2026 NHL Draft

[Picker of Cherries]

Concerns about the Ruck’s foot speed at the NHL level is a worry. They might pick it up, but the Canucks need to find natural skaters. Everyone they draft will have holes. I’d rather they draft burners who need to improve their skill, than skilled players that need to improve their speed. The NHL is getting faster every year. They need fast players that can forecheck the new breed of small fast defensemen. Brock Boeser types are obsolete.

[Carl Yagro]

I feel like trying to conjure up nostalgia is not what this franchise needs going forward.

I could be wrong in a few years time, but I don't see their skillset or ceiling comparable to the Sedins.

First of all, do any teams feel like they can recreate the Sedins' magic, enough to do whatever it takes to draft them together? Is there anything special if they're apart, given their size and physical attributes like skating? I have my doubts.

IMO, this franchise needs to break its 'Made With Mediocrity' mold and find killers with character. Self-motivated to strive for the best versions of themselves and be selfless to the team, teammates and community.

I don't care if they yell and scream at each other occasionally. You had guys who shot pucks at each other and they had the most success in franchise history.

[Cornuck]

I could be wrong in a few years time, but I don't see their skillset or ceiling comparable to the Sedins.

I don't think anyone is suggesting that they have that high of a ceiling.

FWIW, they play well together, better than most linemates, it seems - and my thought is that they would elevate each other's games together better than they would separately.

I agree with the other points that skating is / should be ranked higher as a skill than it was even 10 years ago.

[Megaterio Llamas]

I feel like trying to conjure up nostalgia is not what this franchise needs going forward.

I could be wrong in a few years time, but I don't see their skillset or ceiling comparable to the Sedins.

First of all, do any teams feel like they can recreate the Sedins' magic, enough to do whatever it takes to draft them together? Is there anything special if they're apart, given their size and physical attributes like skating? I have my doubts.

IMO, this franchise needs to break its 'Made With Mediocrity' mold and find killers with character. Self-motivated to strive for the best versions of themselves and be selfless to the team, teammates and community.

I don't care if they yell and scream at each other occasionally. You had guys who shot pucks at each other and they had the most success in franchise history.

They shot pucks at each other but they would still go for beers after practice. They were a real team.

That wasn't happening with the solo artist.

[donlever]

Carson Carels has committed to North Dakota.

He and Verhoeff on the same blue line!

Could be something to behold.....

[Megaterio Llamas]

Carson Carels has committed to North Dakota.

He and Verhoeff on the same blue line!

Could be something to behold.....

And they're ranked pretty much even steven going into the draft.

That's a great signing for Nor Dak.

[Picker of Cherries]

Now if they draft Carels and sign him to an 8x9m deal, I’m happy!

[donlever]

While I'm not going that far a Carels Buium pairing could be a dynamic, league leading, potential Cup contender blue line foundation, all bases covered top 2 for a decade plus.

[Hockey Widow]

While I'm not going that far a Carels Buium pairing could be a dynamic, league leading, potential Cup contender blue line foundation, all bases covered top 2 for a decade plus.

Would you pick him at third Donny?

[theman]

While I'm not going that far a Carels Buium pairing could be a dynamic, league leading, potential Cup contender blue line foundation, all bases covered top 2 for a decade plus.

Would you pick him at third Donny?

Is Carels a RD?

[Picker of Cherries]

The both shoot left, so I suspect they wouldn’t pair up often
If Buium develops defensively, a top four of
Carels Hronek
Buium Willander
Would likely be pretty elite.
With depth from DPetey, Mancini and Kudryavtsev, they could trade Meaty away for forward prospects or picks.

[donlever]

While I'm not going that far a Carels Buium pairing could be a dynamic, league leading, potential Cup contender blue line foundation, all bases covered top 2 for a decade plus.

Would you pick him at third Donny?

What are my options to consider is key there Wids?

[donlever]

The both shoot left, so I suspect they wouldn’t pair up often
If Buium develops defensively, a top four of
Carels Hronek
Buium Willander

Yeah my bad CP....poor wording.

Thanks for the corrective post.

As our top 2 D entities I should have stated.

And yes...that top 4 could be something.

[UWSaint]

Concerns about the Ruck’s foot speed at the NHL level is a worry. They might pick it up, but the Canucks need to find natural skaters. Everyone they draft will have holes. I’d rather they draft burners who need to improve their skill, than skilled players that need to improve their speed. The NHL is getting faster every year. They need fast players that can forecheck the new breed of small fast defensemen. Brock Boeser types are obsolete.

I agree with the need to find natural skaters, but the question I have is whether they can play fast (I have no idea). Foot speed is a particular element of playing fast for the counter attack, but the best you can be is Drew O'Connor is you can't take a pass unless its perfect or see and make a pass when you can hit the guy in stride. It is that -- making plays the moment is is available, taking passes in stride, making passes to guys in stride -- as much as quick skating, that makes for team speed offensively. Given the choice between a stone hands or slow brained burner and an average skater with good vision and hands, I would take the latter if the idea is they could develop into a top 6 forward.

[donlever]

O'Connor....

As I've said before I've played with some of these guys in my past up at Hollyburn.

The skills these guys have amongst us peons that doesn't translate to a pro level (like taking a simple pass at speed in close quarters) is something to behold.

I played pick up once at 8 rinks (4 at the time) with Wayne Van Dorp.

I was late teens early 20's maybe and he had been playing pro but not made the league yet I don't think...

...anyway...the guy could dance circles and some of the guys out there were pretty decent (not pro level) players.

It always intrigued me...I get it....but still made me think....