Prospect Info: 10th overall: Vancouver selects Vasili Podkolzin (RW, SKA St. Petersburg)

[Grantham]

I’m still kind of torn on picking Pod over Boldy. Krebs and Caufield I can understand the concerns, but Boldy could end being just as good if not better than Pod, with less risk and wait.

I actually was totally on the Podkolzin bandwagon a month or two before the draft, saying Benning should be doing cartwheels up to the podium if he is still there, so I am still very high on him.

But I also didn’t think Boldy would drop to us. I thought by 7th or 8th pick he’d be gone.

Any thoughts as to the pros and cons between Boldy and Pod? We needed a big strong and skilled winger in the top 6, so what’s one got that the other lacks?

 

[settinguptheplay]

I never even considered Pods as an option. Not that I didn't like him as a player but because I thought he would be gone by 10. Also, I am very nervous about drafting Russian's in the first round. But I also have to be aware that historical precedent does not always apply to every player. His skill set seems perfectly suited for the NHL style. I don't think the questions is whether or not he is NHL caliber but how high in the line up he will be able to play. I don't see a 1st line player. But that doesn't mean he can't be a valuable piece moving forward. Will be the player I watch closest next year. Hog's running a close second.

 

[CanaFan]

I’m still kind of torn on picking Pod over Boldy. Krebs and Caufield I can understand the concerns, but Boldy could end being just as good if not better than Pod, with less risk and wait.

I actually was totally on the Podkolzin bandwagon a month or two before the draft, saying Benning should be doing cartwheels up to the podium if he is still there, so I am still very high on him.

But I also didn’t think Boldy would drop to us. I thought by 7th or 8th pick he’d be gone.

Any thoughts as to the pros and cons between Boldy and Pod? We needed a big strong and skilled winger in the top 6, so what’s one got that the other lacks?

I’m similar as Boldy was the one player I really wish we’d taken at 10 even with Podkolzin there. The major advantage Boldy offers is he is the ultimate complementary player - in a good way. He adapts his style to whatever is needed on a line. Playing with a playmaker? He’ll set up as the goal scorer. Playing with a goal scorer? He can drive play and create opportunities. He’s a rare combination of great size with high end puck skills and hockey sense that can adapt to whatever is needed on a line. Podkolzin is the exact opposite in that he seems to play the same game all the time, regardless of who he is playing with.

 

[F A N]

I’m still kind of torn on picking Pod over Boldy. Krebs and Caufield I can understand the concerns, but Boldy could end being just as good if not better than Pod, with less risk and wait.

I actually was totally on the Podkolzin bandwagon a month or two before the draft, saying Benning should be doing cartwheels up to the podium if he is still there, so I am still very high on him.

But I also didn’t think Boldy would drop to us. I thought by 7th or 8th pick he’d be gone.

Any thoughts as to the pros and cons between Boldy and Pod? We needed a big strong and skilled winger in the top 6, so what’s one got that the other lacks?

I had Boldy higher as well and totally forgot about Podkolzin as an option (granted I had Boldy as a trade down target so I didn't really like him at 10). But now that I have my homer glasses on, I wouldn't say Boldy has less risks. To me, Podkolzin is the safer pick beyond the Russian factor. Boldy and Podkolzin both have questionable skating (Podkolzin's better?) for a desirable high end prospect, but Boldy doesn't have Podkolzin's drive. If Podkolzin isn't scoring he's going to be hitting and hounding the puck on both ends of the ice. If Boldy isn't scoring he might be benched for being invisible or losing the puck trying to make a fancy play.

It's easy to like Boldy's skillset more. He is bigger, has higher hockey IQ and is similarly skilled. Podkolzin looks like he's skating hunched down with his head down and every goal he scores seem to be the highlight reel variety where he is either going end to end or driving to the net. It might not translate. With that said, you know how Virtanen doesn't really play a power forward game in the offensive zone and isn't proficient at winning puck battles despite his sizes? Boldy is kind of like that. Podkolzin isn't.

 

[settinguptheplay]

I’m similar as Boldy was the one player I really wish we’d taken at 10 even with Podkolzin there. The major advantage Boldy offers is he is the ultimate complementary player - in a good way. He adapts his style to whatever is needed on a line. Playing with a playmaker? He’ll set up as the goal scorer. Playing with a goal scorer? He can drive play and create opportunities. He’s a rare combination of great size with high end puck skills and hockey sense that can adapt to whatever is needed on a line. Podkolzin is the exact opposite in that he seems to play the same game all the time, regardless of who he is playing with.

Not sure why but I get the Wahlstrom vibe from Boldy. Despite his lackluster year I still think Wahlstrom can be a player. But his bust potential I feel is higher than Pods. Perhaps I am just trying to convince myself of that since we passed on Boldy. /Shrug

 

[CanaFan]

Not sure why but I get the Wahlstrom vibe from Boldy. Despite his lackluster year I still think Wahlstrom can be a player. But his bust potential I feel is higher than Pods. Perhaps I am just trying to convince myself of that since we passed on Boldy. /Shrug

I find Wahlstrom far more one-dimensional than Boldy. Guy has a blistering shot and not much else. Boldy doesn’t have maybe quite as good a shot but is much better with the puck on his stick, both creating for himself and others. I would take him easily over Wahlstrom and slightly over Podkolzin. But i’m good with Podz and look forward to seeing how he develops in the next 24 months.

 

[settinguptheplay]

I find Wahlstrom far more one-dimensional than Boldy. Guy has a blistering shot and not much else. Boldy doesn’t have maybe quite as good a shot but is much better with the puck on his stick, both creating for himself and others. I would take him easily over Wahlstrom and slightly over Podkolzin. But i’m good with Podz and look forward to seeing how he develops in the next 24 months.

On the defensive side of the game Boldy is on a different level for sure. On the O side they are pretty close. Wahlstrom game took a big hit from his NCAA season but he looked pretty good in the AHL. Wasn't one of Wahlstrom's strengths creating offense for both himself and others?

 

[CanaFan]

On the defensive side of the game Boldy is on a different level for sure. On the O side they are pretty close. Wahlstrom game took a big hit from his NCAA season but he looked pretty good in the AHL. Wasn't one of Wahlstrom's strengths creating offense for both himself and others?

Not from what I watched last time I saw him (2018 U18’s). Guy preferred to let Hughes and Farabee do all the work with the puck while he blasted shots over the net. Maybe he’s changed since then, I haven’t had the chance to watch.

 

[Wo Yorfat]

Podkolzin is my favourite thing of 2019. He's going to be dynamite for us, and will be one of Benning's biggest wins. Absolutely ecstatic about the pick.

 

[Grantham]

Podkolzin is my favourite thing of 2019. He's going to be dynamite for us, and will be one of Benning's biggest wins. Absolutely ecstatic about the pick.

Well we could sure use more of those (wins that is)

 

[Bleach Clean]

Podkolzin is my favourite thing of 2019. He's going to be dynamite for us, and will be one of Benning's biggest wins. Absolutely ecstatic about the pick.

Not sure if serious...


I was contemplating what it will mean to the franchise if Podkolzin is a hit instead of a miss. If he hits, then that's 3 straight 1st round picks from the Benning regime that will have worked out. Not only that, but they will have worked out despite divergent skill sets. Podkolzin does not represent what Pettersson and Hughes represent. The latter two are pure skill players, where as the skill and production upside is the major question for Podkolzin. Essentially, it would mean that they can identify talent regardless of highly disparate traits.

It would also mean that their forward corps is set. Podkolzin would allow for 4 forwards to play together for quite possibly 10 years. The core would be together for a very long time.

What's more, the core 4 forwards can all shoot the puck. This was my major hesitation with Zegras: Could he shoot the puck often enough and well enough to consistently hit 20 goals? Not sure. I think Podkolzin has the shot to do it and that just opens up so many options for the top6. For example, they can get pure playmakers on the left side and it would still work. PWF LWers and it would still work etc... Having a pure playmaker, and a centre at that, would have spread the offense and shooting would be a sought after skill. Not so in this scenario. Shooting is a strength here.

The Podkolzin pick is critical. This is the pick that determines how long the Canucks are stuck in the mire versus actually matching some of the better teams for talent.

 

[CanaFan]

Not sure if serious...


I was contemplating what it will mean to the franchise if Podkolzin is a hit instead of a miss. If he hits, then that's 3 straight 1st round picks from the Benning regime that will have worked out. Not only that, but they will have worked out despite divergent skill sets. Podkolzin does not represent what Pettersson and Hughes represent. The latter two are pure skill players, where as the skill and production upside is the major question for Podkolzin. It would mean that they can identify talent regardless of highly disparate traits.

It would also mean that their forward corps is set. Podkolzin would allow for 4 forwards to play together for quite possible 10 years. The core would be together for a very long time.

What's more, the core 4 forwards can all then shoot the puck. This was my major hesitation with Zegras: Could he shoot the puck often enough and well enough to consistently hit 20 goals? I think Podkolzin has the shot to do it and that just opens up so many options for the top6. They can get pure playmakers on the left side and it would work. The opposite situation occurring may not have worked.

The Podkolzin pick is critical. This is the pick that determines how long the Canucks are stuck in the mire versus actually matching some of the better teams for talent.

Interesting points. While the Canucks have had the “benefit” of drafting top 10 in 5 of the past 6 drafts, they have had a fairly good number of hits.

2014 - 6th - Virtanen - middle 6 W
2015 - 23rd - Boeser - top line W
2016 - 5th - Juolevi - ?? possible miss
2017 - 5th - Pettersson - top line C
2018 - 7th - Hughes - top pair D
2019 - 10th - Podkolzin - top 6 W

By comparison, we can see what happens when a team with similar picks hits on most or all of them (the 2011-2016 Winnipeg Jets):

2011 - 7th - Scheifele - top line C
2012 - 9th - Trouba - top pair D
2013 - 13th - Morrissey - top 4 D
2014 - 9th - Ehlers - top 6 W
2015 - 17th - Connor - top line W
2016 - 2nd - Laine - top line W


Out of the two, the Jets have definitely had better success, with none of their picks disappointing to the level of Virtanen (middle 6) and Juolevi (d+3, no NHL games). They also started with better high end young talent in Wheeler, Kane, Byfuglien, and Ladd compared to Vancouver (Horvat, Tanev).

Broadly comparing the two, I think we are still at least 2-3 major draft pick hits (or clear win trades) from having a similar amount of talent as the Jets today. Which isn’t to say the Jets are the only team to aspire to be, but they are a team that is deep in young talent that has a desirable “long window” for competing for the cup.

So while hitting on Podkolzin would definitely be a big help, I still think they are 2-3 strong picks or trades (mainly on D) away from that long lasting Cup contending core.

 

[Fraser28]

Interesting points. While the Canucks have had the “benefit” of drafting top 10 in 5 of the past 6 drafts, they have had a fairly good number of hits.

2014 - 6th - Virtanen - middle 6 W
2015 - 23rd - Boeser - top line W
2016 - 5th - Juolevi - ?? possible miss
2017 - 5th - Pettersson - top line C
2018 - 7th - Hughes - top pair D
2019 - 10th - Podkolzin - top 6 W

By comparison, we can see what happens when a team with similar picks hits on most or all of them (the 2011-2016 Winnipeg Jets):

2011 - 7th - Scheifele - top line C
2012 - 9th - Trouba - top pair D
2013 - 13th - Morrissey - top 4 D
2014 - 9th - Ehlers - top 6 W
2015 - 17th - Connor - top line W
2016 - 2nd - Laine - top line W


Out of the two, the Jets have definitely had better success, with none of their picks disappointing to the level of Virtanen (middle 6) and Juolevi (d+3, no NHL games). They also started with better high end young talent in Wheeler, Kane, Byfuglien, and Ladd compared to Vancouver (Horvat, Tanev).

Broadly comparing the two, I think we are still at least 2-3 major draft pick hits (or clear win trades) from having a similar amount of talent as the Jets today. Which isn’t to say the Jets are the only team to aspire to be, but they are a team that is deep in young talent that has a desirable “long window” for competing for the cup.

