2017 NHL Draft - Chicago, Illinois June 23-24 2017

[Nancouver]

8 hours ago, ForsbergTheGreat said:

Agreed, if you take anything from that article, it's this.  The guy is a work horse just like Bo and it's part of the reason Bo is blowing away the #3 C ceiling everyone pegged him with.  They want to continually get better, they are never satisfied.  Vilardi will be a top line center in the league. 

This....exactly

[ColeTr11]

How does Heiskanen compare to Juolevi? From what ive read they sound identical: left handed, Finnish, Two way defenceman etc.

[thad]

2 hours ago, oldnews said:

Button always has a couple outright bizarre rankings in his Clist.

I kinda like that. Goes with his gut on a lot of players and gives you a different look at it. Sometimes he's pretty spot on. Had everyone laughing when he Jake pegged as more of a second round project lol.

[Gaudette Celly]

1 hour ago, ColeTr11 said:

How does Heiskanen compare to Juolevi? From what ive read they sound identical: left handed, Finnish, Two way defenceman etc.

I've got the same impression, which is why I think we're targeting more of a true PPQB like Liljegren or Makar.  Not to mention I'm expecting Heiskanen to be taken by either Dallas or Colorado anyway.

[MoneypuckOverlord]

9 hours ago, Hutton Wink said:

So, latest from the vaunted HW is that the Canucks are interested in Mittelstadt and Makar, according to their draft position.  There may be others they have ranked higher, but depends if they fall to them.  In essence that might not mean much, unless those two go before they pick.  But again, more indications that they are targeting a dman and are apparently still high on Raddysh as well, after which such acquisitions would grease the skids to move a dman/men for help up front.

What's your source on the interest in mittelstadt?

[Off_The_Schneid!]

11 hours ago, missioncanucksfan said:

Well when compared to the last top center drafted out of Portland (Johansen), Glass has blow him up in every statistical category while playing all the hard minutes. So there's that...

People need to remember that not every player drafted makes an immediate impact. Johansen was drafted 7 years ago and although he was having his breakout year 3 seasons ago, hard not to notice he is definately "The Man" and is there to stay. 

Remember....it took Henrik 8yrs to become "The Man" after playing behind Morrison for so many years.

Mittlestadt is atleast 2-3yrs in college and a year in the minors away from even getting onto this team......4 years.

 

Vilardi is atleast 3 years away.

 

Heck...Patrick would also be 2-3yrs from making an impact. 

 

For proper development, I would love to see Glass play 2 more years of junior and 1 full year in minors with call-ups.

No need to rush the's guys like McCann and Virtanen were. Imagine if they had spent one more year in CHL? We wouldn't be having so many topics of discussion about them 

 

I think this is why the possibility of a guy like Spooner makes sense as to give Horvat proper support. I feel so bad for the guy he has to waste 2-3 precious/prime years playing for a non-contender.

 

You go on to say that it takes players 7-8 years to become the man and then you contradict yourself by saying horvat is in his prime 

 

by your reasoning Horvat should have played last year in the ahl and next season be his rookie NHL year 

[R3aL]

On 2017-05-12 at 2:06 AM, funkyfresh said:

Why does his offensive upside seem limited? He led his team in scoring. You also have to understand that the team was playing a more defensive system than the previous year, which led to them scoring 21 fewer goals. They traded for Bracco, who had 64 points in 49 games (1.31 ppg) before coming to the team, and he ended up with 32 points in 30 games (1.07 ppg) after the trade. Vilardi also led his team in scoring in the playoffs. He was the best player on his team, which includes 1st rounders in Brown and Sergachev, and older, well-known players in Day, Bracco, and Nattinen.

 

As others have mentioned, Logan Brown was the #1 center and Nattinen (20 year old) was the #2 center. How could you expect Vilardi, a 17 year old, to play center on a team with such depth?

 

Edit: Vilardi took 839 faceoffs last year (12 faceoffs per game) so he did play some center last year. In the playoffs, this year, he took 57 faceoffs in 7 games (8 faceoffs per game)

 

I don't see how he would not be considered in the same tier as the other playmaking centers.

Great Post! 

 

Think m a lot if people hating on Vilardi just because of his stats

[Gaudette Celly]

1 hour ago, MoneypuckOverlord said:

What's your source on the interest in mittelstadt?

