skill, and Fiala fits that bill. The team needs defensemen at the NHL level, but if they stay this high, and Fleury is gone, there isn't really a defenseman who will meet equal value at this slot.
14. Dallas Stars: David Pastrnak, RW, Sodertalje (SHL)
DOB: 5/25/96 | Ht: 6-0 | Wt: 168
During the Stars' regime change last year, they brought over Detroit's assistant GM Jim Nill, who oversaw the draft for the Red Wings as their chief scout. That regime is the type to emphasize puck skills and hockey sense. It's why I would project a highly skilled player like Pastrnak to Dallas, with options like Sonny Milano, Robby Fabbri and Jakub Vrana as potential picks, as well. Given the number of players that could be a fit, I can see Dallas moving down from this pick, too.
15. Detroit Red Wings: Sonny Milano, LW, USNTDP (USHL)
DOB: 5/12/96 | Ht: 5-11 | Wt: 185
Detroit has a history of trading down and trusting its area scouts to find value, so who knows if the Red Wings will stay at No. 15. But if they do, the dynamic Milano fits the bill for the kind of player they like. While they drafted a left wing in Anthony Mantha last year, Milano is much younger than Mantha, and the Wings aren't exactly known for bringing the kids up to Detroit quickly. Potential alternatives are the same as Dallas'.
16. Columbus Blue Jackets: Brendan Perlini, LW, Niagara (OHL)
DOB: 4/27/95 | Ht: 6-2 | Wt: 205
There's a consensus within the industry that Perlini is among the top dozen prospects, so it's not a sure thing that he makes it this far. If he does get to No. 16, I imagine he stops here, as he'd be the clear best player available at this point.
17. Philadelphia Flyers: Alex Tuch, RW, USNTDP (USHL)
DOB: 5/10/96 | Ht: 6-3 | Wt: 216
The last time Philly drafted a winger in the first round was 2007 (James van Riemsdyk), but this could be a match based on system need, and best player available. Philly's best under-22 players are defensemen and centers like Scott Laughton and Sean Couturier. Tuch would provide size, strength and a high level of offensive ability to the organization. There is a management change here, as well, with Paul Holmgren moving aside for new GM Ron Hextall.
18. Minnesota Wild: Robby Fabbri, C, Guelph (OHL)
DOB: 1/22/96 | Ht: 5-10 | Wt: 165
After picking many defensemen in the first and second round the past few years, Minny is solid in young defenders, but needs a boost in scoring punch in its system. Fabbri brings a lot of skill, hockey IQ and hustle to the pipeline. I could also see this as a spot for Josh Ho-Sang.
19. Tampa Bay Lightning: Ivan Barbashev, C, Moncton (QMJHL)
DOB: 12/14/95 | Ht: 6-0 | Wt: 181
Some may think this is another lazy projection, because Tampa has picked so many Russians lately, but Barbashev is the best player on merit at this point, and Tampa indeed has shown less hesitance to pick Russians than most NHL teams.
20. San Jose Sharks: Julius Honka, D, Swift Current (WHL)
DOB: 12/3/95 | Ht: 5-11 | Wt: 174
The Sharks have not exhibited any tells in terms of players they like or who they will be targeting this June. Honka fits as the best player available at this slot, and while they drafted a defenseman in the first round last year in Mirco Mueller, Honka provides the dynamic offensive punch from the blue line that has lacked in their pipeline for many years (although they have been well-stocked with offensive defensemen at the NHL level).
21. St. Louis Blues: Nikita Scherbak, RW, Saskatoon (WHL)
DOB: 12/30/95 | Ht: 6-2 | Wt: 174
I've heard from some NHL scouts and execs who have Scherbak in the top 15, at times touching the top 10, but the bottom third of the round is a more likely spot for him. Name aside, there are no passport concerns for Scherbak, and he's a very low flight risk; of course, the same was said for the talented Valentin Zykov last summer, and he slid to the Kings in the second round. Even the most committed Russians get dinged sometimes.
22. Pittsburgh Penguins: Dylan Larkin, C, USNTDP (USHL)
DOB: 7/30/96 | Ht: 6-0 | Wt: 192
There is no Pittsburgh GM as of this writing, so this is a lot of speculation, but the Penguins' system is dying for some talent up front, and Larkin provides a very good two-way boost to the system. He's the kind of prospect who may be able to fast track to the NHL due to his advanced game and good physical tools to combine with his great skating.
