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‘They got defenceman Elias Pettersson in the third round (2022), and if they get that fortunate again, then great. But that’s really hard.’ — NHL prospects scout Shane Malloy
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Published Jun 25, 2024 • Last updated 20 hours ago • 4 minute read
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Centre Aatu Raty was deemed expendable by the Islanders in a swap for Bo Horvat and the Canucks hope he’ll eventually crack their NHL roster. Photo by Bruce Bennett /Getty Images files
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Those who plot NHL Draft strategy always lean on the best-player-available selection mantra. And if they hit the daily double on wants and needs with one prospect swing, it’s a home run.
What does this mean for the Vancouver Canucks?
Landing defenceman Tom Willander 11th overall in 2023 and winger Jonathan Lekkerimaki 15th overall in 2022 brought expected hype and hope. However, the Canucks don’t have first- or second-round selections this weekend in Las Vegas.
That presents a significant challenge with a third-round pick Saturday, if the hockey operations department doesn’t package it to improve the current roster. Propping up position depth should top their priority list, and that is harder with their fourth-round pick, two in the sixth and one in the seventh round.
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They have to hit with their third-rounder, especially at centre or defence.
“You need to build through the middle,” stressed NHL prospects scout Shane Malloy, who authored The Art Of Scouting, appears on Hockey Prospects Radio on Sirius-XM NHL Network, and is working toward a PhD in inter-disciplinary studies.
“Look at how many wingers who were actually centres and converted to the wall. And the Canucks have to address defence as well. They got defenceman Elias Pettersson in the third round (2022), and if they can get that fortunate again, then great. But that’s really hard.”
Forward Aatu Raty works on hand-eye coordination in Abbotsford in February of last year. Photo by Submitted /prv
Max Sasson, 23, an undrafted college free agent, had 42 AHL points (18-24) this season despite being limited to 56 games by an injury, and was named Abbotsford’s top rookie. He centred Aatu Raty, 21, who can also play the middle but may project as a winger, and undrafted Tristen Nielsen, 21, who had 34 points (16-18) in 59 games.
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Raty put up 52 points (18-34) in 72 games this season. He was included in the swap that sent Bo Horvat to the New York Islanders in a multi-package exchange that landed Anthony Beauvillier and Raty, who was a 2021 second-round pick by the Islanders.
Centre Ty Mueller, 21, was a fourth-round Canucks pick in 2023 and had 26 points (11-15) in 40 NCAA games this season. Big pivot Damion Gardiner, 20, was a fourth-round Vancouver pick in 2022 and compiled 48 points (13-35) in the USHL and NCAA.
And with a pair of 2019 late picks down the middle — Carson Focht (fifth round) and Arvid Costmar (sixth) — becoming mired in the minors and Europe respectively, it only adds to the need.
Malloy’s concern is that college and AHL numbers and skill sets seldom transfer to the NHL pace.
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“Rarely do they make it, unless they play a role,” he said. “You should look at kids in U.S. college and Europeans for an extra year or two, depending on their cycle before the AHL. The longer you can keep a player out of there, the better it is for your franchise.
“The AHL is the second-toughest league and a meat grinder that chews up 20-year-old kids such as Kole Lind (Canucks’ 2017 second-round pick). They go into survival mode and change their habits and get out of the initial identity of why they were drafted.”
Defence should also be a drafting priority.
The Canucks parted with high-scoring OHL defender Hunter Brzustewicz in a multi-package swap with the Calgary Flames for Elias Lindholm, in which they also gave up their 2024 first-round pick (28th) and 2020 third-round pick in blueliner Joni Jurmo.
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Brzustewicz, 19, was a 2023 third-round Canucks selection and piled up 92 points this season (13-79) in 67 games and nine points (1-8) in 10 playoff games.
Jett Woo, who turns 24 next month, has yet to play an NHL regular-season game. Photo by RICHARD LAM /PNG
Jett Woo, 23, a 2018 second-round pick, is still finding his way in Abbotsford and had 31 points (7-24) in 62 games. Sawyer Mynio, 19, a third-rounder, put up 53 WHL points (16-37) this campaign, while undrafted collegiate free agent Cole McWard, 23, could push for a Canucks roster depth spot next fall.
Here are draft prospects worth considering:
Ondrej Kos, LW, 6-2, 167 lbs., Koovee (Finland) Mestis, GP: 14, G:3, A: 2, Pts: 5.
The skinny: Hard to project because of injury, but raw, smart, fast, skilled. Had five points (3-2) in five U18 Hlinka Gretzky Cup games.
Scout says: “That’s a guy I would target. Has the capability of playing on the third line. Enough hockey sense, skating and puck skills to be able to play.”
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Simon Zether, C, 6-3, 186 lbs., Rogle BK-Jr (Sweden), GP: 18, G: 11, A:16, Pts: 27.
The skinny: Also had four assists in 42 SHL games. Above average ability and defensive awareness. Role player.
Scout says: “With right place and right people, there’s an opportunity. Playoff style player. For the bottom two lines, he’s a power forward.”
Raoul Boilard, C, 6-1, 184 lbs., Baie-Comeau (QMJHL), GP: 68, G:22, A:40, Pts: 62.
The skinny: Smart face-off specialist with good wheels and decent playmaking. Physical game and skating need work, but has an upside.
Scout says: “Potential two-way bottom line defensive centre. Plays with some pace, energy and grit.”
Colton Roberts, D, 6-4, 198 lbs., Vancouver Giants (WHL), GP:62, G:7, A:20, Pts:27
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The skinny: Skates well, make good outlet passes, but doesn’t scream offence. Must defend better against rush.
Scout says: “Organizations need those who can play a role. His potential is a third-paring defenceman.”
bkuzma@postmedia.com
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Courtesy : https://theprovince.com/sports/hockey/nhl/vancouver-canucks/nhl-draft-who-the-canucks-could-should-select-to-bolster-centre-defence-depth