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

[VanJack]

No doubt Podkolzin was a more of a 'boom or bust' pick than a few other guys the Canucks could have selected. But given the draft position they were in, the risk versus reward was well worth it imo.

And coming from somebody who just viewed the highlight packages of the U-20 Four Nations Cup, Hoglander might actually be a better offensive player. This kid's edge-work and vision are off the charts. Hard to understand why he hasn't lit it up more in the SHL....but maybe this year.

As for Podkolzin, I wouldn't be that surprised if he puts up some pedestrian numbers in the KHL. It's tough, men's professional league for an 18-year old. This year's WJC will be a better measuring stick.

 

[F A N]

No doubt Podkolzin was a more of a 'boom or bust' pick than a few other guys the Canucks could have selected. But given the draft position they were in, the risk versus reward was well worth it imo.

And coming from somebody who just viewed the highlight packages of the U-20 Four Nations Cup, Hoglander might actually be a better offensive player. This kid's edge-work and vision are off the charts. Hard to understand why he hasn't lit it up more in the SHL....but maybe this year.

As for Podkolzin, I wouldn't be that surprised if he puts up some pedestrian numbers in the KHL. It's tough, men's professional league for an 18-year old. This year's WJC will be a better measuring stick.

Actually, Podkolzin has the highest floor to ceiling combination. His floor is probably 2014-15 version of Girgensons. The question comes down to offensive upside and likelihood of reaching his ceiling.

 

[The Iron Goalie]

Actually, Podkolzin has the highest floor to ceiling combination. His floor is probably 2014-15 version of Girgensons. The question comes down to offensive upside and likelihood of reaching his ceiling.

Agreed. I've always come away with Hossa vibes when I watch him play. While I don't expect him to reach the offensive levels Hossa did (I see a ~25G/60Pt player in his prime)...I do think he'll be an impactful power two-way forward for us. He could become an important PKer for us, while playing on the PP, and driving play at even strength if all goes well. If he 'misses' I'd expect him to be a valuable 3rd line player who PK's, and scores you ~15G.

 

[Hit the post]

keeping in mind i am mostly looking at highlights he reminds me of mike peca and matt cooke when they broke in. disrupters who are constantly making things happen in all three zones, but seeming to lack offensive skill, finish and polish. maybe even a further throwback to a guy like john tonelli.

A Stan Smyl?

 

[zcaptain]

No doubt Podkolzin was a more of a 'boom or bust' pick than a few other guys the Canucks could have selected. But given the draft position they were in, the risk versus reward was well worth it imo.

And coming from somebody who just viewed the highlight packages of the U-20 Four Nations Cup, Hoglander might actually be a better offensive player. This kid's edge-work and vision are off the charts. Hard to understand why he hasn't lit it up more in the SHL....but maybe this year.

As for Podkolzin, I wouldn't be that surprised if he puts up some pedestrian numbers in the KHL. It's tough, men's professional league for an 18-year old. This year's WJC will be a better measuring stick.

I could not agree more with your comments...…..

I think people are not giving Pod the credit he deserves, as in the 4 Nations Cup (U-20) he was playing as a young 18 year old, against players 1.5 to almost 2 years older, and still he showed very well in most areas of his game.

I think when he plays with his piers, he will show much better as a scorer, if he ever is given a chance to actually play down to their level (aka KHL next season)

I personally think he is going to be a Horvat clone, with better skating

 

[Johnny Canucker]

You seem certain that the Canucks will make the playoffs next season.

They will be close. If not this seasons pick the next. You got the point.

 

[Disappointed EP40]

This isn't what anyone did. They saw an isolated example of an attitude that is increasingly prevalent on the board, and therefore increasingly likely to draw attention anywhere it appears, and identified it as an example of that attitude because it's a particularly obvious and typical one, not because it's common in this thread.

"isolated example of an attitude that is increasingly prevalent on this board"...

So, if this is true, which it's certainly not, you think the best course of action is to highlight the shit out of it with your rambling about? Great strategy. The real issue though is all you see is a tiny fraction of posters and can only focus on it. (The literal definition of negativity.)

They will always be there and in regards to Podz.. there's solid chance he becomes a 20-20 player and there will be some that will call him a bust. Unless he's Pettersson level. Get used to it.

 

[Disappointed EP40]

No doubt Podkolzin was a more of a 'boom or bust' pick than a few other guys the Canucks could have selected. But given the draft position they were in, the risk versus reward was well worth it imo.

And coming from somebody who just viewed the highlight packages of the U-20 Four Nations Cup, Hoglander might actually be a better offensive player. This kid's edge-work and vision are off the charts. Hard to understand why he hasn't lit it up more in the SHL....but maybe this year.

As for Podkolzin, I wouldn't be that surprised if he puts up some pedestrian numbers in the KHL. It's tough, men's professional league for an 18-year old. This year's WJC will be a better measuring stick.

He could easily become a solid 3rd liner... not sure why you think differently

 

[F A N]

They will be close. If not this seasons pick the next. You got the point.

You've made several posts on here saying that the Canucks will not have a first round pick next season. So it seems to me that you seem pretty certain that the Canucks would make the playoffs next season. I don't think you're a fan of Benning's so I'm just surprised at your optimism. My apologies if you're a fan of Benning as that could explain your optimism.

 

[PuckMunchkin]

No doubt Podkolzin was a more of a 'boom or bust' pick than a few other guys the Canucks could have selected. But given the draft position they were in, the risk versus reward was well worth it imo.

And coming from somebody who just viewed the highlight packages of the U-20 Four Nations Cup, Hoglander might actually be a better offensive player. This kid's edge-work and vision are off the charts. Hard to understand why he hasn't lit it up more in the SHL....but maybe this year.

As for Podkolzin, I wouldn't be that surprised if he puts up some pedestrian numbers in the KHL. It's tough, men's professional league for an 18-year old. This year's WJC will be a better measuring stick.

Just to touch on Höglander.

He had low TOI on a low scoring Rögle team last year:

Rögle BK spelarstatistik

As far as what in his game is holding him back from dominating, it is his speed IMO.
He has the hands the lateral movement and the vision to dominate, but if he cant increase his straight line speed he very well could not make it in the NHL.

 

[Johnny Canucker]

You've made several posts on here saying that the Canucks will not have a first round pick next season. So it seems to me that you seem pretty certain that the Canucks would make the playoffs next season. I don't think you're a fan of Benning's so I'm just surprised at your optimism. My apologies if you're a fan of Benning as that could explain your optimism.

Not sure the question. To clarify I :

Am not a fan of Benning
Am a fan of the team
Think Canucks narrowly miss playoffs
Hate the Miller trade (regardless of what year we are giving up a 1st).

 

[DFAC]

No doubt Podkolzin was a more of a 'boom or bust' pick than a few other guys the Canucks could have selected. But given the draft position they were in, the risk versus reward was well worth it imo.

And coming from somebody who just viewed the highlight packages of the U-20 Four Nations Cup, Hoglander might actually be a better offensive player. This kid's edge-work and vision are off the charts. Hard to understand why he hasn't lit it up more in the SHL....but maybe this year.

As for Podkolzin, I wouldn't be that surprised if he puts up some pedestrian numbers in the KHL. It's tough, men's professional league for an 18-year old. This year's WJC will be a better measuring stick.

I would actually argue that Podz is a “safe” pick. His defensive awareness, tenacity and strength on the puck make him a pretty safe bet to at least be a third liner somewhere down the road (hopefully he ends up being a top 6 winger for us)

 

[F A N]

Not sure the question. To clarify I :

Am not a fan of Benning
Am a fan of the team
Think Canucks narrowly miss playoffs
Hate the Miller trade (regardless of what year we are giving up a 1st).

So you changed your mind in like a day's time? Previously you seemed sure the Canucks will make the playoffs next season:

At least we can have a debate on whether we made a good pick in the first round. We can’t even have that debate next year.

