2017 Canucks Entry Draft Summary.

[Cornuck]

So - what kind of grade do we give Jim and his team? Once again, we'll just have to wait and see what develops.


Elias Pettersson R1 - P5 - Vancouver Canucks , C
Ht: 6’2″ Wt: 161 lbs | Shoots: Left | Position: LW/C

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Strengths

Speed and acceleration
Puck control and finesse
Reliable two-way abilities

Under Construction (Improvements to Make)

Physical size
Yet to prove himself on a big stage

NHL Potential

If he can get all aspects of his game together, and with the right hockey education, Pettersson should be able to become top-nine forward in the NHL, while playing an offensive role. But, before that happens, it will take a few years in the Swedish Hockey League where he will play for the Växjö Lakers next season.

Risk-Reward Analysis
Risk – 3/5, Reward – 3.5/5



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Kole Lind R2 - P33 - Vancouver Canucks , RW
Ht: 6’1″ Wt: 175 lbs | Shoots: Right | Position: Right Wing

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Strengths

Good hockey sense.
Good vision, strong distributor of the puck.
Uses teammates well.
Plays bigger than his size.

Under Construction (Improvements to Make)

Could stand to shoot more often.
Needs to add some muscle to his frame to survive pro hockey.
Could stand to improve his play away from the puck.

NHL Potential

Kole Lind projects as a second or third line scoring winger. His skill-set may also lend itself to special teams work as a secondary option.

Risk-Reward Analysis
Risk – 1/5, Reward – 3.5/5



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Jonah Gadjovich R2 - P55 - Vancouver Canucks (from Blue Jackets), LW
Ht: 6’2” | Wt: 201 lbs | Shoots: Left | Position: LW

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Strengths

Excellent size and strength.
Drives the net.
Good shot.
Reads plays well.

Under Construction (Improvements to Make)

Skating
Consistency

NHL Potential

Gadjovich has the upside of a top-six power forward. He already has the frame and can only get stronger. I believe he is a little dependent on his linemates. He enjoyed a great deal of success playing on one of the OHL’s best lines with Nick Suzuki and Kevin Hancock. The situation Gadjovich lands in is worth watching. His floor is a bit lower as well given his hot and cold streaks. He has boom or bust potential.

Risk-Reward Analysis
Risk – 5/5, Reward – 4.5/5



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Michael DiPietro R3 - P64 - Vancouver Canucks, G
Ht: 6’0” | Wt: 193 lbs | Catches: Left

LINK

Strengths

Side to side movement
Confidence
Work ethic

Under Construction (Improvements to Make)

Size
Puck handling

NHL Potential

While his size will definitely play against him at the goaltending position, his confidence could end up landing him a starting job down the road. Worst case scenario is that he finds a job as a platoon goalie in a 1A-1B system like a number of teams use in today’s NHL.

Risk-Reward Analysis
Risk – 2.5/5, Reward – 3.5/5



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Kristoffer Gunnarsson R5 - P135- Vancouver Canucks (from Hurricanes via Blackhawks), D
Ht: 6'1" | Wt: 209 lbs | Shoots L

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Gunnarsson is a defenseman who plays a safe, defensive-minded game. Owns decent mobility and skating ability. Likes to hit and punish opponents physically. Doesn't contribute much offensively.

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Petrus Palmu R6 - P181 - Vancouver Canucks (from Blackhawks), LW
Ht: 5'7" | Wt: 179 lbs | Shoots L

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The only thing stopping Palmu from being a sure fire NHL draft pick is his underwhelming size. AT 5'6, 165 pounds, Palmu gets by on speed, smarts, offensive flash and capable defensive play. He was one of Owen Sounds most impressive players this season and has he continues to progress and get stronger, he could be a force in the OHL.



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Matt BrassardR7 - P188 - Vancouver Canucks, D
Ht: 6'2" | Wt: 196 | Shoots R

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[Strangelove]

Nice work Mr Cornuck!

Gotta like the overall haul from this draft... Grade A.

[Cousin Strawberry]

Nice job Corn. I like the picks up to the goalie then dont care that much lol. Theyre likely never going to be regulars...
As much as I wanted Vilardi I cant criticize picking Petey at all. The kid just oozes top end potential

[Blob Mckenzie]

Grade B + . Keep up the good work Elmer and don't stub your toe on Canada day.

[Cornuck]

As much as I wanted Vilardi I cant criticize picking Petey at all. The kid just oozes top end potential

When we need top first line players, we need to take that chance. I felt we were taking Vilardi for months - just felt it... But now we'll find out in 2-3 years™ how the pick pans out.

[Strangelove]

™

[Chef Boi RD]

Just another day at the office for the Genius. He getserdun, bottom line.

[theman]

At first I was pissed that the Canucks didn't take Vilardi, but after reading about Petterson I can't criticize the pick. He may not pan out, and Vilardi might not either, but it is a sound choice.

[Blob Mckenzie]

Just another day at the office for the Genius. He getserdun, bottom line.

As long as this draft is better than 2014

[Chef Boi RD]

Just another day at the office for the Genius. He getserdun, bottom line.

As long as this draft is better than 2014

Lawrence Gilman had way too much influence on the 2014 draft. Benning wasn't left alone to do what he does. Eyeball proper talent. He would have taken Nylander. It was no secret Benning wanted Nylander, the worst kept secret, but Gilman and crew wanted Jake.

[Blob Mckenzie]

You just keep believing that Pacific Blue

[Mickey107]

C. Still can't justify the maybes, hopefullys, time duration, of his #1 pick.
He will be developing on the other side of the planet on a different size ice in a style of game that doesn't really emulate North American hockey. Would have gone a different route.

The rest of the picks seem OK considering the entire draft class.
Now that it's over, it seems even more clear that this really was a year to have done whatever it would have taken to get the extra high first round pick.

[Hockey Widow]

C. Still can't justify the maybes, hopefullys, time duration, of his #1 pick.
He will be developing on the other side of the planet on a different size ice in a style of game that doesn't really emulate North American hockey. Would have gone a different route.

The rest of the picks seem OK considering the entire draft class.
Now that it's over, it seems even more clear that this really was a year to have done whatever it would have taken to get the extra high first round pick.

Well the twins did that too and they turned out ok. Let's face it, he isn't a franchise player by any stretch but could be part of a dynamic new core. No question he is one of a top nine which means a lot will depend upon who he has to play with. No saviour but we weren't getting that fallingmto 5th, again.

I wake up screaming with flashes of what could have been. Laine and Patrick. Fucking hockey gawd.

[Mickey107]

Yeah, when you say it like that, it just plain hits home at how lucky others have been and we just aint been.
Soooo frustrating but so true too. damn.

[Chef Boi RD]

You just keep believing that Pacific Blue

The Gillis Draft Disease was still lurking viciously in that 2014 Draft, Bubbles. Gillis was fired just two months prior, his staff still remained and ran things. Benning was still adjusting. You know it so stop denying it