HW = HockeyWidow

[Vinny in Vancouver]

10 hours ago, Hutton Wink said:

So, latest from the vaunted HW is that the Canucks are interested in Mittelstadt and Makar, according to their draft position.  There may be others they have ranked higher, but depends if they fall to them.  In essence that might not mean much, unless those two go before they pick.  But again, more indications that they are targeting a dman and are apparently still high on Raddysh as well, after which such acquisitions would grease the skids to move a dman/men for help up front.

Casey and Cale are actually who I want the Canucks to pick - in that order. Both would need quite a bit of seasoning on the defensive side, but the upside's huge as both have excellent explosiveness, hockey IQ, mobility, stick handling, shooting. Biggest questions marks on either are level of competition this season.

[Sugar baby watermelon]

38 minutes ago, vinny_in_vancouver said:

Casey and Cale are actually who I want the Canucks to pick - in that order. Both would need quite a bit of seasoning on the defensive side, but the upside's huge as both have excellent explosiveness, hockey IQ, mobility, stick handling, shooting. Biggest questions marks on either are level of competition this season.

you cant go wrong with either of these 2 as they have that innate offensive instinct that cant be taught.  we dont have prospects with their offensive skill level, well we didnt until recently, with acquisotion of Goldobin, Dahlen, and drafting of Boeser.  although a few ppl here and there wanted someone to come in right away, i am ok with these kids developing and then making the jump at or near the same time and explode onto the scene.

[Nucker 67]

I'm coming around again with Mittelstadt. I wasn't sure because his high school stats were the focus, his desire to go to college and being from MIN he may be a homer. But the guy is very skilled, and it would be great to see him in a Canucks uniform, displaying those skills.

 

I think the top 5 will be (in no particular order): Hischier, Patrick, Mittelstadt, Heiskanen and Vilardi. But if it came down to taking a D at #5, I'd probably prefer the Canucks take Maker over Heiskanen. They need help scoring goals from the back end and he's a RHD, where they're thin.

 

I think the Canucks will get Mittelstadt or Maker. I'd be happy with that.

[E. Lindros]

I would stay away from makar with the 5th pick. He is undersized and is 2-3 years away. If we were to move the pick and drop down then maybe. I am just really hesitant to draft him at 5 out of the ajhl. That level of competition is just not at a chl or european level. So while he may be skilled he hasnt proved it against quality competition like heiskanen or liljgren.

 

Since we have put time into developing our own undersized offensive pp qb in subban, i would rather see him get some nhl games this year to see if he can help our powerplay.

 

Will he be good in his own end, likely no but give him a shot to see what he can do. Even if he becomes a pp specialist only, it would be a success if he becomes any kind of nhl regular, maybe a yannik weber type career?

 

 

[MoneypuckOverlord]

6 minutes ago, E. Lindros said:

I would stay away from makar with the 5th pick. He is undersized and is 2-3 years away. If we were to move the pick and drop down then maybe. I am just really hesitant to draft him at 5 out of the ajhl. That level of competition is just not at a chl or european level. So while he may be skilled he hasnt proved it against quality competition like heiskanen or liljgren.

 

Since we have put time into developing our own undersized offensive pp qb in subban, i would rather see him get some nhl games this year to see if he can help our powerplay.

 

Will he be good in his own end, likely no but give him a shot to see what he can do. Even if he becomes a pp specialist only, it would be a success if he becomes any kind of nhl regular, maybe a yannik weber type career?

 

 

He already dominated at every tournament he possibly can.

 

1 hour ago, Hutton Wink said:

HW = HockeyWidow

Not a valid source or a dependable one.

 

caseys 2 way game is weak for a centreman, he's not very tenacious and he only has 14 even strength points.   Hard to believe he is on the Canucks radar all,of a sudden when the Canucks earlier at mid terms had 2 other guys that have not even been mentioned that is rated higher then him.

[Nucker 67]

This is Button's comments on Makar from 5 days ago.

 

Craig Button TSN - May 8th"I’m not saying he’s Erik Karlsson because we’re talking about a superstar and one of the great defencemen of his era, but (Makar) plays the game like that," TSN prospect analyst Craig Button said. "He’s dynamic into the attack with the puck, making plays. He’s really, really top-notch. I think everything he has translates to the next level. I don’t worry that he’s in the AJHL. It’s not a negative for me."
 

