Before the NHL Entry Draft began, Calgary Flames President Brian Burke was discussing his teams strategy heading into the draft, and what the outlook for his team was.
Now the consensus is that Auston Matthews will go #1 in the draft this year, but that the top 3 selections are franchise players.
Brian Burke discussed this years draft in reference to the 2005 NHL Entry Draft, the one that had Sidney Crosby (he’s not too bad)
Burke’s Anaheim Ducks team got the #2 selection, using it to get Bobby Ryan.
“Bobby Ryan is a great player, but he isn’t Sidney Crosby”
Vancouver Canucks fans probably feel the same way.
The team was projected to get the #3 overall selection, but slipped 2 spots to #5, leaving Trevor Linden, and all of Vancouver disappointed.
On top of that it does not help that those dreaded Toronto Maple Leafs got the #1 overall selection!
With a 11.5% chance of getting the #1 pick, many were expecting to receive a cornerstone player, who could turn around the fortunes of the team, and build on the young talent GM Jim Benning has been able to bring in.
Now all hope is not lost…..yet.
The Canucks need help everywhere, they need defense, offense, and heck even goaltending.
Asides from the top three of Auston Matthews, Patrik Laine, and Jesse Puljujarvi, the draft board remains uncertain past them with the Canucks able to pursue a number of possibilities.
If the Canucks decide to bolster their blue line, Olli Juolevi of the London Knights (OHL) is one of the teams top 2 options. Standing 6-2, weighing 180 lbs., he offers great size, and world class ability to move the puck to generate offense.
Jakob Chychrun of Sarnia (OHL) is another intriguing option, but not all scouts are high on him. Being 6-2, and 194 lbs, he offers a well-rounded game, that can translate over to the NHL. Recurring shoulder injuries has hurt his stock, while others in his class of risen in that time.
Another area the Canucks need help is at centre. Left Wing/Centre Pierre-Luc Dubois of Cape Breton offers a big body up front, standing 6’3 and weighing 201 lbs., and  could have a few years with the Sedin twins.
Dubois is rated No. 1 among North American players by NHL Central Scouting, and the adjustment period for him will not be as long as his international counterparts.
There is still hope that the Canucks can get a quality NHL player with the #5 selection.
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