So while hitting on Podkolzin would definitely be a big help, I still think they are 2-3 strong picks or trades (mainly on D) away from that long lasting Cup contending core.

I actually wouldn't trade teams with the Jets. Call me crazy, but I think their team has already peaked. Their D-core is getting worse. I'm also not a huge Laine fan. I prefer our core overall. That's not to say our team is better now. The Jets obviously have the better team overall at this time. But we'll be the better team a few years from now.

 

[CanaFan]

I actually wouldn't trade teams with the Jets. Call me crazy, but I think their team has already peaked. Their D-core is getting worse. I'm also not a huge Laine fan. I prefer our core overall. That's not to say our team is better now. The Jets obviously have the better team overall at this time. But we'll be the better team a few years from now.

Well it’s always easy to prefer potential to reality. Wait until the Canucks waste the first 2-3 years of their window the way the Jets have, then some of the older pieces of our core start approaching UFA (Trouba, Myers) or start taking up major cap space (Wheeler, Byfuglien), then some guys start to show they don’t perform as well in playoffs as reg season (Ehlers, Laine), and the team starts throwing draft picks and assets away on “go for it” acquisitions at the trade deadline year after year.

I have a feeling the reality won’t look that different for us, assuming we even get to the Jets point (which is far from a given).

Potential remains pristine much longer than reality does.

 

[PuckMunchkin]

Just realized... The Hockey package I have that allows me to watch any NHL game played since 2005 also includes KHL!

I don't know if there has been a D+1 year as definitive as this for our prospects for a long long time?

Obviously Pettersson smashed his way in to elite status, but I would not have lost much hope for him even if he just had a middling season in the SHL. If Podkolzin struggles to produce like he did the last season and there are no obvious reasons for this (3mins ice time per game or injury etc.). I think we can safely tone down expectations for him.

Either way. I need to try to catch some SKA games next season.

 

[Bleach Clean]

Interesting points. While the Canucks have had the “benefit” of drafting top 10 in 5 of the past 6 drafts, they have had a fairly good number of hits.

2014 - 6th - Virtanen - middle 6 W
2015 - 23rd - Boeser - top line W
2016 - 5th - Juolevi - ?? possible miss
2017 - 5th - Pettersson - top line C
2018 - 7th - Hughes - top pair D
2019 - 10th - Podkolzin - top 6 W

By comparison, we can see what happens when a team with similar picks hits on most or all of them (the 2011-2016 Winnipeg Jets):

2011 - 7th - Scheifele - top line C
2012 - 9th - Trouba - top pair D
2013 - 13th - Morrissey - top 4 D
2014 - 9th - Ehlers - top 6 W
2015 - 17th - Connor - top line W
2016 - 2nd - Laine - top line W


Out of the two, the Jets have definitely had better success, with none of their picks disappointing to the level of Virtanen (middle 6) and Juolevi (d+3, no NHL games). They also started with better high end young talent in Wheeler, Kane, Byfuglien, and Ladd compared to Vancouver (Horvat, Tanev).

Broadly comparing the two, I think we are still at least 2-3 major draft pick hits (or clear win trades) from having a similar amount of talent as the Jets today. Which isn’t to say the Jets are the only team to aspire to be, but they are a team that is deep in young talent that has a desirable “long window” for competing for the cup.

So while hitting on Podkolzin would definitely be a big help, I still think they are 2-3 strong picks or trades (mainly on D) away from that long lasting Cup contending core.

WPG has had better success at the draft, and will likely still be the high water mark for number of hits. I'm more referring to being in their class. If Podkolzin hits, then the Canucks will have a comparable group of young core forwards. Pettersson-Horvat-Boeser-Podkolzin stacks up against Sheifele-Ehlers-Connor-Laine, IMO. Podkolzin would have to be a top line winger in this scenario though.

This is about the core only. WPG completely leaves VAN behind in terms of overall draft success and overall roster build. They still have Wheeler and Byfuglien. They have better depth too.

Clear win trades --> So I guess we're waiting 2-3 more drafts then? Yeah.

 

[bossram]

Not sure if serious...

It would also mean that their forward corps is set. Podkolzin would allow for 4 forwards to play together for quite possibly 10 years. The core would be together for a very long time.

The Podkolzin pick is critical. This is the pick that determines how long the Canucks are stuck in the mire versus actually matching some of the better teams for talent.

Pods being a player certainly would solidify our forward core. But it won't get us out of the muck. The blueline is still dreadful and there isn't much help coming, unless both OJ and Woo magically become top-four calibre players (and quickly).

Coupled with Benning's inability to evaluate defensemen, I'd say we're still in a lot of trouble there.

Horvat is going to get close to UFA before we even become a contender, at which point we may have to start dismantling "the core" anyway for cap management reasons.

 

[Bleach Clean]

Pods being a player certainly would solidify our forward core. But it won't get us out of the muck. The blueline is still dreadful and there isn't much help coming, unless both OJ and Woo magically become top-four calibre players (and quickly).

Coupled with Benning's inability to evaluate defensemen, I'd say we're still in a lot of trouble there.

Horvat is going to get close to UFA before we even become a contender, at which point we may have to start dismantling "the core" anyway for cap management reasons.

The next GM will pay to keep that core together.

I'm not envisioning this team with Benning in mind. They are in tough to make the playoffs next year. If things hold as they are, then he is likely to be fired. The next GM will have to cut the dead weight around the core and try to get lucky with a re-tool on the fly. That's where Podkolzin being absent for 2 years fits in well. He will not have played a game under the Benning regime.

 

[F A N]

I’m similar as Boldy was the one player I really wish we’d taken at 10 even with Podkolzin there. The major advantage Boldy offers is he is the ultimate complementary player - in a good way. He adapts his style to whatever is needed on a line. Playing with a playmaker? He’ll set up as the goal scorer. Playing with a goal scorer? He can drive play and create opportunities. He’s a rare combination of great size with high end puck skills and hockey sense that can adapt to whatever is needed on a line. Podkolzin is the exact opposite in that he seems to play the same game all the time, regardless of who he is playing with.

Homer glasses on... I think Podkolzin being a Russian playing in Russia has led to lack of information. If you had Podkolzin as the 3rd best player in the draft you think of him as a complete offensive player who does make smart decisions with the puck. You would think he has elite puck possession skills with a dangerous shot not to mention his compete level and 3 zone play. If you have it lower (that isn't strictly due to the Russian factor) you might think he is prone to having tunnel vision and playing the same type of game all the time. With Boldy if you have him high on your list you think of him as having one of the highest ceiling in the drafts who like you said can adapt to whatever style is needed. That size, skills, and high hockey IQ combination is what you want in a top 6 forward. If you don't like him you see a guy who is an average skater, doesn't play to his size, and can be a turnover machine.

What Podkolzin has going is that in international tournaments (against traditionally strong nations) there were games where he was the best player who dominated in all 3 zones. I don't think Boldy came had any game where scouts came away thinking that.

If I have to place bets, I'll place my bet on Boldy having the higher "counting stats" ceiling. But I have little doubt that if both develop into good NHL players Podkolzin is going to have the much better underlying statistics.

Let's face it, if Podkolzin was from Vancouver playing in the WHL we would love him. He would have dominated the WHL with his skills and strength package and we would love the way he competes in all 3 zones. We would also think that he's dangerous on the PP and would sacrifice his body to block shots on the PK.

I don't know if there has been a D+1 year as definitive as this for our prospects for a long long time?

Obviously Pettersson smashed his way in to elite status, but I would not have lost much hope for him even if he just had a middling season in the SHL. If Podkolzin struggles to produce like he did the last season and there are no obvious reasons for this (3mins ice time per game or injury etc.). I think we can safely tone down expectations for him.

Either way. I need to try to catch some SKA games next season.

Please give us a report if you manage to catch some games.

As to your point, it's really hard to say. Podkolzin would be playing on a very strong team so it's very likely that he isn't given a prominent role with lots of PP time next season. Regardless, there really haven't been 1st line calibre forwards drafted out of Russia who stayed in Russia who stepped right in to the NHL in the draft at age 18-21 who made a smooth transition in recent years. The more recent one was Tarasenko who was 21 when he joined the Blues midway (Nichushkin did okay in the NHL in his draft +1 year but he's a bust). I guess we will see how Kravstov and Denisenko fare.

 

[Diversification]

As to your point, it's really hard to say. Podkolzin would be playing on a very strong team so it's very likely that he isn't given a prominent role with lots of PP time next season. Regardless, there really haven't been 1st line calibre forwards drafted out of Russia who stayed in Russia who stepped right in to the NHL in the draft at age 18-21 who made a smooth transition in recent years. The more recent one was Tarasenko who was 21 when he joined the Blues midway (Nichushkin did okay in the NHL in his draft +1 year but he's a bust). I guess we will see how Kravstov and Denisenko fare.

It was mentioned again and again at WJC that Pod defied the odds by being entrusted with meaningful defensive minutes despite being a 17 year old. If he is similarly deployed to protect the lead and on the PK as the season progresses with SKA, that's a win. His offensive stats will likely be underwhelming except in international tournaments.

But I'm coming from the perspective that he will end up an all situations top 6 winger, not someone who can drive play on the first line.

 

[BlueGreen]

Interesting points. While the Canucks have had the “benefit” of drafting top 10 in 5 of the past 6 drafts, they have had a fairly good number of hits.

2014 - 6th - Virtanen - middle 6 W
2015 - 23rd - Boeser - top line W
2016 - 5th - Juolevi - ?? possible miss
2017 - 5th - Pettersson - top line C
2018 - 7th - Hughes - top pair D
2019 - 10th - Podkolzin - top 6 W

By comparison, we can see what happens when a team with similar picks hits on most or all of them (the 2011-2016 Winnipeg Jets):

2011 - 7th - Scheifele - top line C
2012 - 9th - Trouba - top pair D
2013 - 13th - Morrissey - top 4 D
2014 - 9th - Ehlers - top 6 W
2015 - 17th - Connor - top line W
2016 - 2nd - Laine - top line W


Out of the two, the Jets have definitely had better success, with none of their picks disappointing to the level of Virtanen (middle 6) and Juolevi (d+3, no NHL games). They also started with better high end young talent in Wheeler, Kane, Byfuglien, and Ladd compared to Vancouver (Horvat, Tanev).

Broadly comparing the two, I think we are still at least 2-3 major draft pick hits (or clear win trades) from having a similar amount of talent as the Jets today. Which isn’t to say the Jets are the only team to aspire to be, but they are a team that is deep in young talent that has a desirable “long window” for competing for the cup.

So while hitting on Podkolzin would definitely be a big help, I still think they are 2-3 strong picks or trades (mainly on D) away from that long lasting Cup contending core.

It could’ve looked so much better if;
2014 - Nylander/Ehlers and Pastrnak
2016 - Tkachuck

 

[ChilliBilly]

Podkolzin will have a real shot at the Calder in 21 - 22.

Miller Pettersson boeser
Hoglander Horvat Podkolzin
Virtanen Gaudette Goldobin

is going to be a fairly young nightmare to play against.

Those worried about the D? Tryamkin Woo Hughes Juolevi Myers Stecher and Benn should be a decent core. Size with Tryamkin and Myers. Hughes Juolevi and Stecher should be able to move the puck.

Markstrom will just begining to decline, maybe. But Demko and Dipietro will be able to replace.

Sure, a few of those pieces may not succeed, and there is no No 1 D man likely in the bunch, but its not a bad core.

And we may acquire a few more strong players through trades or the 2020 and 2021 drafts.

 

[VanJack]

I know some posters thought the Canucks should have gone with Boldy or Caufield at 10th, but really in terms of their overall development path, a 17-year old kid like Podkolzin playing in a men's professional league like the KHL, is pretty far ahead of guys playing with the USNDP,...an-star team of teenagers basically a hybrid schedule against junior and college teams.

Of course that could change significantly once Boldy and Caulfield start playing in the NCAA and develop their games. But as of this point in time, Podkolzin was definitely the right pick.

 

[Bitz and Bites]

Interesting points. While the Canucks have had the “benefit” of drafting top 10 in 5 of the past 6 drafts, they have had a fairly good number of hits.

2014 - 6th - Virtanen - middle 6 W
2015 - 23rd - Boeser - top line W
2016 - 5th - Juolevi - ?? possible miss
2017 - 5th - Pettersson - top line C
2018 - 7th - Hughes - top pair D
2019 - 10th - Podkolzin - top 6 W

By comparison, we can see what happens when a team with similar picks hits on most or all of them (the 2011-2016 Winnipeg Jets):

2011 - 7th - Scheifele - top line C
2012 - 9th - Trouba - top pair D
2013 - 13th - Morrissey - top 4 D
2014 - 9th - Ehlers - top 6 W
2015 - 17th - Connor - top line W
2016 - 2nd - Laine - top line W


Out of the two, the Jets have definitely had better success, with none of their picks disappointing to the level of Virtanen (middle 6) and Juolevi (d+3, no NHL games). They also started with better high end young talent in Wheeler, Kane, Byfuglien, and Ladd compared to Vancouver (Horvat, Tanev).

Broadly comparing the two, I think we are still at least 2-3 major draft pick hits (or clear win trades) from having a similar amount of talent as the Jets today. Which isn’t to say the Jets are the only team to aspire to be, but they are a team that is deep in young talent that has a desirable “long window” for competing for the cup.

So while hitting on Podkolzin would definitely be a big help, I still think they are 2-3 strong picks or trades (mainly on D) away from that long lasting Cup contending core.

I think if our recent 2nd and 3 rounders like Woo,Madden,and Hoglander can hit their potential we can make up a lot of that ground.I mean it's a big if but if Woo could be our Trouba equivalent,Hoglander could take Ehlers place,and Madden could slot in for Conner then were looking good on the whole.

At C,basically the most important position,I like our group much better as Pettersson has a higher ceiling than Scheifele,Horvat is better than Little and whoever they trade their 1st round pick for at the TDL.We also have Miller who can play C at the top 6 level and Gaudette as possibly the 3C going forward so we look really deep there.Definite advantage Canucks.

On W,I take Boeser over Laine 10 times out of 10 but Miller isn't quite at Connors level and we don't currently have anyone like Wheeler but Podz could be a good substitute when he's ready to come over.Virtanen,Rousell and Pearson are middle six guys who can move up if needed and add depth.After that we need at least one of Hoglander,and Madden to become impact players and we look much better going forward.
I easily take the Jets for now but we could match or surpass them in a couple years if all goes well.

D,well a lot is resting on Woo and/or Rafferty to shore up the right side and for Tryamkin to return.If all of those happen,were probably in good shape,if neither does,we're in trouble.Edler is almost aged out,Tanev has taken a ton of punishment,and Stetcher can play in the middle pairing but isn't a top pairing guy on any kind of contender.Hughes will help our PP and our transition game a ton but he can't save this defense single handedly.Myers I don't see as being a great fit and is overpaid as a #5 guy.
Big advantage Jets of the last few years with Trouba and Myers.

We're fortunate to be heading into our window with Marky as the starter and Demko as the young up and coming back up.Jets wasted a couple years of their window with Pavelec being inconsistent,or just plain bad,while waiting for Hellebuyck to develop.
Advantage Canucks.We should be set in G for a while.

I think we could be close to equal,all things considered,with normal development of our current prospects.If we can get a couple nice bonus hits like Hoglander and Madden becoming impact players and Tryamkin coming back then we could be somewhat better,IMO.

 

[MS]

This is the type of prospect I want us to draft every time. High potential picks. I really don't like safe picks.

If Podkolzin was from Canada or Sweden he would be considered a safe pick.

From what I've seen/read it strikes me that his "hockey IQ" is actually getting underrated in this thread. Prior to a few months ago I didn't even really hear/read that Podkolzin had any questions around his ability to read the game at speed. In fact, he was regularly complimented for his vision, etc. I recall he was also fairly regularly referred to as the third most talented forward in the draft.

I don’t think it’s very good. Like, it’s probably above-average for guys at the U18s or peers in the CHL but projecting up levels it’s going to be very average for a skill forward.

Conversely, I’m confused about reports his skating needs improvement. His skating pops carrying the puck through the neutral zone.