Canucks have 2-3 years to wait before Makar is ready.In the meantime they can give Subban opportunities. By then (2-3 years) the Sedins and Edler will be gone, and the new young Canucks will be starting a new era. It would probably be 2-3 years before Mittelstadt plays as well.  

[Lonny_Bohonos_14]

While I'll be happy with almost anyone rated around 5, I'm leaning towards Glass. I can see the Scheifele comparison, and would give him the same treatment. Few people thought Scheif would become the player he is now, and if Glass can come close to that it's a huge win. 

[70seven]

24 minutes ago, E. Lindros said:

I would stay away from makar with the 5th pick. He is undersized and is 2-3 years away. If we were to move the pick and drop down then maybe. I am just really hesitant to draft him at 5 out of the ajhl. That level of competition is just not at a chl or european level. So while he may be skilled he hasnt proved it against quality competition like heiskanen or liljgren.

 

Since we have put time into developing our own undersized offensive pp qb in subban, i would rather see him get some nhl games this year to see if he can help our powerplay.

 

Will he be good in his own end, likely no but give him a shot to see what he can do. Even if he becomes a pp specialist only, it would be a success if he becomes any kind of nhl regular, maybe a yannik weber type career?

 

 

Every pick at 5 is a couple years a way bro.  Makar is the most talented Dman the draft has seen in a few years.  His edge work and skating is the best in the draft.  Id love the Makar pick.  Undersized but his feet keep him out of trouble alla Duncan Keith.  Also has a battle mentality, and would be a fantastic aside Juolevi whos positioning and outlets would be able to hit Makar in stride.  Would give the Canucks a dimension theyve never had.

 

THis kid would immediately blow every other skater on the team away.  This league is a skating league now.  Having mobile defence cores are of huge priority.  Nashville with Josi, Subban, Ellis.  Anaheim with Fowler, Vatanen, Lindholm, Montour, Theodore.  Ottawa with Karlsson, Ceci.  Pitts with Letang, Maata, Schultz.

 

IMO there isnt a homerun center available at 5, but I feel that Makar could be a homerun D.

 

Im a firm believer of building from the net out first, and then down the middle, and then on the wing. (which wingers can be found via UFA and trade)

 

Demko, Juolevi, Stecher, Hutton, Horvat is a decent start.  I still think the next addition should be a dman.  One more fleet footed D, would give the Canucks a very enticing transition game for the future.  Obviously Id take a center if hes the BPA on the board, but if its even, they should go with the dman....  again....

 

THeres also an argument that its easier to find good D men later in drafts, while top end centers tend to be more of a first round selection, and with 33OA its very possible therell be a solid dman.

 

I just love the idea of having that Klingberg/Karlsson/Keith type Dman.  So valuable.  And Im not convinced that any center at that spot (Mittle/Glass/Necas/Vilardi) is more than a middle 6 center.   

 

Either way Im happy honestly, but with everything Ive heard, I feel like theyre going to pick a mobile PPQB.  Thats Makars game.  

 

 

[JM_]

1 minute ago, 70seven said:

Every pick at 5 is a couple years a way bro.  Makar is the most talented Dman the draft has seen in a few years.  His edge work and skating is the best in the draft.  Id love the Makar pick.  Undersized but his feet keep him out of trouble alla Duncan Keith.  Also has a battle mentality, and would be a fantastic aside Juolevi whos positioning and outlets would be able to hit Makar in stride.  Would give the Canucks a dimension theyve never had.

 

THis kid would immediately blow every other skater on the team away.  This league is a skating league now.  Having mobile defence cores are of huge priority.  Nashville with Josi, Subban, Ellis.  Anaheim with Fowler, Vatanen, Lindholm, Montour, Theodore.  Ottawa with Karlsson, Ceci.  Pitts with Letang, Maata, Schultz.

 

IMO there isnt a homerun center available at 5, but I feel that Makar could be a homerun D.

 

Im a firm believer of building from the net out first, and then down the middle, and then on the wing. (which wingers can be found via UFA and trade)

 

Demko, Juolevi, Stecher, Hutton, Horvat is a decent start.  I still think the next addition should be a dman.  One more fleet footed D, would give the Canucks a very enticing transition game for the future.  Obviously Id take a center if hes the BPA on the board, but if its even, they should go with the dman....  again....