23. Colorado Avalanche: Conner Bleackley, C, Red Deer (WHL)
DOB: 7/2/96 | Ht: 6-1 | Wt: 194
A recent regime change makes it tough to attribute past trends from Colorado's scouting staff to this projection, but they've typically targeted high-character guys with good hockey sense; Bleackley has big check marks in both departments. He's trended up this season, and would be a good fit in Colorado's structure. Roland McKeown is another possibility for the Avs here.
24. Anaheim Ducks: Roland McKeown, D, Kingston (OHL)
DOB: 1/20/96 | Ht: 6-1 | Wt: 194
Anaheim has used a few high draft picks on defenders recently, but they've been left-handed shots (Hampus Lindholm and Shea Theodore); fellow youngster Sami Vatanen shoots right. With Kapanen as their first pick of the draft, there isn't really any pressing need in the system, and the Ducks should just pick the best player on their board; in this scenario, that's McKeown.
25. Boston Bruins: Jakub Vrana, LW, Linkoping (SHL)
DOB: 2/28/96 | Ht: 6-0 | Wt: 176
Vrana would be the most highly skilled forward Boston has drafted in a few years, as the organization has bolstered its defense and goaltending in the recent drafts. Vrana will need a few years to develop, which fits into the time table for Ryan Spooner and Alex Khokhlachev to make their push into the Bruins' lineup.
26. Montreal Canadiens: Adrian Kempe, LW, Modo (SHL)
DOB: 9/13/96 | Ht: 6-2 | Wt: 187
The Habs probably need a center the most in their system, but there isn't a center around this spot that fits the talent level for No. 26 overall. Kempe is one of the best skaters in the draft, with some skill and a good power game. I can see Montreal moving this pick if the top 25 picks play out this way.
27. Chicago Blackhawks: Brayden Point, C, Moose Jaw (WHL)
DOB: 3/12/96 | Ht: 5-9 | Wt: 161
What Chicago looks for early in the draft during the Stan Bowman era is clear as day: Skilled forwards. Point has uncertainty within the industry in terms of what level of prospect he is. But in terms of the high-skill, high-hockey IQ players Chicago targets, he fits the mold.
28. Tampa Bay Lightning (from New York Rangers): Josh Ho-Sang, C, Windsor (OHL)
DOB: 1/22/96 | Ht: 5-11 | Wt: 165
Over the past few years, Tampa Bay has targeted the most talented players available, and Ho-Sang fits the bill of an elite talent who can tantalize with his skill level. If McKeown gets here, he could be the pick, as well.
29. Los Angeles Kings: Nikolai Goldobin, RW, Sarnia (OHL)
DOB: 10/7/95 | Ht: 6-0 | Wt: 185
The Kings have not drafted a Russian in the first round since 2002 (Denis Grebeshkov), but the organization has not shown it'll be scared by passport. I could see Ho-Sang or Nick Schmaltz as possible selections for the Kings here, too.
30. New Jersey Devils: Anton Karlsson, LW, Frolunda (J20 SuperElit)
DOB: 8/3/96 | Ht: 6-2 | Wt: 194
The Devils have shown a strict discipline in terms of taking the best player available the past few years, but they simply must take a forward this year, as their system is begging for some scoring help. Karlsson is among a few possibilities here, along with Schmaltz, Brendan Lemieux, Brett Pollock and Eric Cornel.
- 1
-
Anyone subscribed to ESPN Insider? This is the first mock draft.
-
Wow this reminds me of something I heard from the past in general, In Gillis we trust? Was it
Also before that, In Nonis we trust
lol
-
WOW really? Have a link? Hmm that might be a good or a bad thing, they might be much more willing to trade Pouliot now if he is out for a long period of time.
-
His dad was nothing but a perimeter-style powerplay specialist in the NHL until he was on a line with Jagr. We don't have a Jagr.
I want nothing to do with that girlie boy being on my team. PASS. If the Canucks pick him up, then the future with Linden in charge is just more of the same crap. That's not good.
Have you ever seen the kid played? Wow.....stop comparing him to his dad. I can't believe people are making comparisons to his dad. Do they even play with the same style?????
Michael Jordan's sons never made it to the NBA and what are Gretzky's sons doing. Gosh sometimes I just don't get people here on this board. Are you the same kind of person as your dad???? You probably think having a baby means you're making a clown of yourself. Dear god.....
-
I think Torts is spot on today that the team needs new blood. I think when he said the team is old he meant that the team got no more sparks when a same group of core players played for close to 10 years together. That is not how a hockey team is run. If is doesn't work for a year, you have to put in something new. It doesn't have to be big but it has to be something spark the team. San Jose did it, Chicago did it, Detroit did it, and look at us.
-
Trade Garrison to Toronto for 2014 1st round pick (around 12th overall)
Trade 2014 1st round pick (8th overall) and Higgins to Buffalo for their 2014 first overall pick and 2015 second round pick
Trade Jensen, Hansen, Lack, 2015 1st round Pick to Winnipeg for Kane
Draft Sam Reinhart with 1st overall pick
Draft Haydn Fleury with 12th overall pick
Sign Matt Niskanen
Sign Mike Santorelli
Sign Halak
SEDIN SEDIN KANE
BURROWS HORVAT KESLER
BOOTH REINHART KASSIAN
MATTHIAS RICHARDSON SANTORELLI
HAMHUIS TANEV
EDLER NISKANEN
FLEURY BIEKSA
HALAK
MARKSTROM
-
Trade Garrison for a 1st rounder for this year and we sign Matt Niskanen and pair him with Edler.
-
A little off topic but.........Toronto had used both of their buy outs last year with Grabovski and Komisarek and I bet they would love to buy out Clarkson if they could.
With Booth finally showing up. Maybe we'll just keep him for one more season. So here's the question: would you trade with Toronto with Clarkson coming here along with their 1st round pick of this year so we can buy him out for them? We're literally buying that 1st round pick (11th overall) from them. The buy out is $20 million by the way.
- 2
-
If there's a team that we might catch, it's the Wild. Their schedule looks a lot tougher than Coyotes'. If we can somehow win the next 5 out of 6 games (beating Wild in one of them), we'll have 84 points with 78 games played. The next 8 games for the Wild is:
Det
Det
Van
Stl
Phx
LA
Chi
Pit
I can see them maybe beating Det once and maybe getting a OT point and that would give them 86 points with 78 games played as well. We will be just 2 points behind with both have 4 remaining games. There might still be a chance. I know it's not looking good but maybe we can do this.
-
Given how much luck we've had as Canucks fan. We might have a chance of making the playoffs if we start a "Canucks will never make the playoffs guranteed" thread.
-
We now have a 1.9% chance at the Playoffs after losing to TBL.
DAL has a 60.5% chance at the playoffs
PHX has a 53.7% chance at the playoffs
Here is the bad one for us
TOR has a 84.2% chance at the playoffs
We also have a 1.5% chance of getting the first overall pick after losing to TBL.
-
I'm not bring up another Hodgson VS Kassian thread. We should be already past that.
What would you guys do with Kassian this off season? I would probably just offer him a 2 year contract worth $1million/year.
He's 23 now and I think for the next 2 years if he's still putting up similar stats he should be considerred a AHLer/4th liner.
With Jensen now emerging, if Kassian still doesn't pan out like we hope, this could be his last contract with the canucks.
-
We are probably picking between 6~10. It would be great if we can get Ehlers. The kid is really tearing it up at the Q. The next Pavel Bure.
-
what happened the Richardson?
-
I posted a proposal similar to this before and still think this is something possible on the draft day
to NYI
Kesler
Edler
to VAN
Strome
G. Reinhart
2014 1st Round Pick
The reason why the Islanders do this is that they would absoulutely have to make the playoffs next year. One being that they will be moving to the Barclay Center the season after and they will need to sell tickets. The other is that they have traded their 2015 1st rounder to Buffalo already in the Vanek trade. If they didn't make the playoffs and somehow get the top 3 picks and miss the chance to get McDavid, I think their fans would turn on them for sure. Kesler and Edler both fill their needs and they have the cap space to fit them both.
The reason why Kesler and Edler would waive is that they are going to the best city in the world and the team is moving to a really nice arena in Barclay Center. The Islanders is also a team on the rise and with Kesler and Edler, it's a good bet that they would make the 2015 playoffs and maybe even have a run.
For us, we would get 3 nice pieces for our rebuild. The 3 of them should all be grade A prospects and should all be able to be put into our lineup in the new season. Hopefully we get to get Sam Reinhart and have the Reinhart brothers play at home.
- 1
-
-
Bullcookies!
Scouting gives us a pretty good indication we're not getting Crosby, Toews or Weber in that deal. Reinhart and Strome are high picks, not generational talents by ANY stretch. Thats a similar package to what LA paid for Richards, so if Kesler's contract was longer thats what you get for a player of his stature. Not Kesler, PLUS what you hope Reinhart becomes, PLUS a guy looking like an NHL starter.
Take one of 3 out (Reinhart, Strome or the First) and its a fair return for Kesler on his own, considering 2 & 1/4 years on his contract.
Scouting? are you kidding me? Look at Team Canada. Our top D paring are both second rounders. (Keith and Weber) And what do people say about Datsyuk and Zetterberg before the draft?
And back to that trade. So you mean you're not going to take that deal if it's on the table? You need to give your head a shake.
I'm not even expecting the 3 to turn out to be generational talents. I will be god damn happy if they turn out to be something along the line like ROR, RNH and PK Subban.
-
Kesler isn't going anywhere. He's too valuable to the Canucks org. Both Eds and Kes have NTC and MG has already said he wont ask any player to waive their NTC rights. It cant be spelled out any clearer than that.
For now this team is what it is. I think they can get into the payoffs easy enough, and we all know that if a team can get hot at the right time, it can mean a long playoff run. Just have get in first
If GMMG really meant what he said and won't ask anyone to waive, he should be fired right now and we should hire someone who will. I seriously don't believe he meant what he said. Every GM lies about stuff like that.
He handcuffed himself with these NTCs and he won't even ask them to waive? What else can he do to this team if he can't trade anyone with NTC? by drafting? trading our draft picks or prospects? free agent signings? give me a break.
-
Eddie Lack and Ryan Kesler AND Edler traded to one team for only 2 freaking prospects? Maybe you should also add Sedins and Hamhuis to that package, its not enough for the Isles.
Reinhart is REALLY getting overrated around here. For that package, I want a Brandon Saad or James Van Rymsdyke or a Simmonds coming back. No way in blue hell are we trading 3 established players for 3 unknowns. There is just no way, and nobody stupid enough to propose that to a GM if they were a GM.
That's why we are stuck in this position. You think exactly like Gillis. Yes, this is a gamble. But If you dont just roll the dice once in a while, how do you turn the table. For all we know, they can be Crosby, Toews and Weber, or 3 busts. I'm willing to take the chance if I'm only giving up a second line centre, a top 4 D and a back up goalie. At least it gives me hope for the next few years.
-
The Isles don't have a 1st round pick this draft, they sent it to Buffalo in the Vanek trade. Also with Niedereitter being a bit of a bust and traded this past offseason I don't think Snow is too eager to part with the best 2 prospects the organization has. If Gillis is really willing to package those 3 players, I'm sure other teams would offer a nice package coming back though.
The 1st rounder they traded to Buffalo is top 10 protected
-
Why trade for older players?
I would make a mega deal to make us younger and can still compete:
NY Islanders make a great trade partner. It's the biggest city in the world and I think with the new arena they moving to and Tavares, some of our players might waive the NTC.
To VAN:
Griffin Reinhart
Ryan Strome
1st rounder 2014
To NYI:
Ryan Kesler
Alex Edler
Eddie Lack
This deal fills many holes for them and they have the cap space to do it. They might even need to add a little. Imagine if we can grab Sam Reinhart with the 1st round pick, our future will be bright and we can be a contender again in as soon as 2 years with all the top prospects.
Horvat, Shinkaruk, Strome, & Reinhart brothers
[Confirmed] Willie Desjardin: VAN Head Coach
in Canucks Talk
Posted
You mean a veteran coach like John Tortorella?