What if the Canucks draft local talent only this season?
There is a mantra everyone knows about sports drafts. Get the best player available, the rest is details. But let’s not put emotion aside for now. ‘Tis the season for optimism, not just for teams, but for players as well.
Canucks Drink Local Draft
(First and foremost – I’m NOT the scouting specialist here. For that, you’ll want to go here to our 2023 Entry Draft page. Me? I’m looking at player junior teams and birthplaces and saying “Oh, sure, him.” They’re the experts; I’m not.)
Now, the tactic of drafting locally – isn’t. It’s a horrible idea to restrict your team to not only one nation but one region. But this is a year when local talent is going first overall. Might happen next year, too. But does Macklin Celebrini count as a local if he plays at Boston University?
We’re gonna need some ground rules here.
Realism – The easiest to fake of any category. C’mon, you’ve seen the mock drafts, the prospect rankings, the possible trades. No one knows who’s going fifth overall, never mind predicting 144th.
Location – Going to be a little flexible on this one, too. Definitely staying in the province, but if there’s a player we like a LOT more than another at Vancouver’s pick? Okay, Kamloops is going to count ahead of Langley.
Birthplace – Apologies to Celebrini, but we’re going to say that isn’t enough. We want your junior A to be played in-house, at least, even if a prospect’s last season was spent in Boston.
Trades – Don’t be greedy. We’re going with the teams and numbers where they are as of today. Assuming a trade doesn’t happen between hitting “save” and publication. There are no absolutes – especially given GM Patrik Allvin’s quick trigger.
Round One
Loads of potential targets here already! While there is plenty of speculation that the Canucks will move this pick, realistically they are more likely to keep it. They need prospects and eleventh overall gives them a shot at a good one.
#11 – Andrew Cristall
Maybe a couple of months ago Zach Benson was to be had here, but the secret’s out. Of course, he still might drop to 11 – Benson’s not the fastest skater, and size is a hell of a drug. But we’re gonna say Cristall is the local that Vancouver can get. It’s not like he’d be a poor consolation.
Round Three
Having two in the third (75th and 89th overall) doesn’t make up for missing the second round. Still, the variables are wider here, so maybe there’s value to be had. We won’t be jumping universes until we find one that has Bradley Nadeau waiting here or anything, though.
#75 – Nico Myatovic
It always raises an eyebrow when a player suddenly skyrockets in popular perception. Myatovic did that by adding scoring to an enthusiastic defensive game. Left-handed centre, kills penalties, already 6’2″. What’s not to love?
#89 – Hoyt Stanley
Right-handed defenders are always nice to have, and here’s one heading off to Cornell. Getting him from the BCHL (who could use a bit of good news right now) means other scouts may have missed him.
Round Four
Round Four includes the pick not talked about in the Filip Hronek deal and the payoff for moving Tyler Motte. Despite there being three slots to fill, it’s easier to see the Canucks draft local players here. Getting into triple digits means the odds of reaching the NHL are slimmer for prospects, so spending a bit more draft capital to maybe get a local player? Good vibes and lower risk.
#105 – Connor Levis
Let’s see here… “Right-handed centre, loves board battles.” Born in Vancouver, plays his junior in Kamloops. He’s in! Oh, and also getting a point per game as a third-line centre seems promising.
#107 – Mazden Leslie
Let’s sneak in an import, all the way from Lloydminster, Alberta. We’ll give him the benefit of the doubt because his past two full seasons were leading the Vancouver Giants’ defence in scoring. A skilled puppy not sure what he’s doing next but he’ll do a LOT of it! Roll the dice on an RHD.
#119 – Hudson Thornton
Another cheat – Thornton was born in Winnipeg – but he also played for the Chilliwack Chiefs and the Prince George Cougars. Sure, he’s 19 now, but he’s also doing what an overager is supposed to: 23 goals and 74 points in his 68 games. A top-five defenceman scorer in the backyard is worth a flyer.
Round Six
Not having a pick in round five isn’t quite the same disappointment as missing one in round two. Even less disappointing when you remember it’s the pick that brought Ethan Bear to Vancouver.
#171 – Austin Roest
It’s getting late, let’s bring in another re-entry. Roest sounds like the guy you want to play beer league with. He’ll get you the puck, then harass the opponents until you’ve got a clear shot. Bit slender at 165 lbs, but straight outta Coldstream. Gotta love that!
Round Seven
There is no round seven.
Canucks Draft Local Talent, then…
So, what happens when the Canucks draft local players only? This year, given the team’s needs and where the draft picks sit, there are a surprising number of the two positions they want. Defencemen and right-handed centres are both around if they need an excuse.
British Columbia is producing draftable talent, and the Canucks have drafted one BC-based player in the past five years. Goalie Ty Young from the Prince George Cougars was picked up in the fifth round last year.
It is not – at ALL – an approach any serious team should take to draft only local players. These prospects will need more patience and a bit more luck to make an impression. But if they ever wanted to make up for lost time, this might be the year to do so.
Main Photo: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports
