Brock Otten OHL Prospects (Canucks 2016 Draft Review)

[SID.IS.SID.ME.IS.ME]

Here's a 2016 Draft review posted this morning by Brock Otten (on his excellent OHL Prospects blog): http://ohlprospects.blogspot.ca/2016/08/30-teams-in-30-days-vancouver-canucks.html?m=1

 

Otten looks at Juolevi, Candella, and McKenzie (our 2016 OHL draftees) and has some very positive things to say about each.

 

Normally I'd split these reviews up and post in the respective player threads on the prospects forum but given it's the "dog days" of the summer offseason, I figured I'd share it on the main "Canucks Talk" forum.

 

Brock is one of the best web-based sources on OHL players and I trust his opinion above nearly any other free scouting resource. So it's a very good thing when this guy likes your later round picks (and Otten loved the second half of Benning's 2016 draft).

 

Teams in 30 Days - Vancouver Canucks

 

Just a few prospects for the Vancouver Canucks from their recent draft.

1. Olli Juolevi - London Knights
While I'm not sure I would have drafted Juolevi as high as Vancouver did, there's no denying that he's a terrific NHL prospect. His game is built for the way the NHL plays today. Speed, quick decision making, strong positioning. His ability to start the breakout must have really caught the eye of Canucks' scouts. He just doesn't make mistakes with the puck. He was so good for the Memorial Cup champion Knights, and WJC Champion Finland this year. So the question is? Is he NHL ready? Quite frankly, I think he could play in the NHL next year and not embarrass himself. But I don't think it would be the right choice. Look at the issues that Pittsburgh has had with Olli Maatta from rushing him to the pros. A year of patience can go a long way. If Juolevi is returned to London he'll have another year to get stronger, to improve his play in his own end (like his ability to win battles in the corners and become a dominant one on one stopper), and to gain confidence in his offensive abilities (particularly his point shot). If he's back in the OHL, he's a 50 point player and a key cog on yet another strong London team (although not likely Memorial Cup strong). If he's in the NHL, he's probably a 20 point guy like Ristolainen and Maatta were in their first years.

2. Cole Candella - Hamilton Bulldogs
There's no way that the Canucks get Candella in the 5th round if he doesn't miss the second half of the season with a fractured wrist. In the first half of the year, the Bulldogs were in a tough spot and Candella was asked to play a larger role than he should have been. Due to injuries, Hamilton needed Candella to be the team's number one defender, which is a lot to ask of a 2nd year player. Needless to say, Hamilton wasn't a great hockey team then. Yet, Candella was looking better and better each week. As his confidence grew, the improvement in his game became extremely noticeable. But then the wrist injury occurred. A smart two-way defender, Candella can impact the game at both ends. He makes a smart first pass, but is also a solid positional defender. In the 2nd half, Hamilton was a much better team and if Candella had remained healthy, there's no doubt in my mind that he would have continued to improve and been an impact player. Next year, the Bulldogs will have a very veteran laden team with a lot of talent. Candella will be counted on to be a top 3 defender and will see time in all situations. Healthy, I think he is a candidate to have a 40+ point season (essentially what he was on pace for this year without the injury).

3. Brett McKenzie - North Bay Battalion
Another pick I was a major fan of. Couldn't believe McKenzie didn't get drafted last year. But he came back this year and really used that as motivation to improve. Under the tutelage of Stan Butler, McKenzie has developed into a terrific two-way center. Thing is, his offensive game has more potential. He's got a great shot and release and he has more skill with the puck than one would believe. As he gains the confidence to play with the puck on his stick and take chances offensively, we could see a big jump in production. This is especially true when you consider the fact that only 8 of his 53 points were on the powerplay (although he did have 5 shorthanded goals). Next year, he'll be the most likely candidate to replace Mike Amadio as the team's top offensive option and he could easily be a point per game player (and a 35 goal man).

 

[TheYjUstMaKeYoUwooZy]

Bpa and organizational need.... It's such a tough pick.  I hate to beat a dead horse but benning thought(either from outside info or educated guess) that PLD was dropping to us.  You could see the disappointment on his face when he went to the podium.  I for one am happy for taking Ollie... It fills a huge organizational need... Even if it turns out not to be the BPA. 

It's great that there people are liking Bennings depth picks though

[numb3r 16]

Is it October yet?

[xereau]

I can honestly see Ollie making the team this year.  4-6 is a serious log jam of mediocrity on this team, still.

 

Getting the puck to the net from the blue line was the #1 problem with this team last year.

 

Coupled with his ability to get the puck up the ice, and be in position defensively, don't surprised to see him make it...

[Art Vandelay]

37 minutes ago, TheYjUstMaKeYoUwooZy said:

Bpa and organizational need.... It's such a tough pick.  I hate to beat a dead horse but benning thought(either from outside info or educated guess) that PLD was dropping to us.  

in the presidents week on TSN1040 Linden said, in May, he told Benning that PLD is going to Columbus. Linden was so confident in this that he admitted trading for the 3rd overall pick wasn't possible because Columbus wanted PLD that much.

 

Unless Linden is pumping his own tires, I think they knew they were getting PoolParty or Juolevi.  

[Kokanee king]

35 minutes ago, xereau said:

I can honestly see Ollie making the team this year.  4-6 is a serious log jam of mediocrity on this team, still.

 

Getting the puck to the net from the blue line was the #1 problem with this team last year.

 

Coupled with his ability to get the puck up the ice, and be in position defensively, don't surprised to see him make it...

i agree, I'm not sure why everyone thinks Olli is better off spending one more year with the Knights. if he is heads and tails better then everyone else spending one more year in junior may hurt him more than it will help. Some kids need to play against the best to better themselves.

 

Not all kids are the same so using Maatta as an example in the article is just not relevant. different team different player. 

[Phat Fingers]

Juolevi is both BPA and the org need. Skating and IQ through all three zones are the biggest needs in the NHL.  Juolevi fits the bill better than any other player drafted after him IMO. 

 

[ruilin96]

Not sure if it is just me, but I was never sold on Tkachuk. After we lost out in the lottery, I was looking at players that are possibly available at 5th and for me it has always been PLD or best defenceman available

[xereau]

40 minutes ago, ruilin96 said:

Not sure if it is just me, but I was never sold on Tkachuk. After we lost out in the lottery, I was looking at players that are possibly available at 5th and for me it has always been PLD or best defenceman available

He was over rated, being fed the puck by a great team.  He is slow.  Can see him fizzling out in the NHL.

[Nucker 67]

Yeah, I don't think things will come so easy for Tkachuk in the NHL. In London he played with Marner on a great team, playing against OHL D. He'll still be a good player, but I expect Juolevi to be a great player.

[Fanuck]

OJ plays in London imo - it's the best thing for his overall development.   We finally have a little bit of depth on D and can afford to have patience with this asset.  That is unless Aquaman overrules JB again and puts OJ on the roster to sell tickets like he did with Virt and Canner. 

 

As for the other two,  they're huge longshots to be NHL'ers so let's be realistic everyone. 

[gameburn2]

1. "I can honestly see Ollie making the team this year.  4-6 is a serious log jam of mediocrity on this team, still.

 

Getting the puck to the net from the blue line was the #1 problem with this team last year.

 

Coupled with his ability to get the puck up the ice, and be in position defensively, don't surprised to see him make it...

i agree, I'm not sure why everyone thinks Olli is better off spending one more year with the Knights. if he is heads and tails better then everyone else spending one more year in junior may hurt him more than it will help. Some kids need to play against the best to better themselves."

 

2. "Not all kids are the same so using Maatta as an example in the article is just not relevant. different team different player."

 

I agree with these 2 comments.  I don't see Juolevi ending up in Jr. if he is as good as the 4-7 Depth D.   At the very least he'll be around for the 10 game try out.  My only caveat is the issue of physical maturity: no one wants to see another McDavid type injury happen to an 18-19 yr old.  (What if that injury had been to the spine, coupled with a concussion? Terrible.)

[oldnews]

5 hours ago, TheYjUstMaKeYoUwooZy said:

Bpa and organizational need.... It's such a tough pick.  I hate to beat a dead horse but benning thought(either from outside info or educated guess) that PLD was dropping to us.  You could see the disappointment on his face when he went to the podium.  I for one am happy for taking Ollie... It fills a huge organizational need... Even if it turns out not to be the BPA. 

It's great that there people are liking Bennings depth picks though

B.S. on both counts.

First, management expected Dubois to go 3rd to Columbus - and said so themselves.

Second, this story about being 'disappointed' with Juolevi is utter nonsense.

There was no conflict between BPA and organizational need - the 5 spot played out extremely well on both counts - as Benning stated before the draft.

[Westcoasting]

2 hours ago, Fanuck said:

OJ plays in London imo - it's the best thing for his overall development.   We finally have a little bit of depth on D and can afford to have patience with this asset.  That is unless Aquaman overrules JB again and puts OJ on the roster to sell tickets like he did with Virt and Canner. 

 

As for the other two,  they're huge longshots to be NHL'ers so let's be realistic everyone. 

Easy now, let's not blame every little issue about the Canucks on an owner, do you seriously believe all that crap? If an owner was that hands on he would never find a gm to work for him. Do you think Linden or Benning are that hard up for a job?

[Fanuck]

29 minutes ago, Westcoasting said:

Easy now, let's not blame every little issue about the Canucks on an owner, do you seriously believe all that crap? If an owner was that hands on he would never find a gm to work for him. Do you think Linden or Benning are that hard up for a job?

Look at my post history,  I've supported the theory that ownership has directed specific moves long before this blogger mentioned anything about it.  Some of the moves made since JB/TL took over just don't reflect what they say publicly - supporting the thought that there are conflicting view points behind the scenes.

 

Admittedly,  I  accept two points: that it's a theory only,  and even if proven to be true,  it's their own team which they can do with as they choose.   What bothers me is ownership not being forthcoming and using quality people like JB/TL to cover their tracks - and yes,  I do believe that GM positions are that coveted so as to make candidates put up with meddling owners just to keep their place at the table. 

[GreyHatnDart]

11 minutes ago, Fanuck said:

Look at my post history,  I've supported the theory that ownership has directed specific moves long before this blogger mentioned anything about it.  Some of the moves made since JB/TL took over just don't reflect what they say publicly - supporting the thought that there are conflicting view points behind the scenes.

 

Admittedly,  I  accept two points: that it's a theory only,  and even if proven to be true,  it's their own team which they can do with as they choose.   What bothers me is ownership not being forthcoming and using quality people like JB/TL to cover their tracks - and yes,  I do believe that GM positions are that coveted so as to make candidates put up with meddling owners just to keep their place at the table. 

I disagree. All of their moves make complete sense to me. Whether those moves have/will panned out is another story. Vey for instance people love to call a bust except he exceeded the average pro games played by a 2nd rounder, which is what we traded him for. I'd judge that as a gamble with marginal success, at worst. Baertschi was the same gamble with obviously more success. You gotta give to get at the end of the day, after all. 

 

As a whole, the Canucks ARE younger, bigger and faster than the last few years, and are capable of competing for a playoff spot with our projected lineup IMO. That is exactly what managements line has been since day 1, so I'm not sure where the confusion is. 

[Blömqvist]

That's some good insight into out later picks. I'm especially liking Candella mow after hearing that he improved his game significantly while being forced into a #1D role for his team. Hopefully he can improve further and down the line see some NHL time.

[ruilin96]

1 hour ago, Blömqvist said:

That's some good insight into out later picks. I'm especially liking Candella mow after hearing that he improved his game significantly while being forced into a #1D role for his team. Hopefully he can improve further and down the line see some NHL time.

I mean drafting a defenceman in the 5th round can never go wrong for the Canucks 

[Salmonberries]

10 hours ago, NUCKER67 said:

Yeah, I don't think things will come so easy for Tkachuk in the NHL. In London he played with Marner on a great team, playing against OHL D. He'll still be a good player, but I expect Juolevi to be a great player.

Tkachuk had a tremendous WJC last year though; he was one of the best US players.

[TheYjUstMaKeYoUwooZy]

21 hours ago, Kokanee king said:

i agree, I'm not sure why everyone thinks Olli is better off spending one more year with the Knights. if he is heads and tails better then everyone else spending one more year in junior may hurt him more than it will help. Some kids need to play against the best to better themselves.

 

Not all kids are the same so using Maatta as an example in the article is just not relevant. different team different player. 

True.   It seems like the IQ and ability are there for him to make the jump.... But he is so small.  Would you risk injuring your highest draft pick since the Sedins because he hasn't bulked up enough to handle the hard hitting west?