No first round pick next year

 

[Szechwan]

This season can't start soon enough. Excited to see Pod the Bod in action next week.

 

[Johnny Canucker]

So you changed your mind in like a day's time? Previously you seemed sure the Canucks will make the playoffs next season:

Yes. Could change my mind again. Minds are crazy like that. Stay tuned.

 

[TraderJim]

So you changed your mind in like a day's time?

Someone changed their mind! This can't happen. Don't they know this is the Internet and people have to argue in bad faith regardless of what they have learned?

 

[F A N]

Yes. Could change my mind again. Minds are crazy like that. Stay tuned.

I see. I was just curious cause you were ranting about not having a first round pick next season.

 

[VanJack]

Just to touch on Höglander.

He had low TOI on a low scoring Rögle team last year:

Rögle BK spelarstatistik

As far as what in his game is holding him back from dominating, it is his speed IMO.
He has the hands the lateral movement and the vision to dominate, but if he cant increase his straight line speed he very well could not make it in the NHL.

Went back and re-watched the Hoglander highlight reels from the U-20 Summer Showcase. Certainly seemed to generate more than acceptable speed through the neutral zone . Is he an Ehlers speed-burner? Probably not. But had no problem gaining separation, as far as I could tell. And certainly didn't look any slower than Podkolzin in the Russia-Sweden highlights.

But of course I can remember when the knock on Elias Pettersson was whether his skating would translate to the NHL. It worked out just fine.

 

[docbenton]

The issue I saw with Hoglander at 4 Nations is he's not a natural playmaker. He can make a good play, but he definitely had more tunnel vision than Podkolzin in that tournament. Now he wasn't playing with great players, but that was my concern.

 

[Numba9]

The issue I saw with Hoglander at 4 Nations is he's not a natural playmaker. He can make a good play, but he definitely had more tunnel vision than Podkolzin in that tournament. Now he wasn't playing with great players, but that was my concern.

I agree with this. Hoglander did seem to give up the puck a little too often, either with trying too much or errant passes. Podkolzin on the other hand was great, rarely gave up the puck, seems like a very smart player.

 

[F A N]

I agree with this. Hoglander did seem to give up the puck a little too often, either with trying too much or errant passes.

That happens to all unicycle jugglers.

 

[Nomobo]

This could be a very good draft for us with two potential to six players. Very impressed with the Russian, sure fire NHLr in my humble opinion.

 

[PuckMunchkin]

Went back and re-watched the Hoglander highlight reels from the U-20 Summer Showcase. Certainly seemed to generate more than acceptable speed through the neutral zone . Is he an Ehlers speed-burner? Probably not. But had no problem gaining separation, as far as I could tell. And certainly didn't look any slower than Podkolzin in the Russia-Sweden highlights.

But of course I can remember when the knock on Elias Pettersson was whether his skating would translate to the NHL. It worked out just fine.

Podz is definitely an awkward skater. His skatinh problem looks coachable and I think fixing that would already translate in to a tremendous player.

If you look at Höglanders SHL tape, IMHO his lack of speed stands out. He is agile but I doubt that will be enough in the NHL, with his lack of size. Also think that is the 2nd reason he fell, no.1 being the lack of production.

 

[F A N]

Podz is definitely an awkward skater. His skatinh problem looks coachable and I think fixing that would already translate in to a tremendous player.

This and maybe he can just Alex Burrows it.

If you look at Höglanders SHL tape, IMHO his lack of speed stands out. He is agile but I doubt that will be enough in the NHL, with his lack of size. Also think that is the 2nd reason he fell, no.1 being the lack of prosuction.

It might be something Hoglander can get better at simply by gaining strength in his legs. He is quick and agile and has good hockey sense and hands.

 

[Hoglander]

Yep. Hog is a solid prospect, but people need to pump the brakes a bit. I remember some people were talking like he had a legit chance to make the NHL this year. lol