 

THeres also an argument that its easier to find good D men later in drafts, while top end centers tend to be more of a first round selection, and with 33OA its very possible therell be a solid dman.

 

I just love the idea of having that Klingberg/Karlsson/Keith type Dman.  So valuable.  And Im not convinced that any center at that spot (Mittle/Glass/Necas/Vilardi) is more than a middle 6 center.   

 

Either way Im happy honestly, but with everything Ive heard, I feel like theyre going to pick a mobile PPQB.  Thats Makars game.  

 

 

 

When i first heard the Button predictions about this kid I thought he was nuts. Since then though i'd be just fine with taking this kid at 5. I think we can get a C prospect or pick with a Tanev deal, if not at this draft then at the next playoff TDL.

 

 

[Warhippy]

1 hour ago, E. Lindros said:

I would stay away from makar with the 5th pick. He is undersized and is 2-3 years away. If we were to move the pick and drop down then maybe. I am just really hesitant to draft him at 5 out of the ajhl. That level of competition is just not at a chl or european level. So while he may be skilled he hasnt proved it against quality competition like heiskanen or liljgren.

 

Since we have put time into developing our own undersized offensive pp qb in subban, i would rather see him get some nhl games this year to see if he can help our powerplay.

 

Will he be good in his own end, likely no but give him a shot to see what he can do. Even if he becomes a pp specialist only, it would be a success if he becomes any kind of nhl regular, maybe a yannik weber type career?

 

 

He

Is

Not

Undersized

 

He's larger than Keith was at his draft, Larger than Crosby was by 2 pounds

 

Knock that crap off and stop reading HockeyDB until the combine where ALL stats will be updated.

 

Seriously, the uneducated "opinions" around here could choke a Dreger

[Warhippy]

6 minutes ago, S'all Good Man said:

 

When i first heard the Button predictions about this kid I thought he was nuts. Since then though i'd be just fine with taking this kid at 5. I think we can get a C prospect or pick with a Tanev deal, if not at this draft then at the next playoff TDL.

 

 

As I said a few months ago, again a few weeks ago and most recently last night

 

Drafting D in this years weaker draft is not a bad idea.  With our timeline to true contention being 2021-2022 drafting D last year and this year mean they'll be rookies or 1-2 year vets by the time we're pushing for regular playoff berths again.  We're going to be bad, like drafting top 10 bad until 2019 easily.  I wouldn't be upset if we drafted one of Dahlin/Merkley/Wilde next year on D either

 

So the timeline for the entrance of each D prospect is

 

2018/2019 Juolevi

2019/2020 Makar/Heiskanen/Liljegren

2020/2021 Wilde/Dahlin/Merkley

 

Without once factoring in anyone else we already have in the system, might trade for our pick up as UFA for our depth

 

Allowing for our 2019, and 2020 picks (most likely top 10 TBH) and our 2nd round picks in between to be those pure high offense captain type forwards.  Building purely from the net out

 

It wouldn't be a bad idea really.  Trading Tanev for a C prospect is also a solid idea as well.  There is no wrong way to do this rebuild if we accept it is going to take at minimum 2 more drafts

[70seven]

7 minutes ago, Warhippy said:

He

Is

Not

Undersized

 

He's larger than Keith was at his draft, Larger than Crosby was by 2 pounds

 

Knock that crap off and stop reading HockeyDB until the combine where ALL stats will be updated.

 

Seriously, the uneducated "opinions" around here could choke a Dreger

I think he would be classified as undersized for a dman a few years ago, but in the current NHL its far more important to be positionally sound and get to the puck first.  So in essence, size takes a back seat to mobility and IQ.  Hes not tiny by any means and neither is his game.  Stecher is "undersized" by most standards, but the kid is smart and has an incredible battle level.  You definitely want some bigger dmen to kill penalties and protect the crease from screens.  Gudbranson should be able to take care of that aspect for the most part.  Maybe even Pedan will grow more into that role.  I also think that we havent seen the last of Tryamkin.  These kinds of dmen are also more often than not far easier to find via trade and UFA.  Finding elite skating is not an attribute thats easy to find.  

 

Makar will become a better and more dynamic of Tyson Barrie imo.