2025 DRAFT Thread

[MS]

A number of draft sites have the Canucks picking Cootes at #15.

His draft profile is being compared favorably to Bo Horvat in his draft year. The knock on Horvat was clearly his skating--which he obviously worked on relentlessly, to a point where it became one of his strengths.

But I guess any time you're picking a kid with some 'skating issues', then post-draft player development becomes crucial. And there's always going to be some risk.

Cootes is a plus skater.

 

[ScoutyMcScoutface]

The Sedins and Ryan Kesler were some of the best and most dynamic forwards in franchise history. But when you look at their development curve, they hardly dazzled during their first few years in the league.

The Sedins in particular, were painfully slow to percolate. Henrik broke in as 19-year old, and had four seasons of 9, 16, 8 and 11 goals, and crested 40 points only once. Daniel was a little better with 20, 9, 14 and 18 goals, but also only broke the 40 point mark once.

In fact they were both so discouraged, they were talking about returning to Sweden during the lockout season in 2005 and just staying there. And it was Trevor Linden who apparently talked them out of it.

And of course Ryan Kesler's early struggles were well chronicled. Fast, decent on the draws but with no vision and hands of stone.

Despite all this, there are people on these Boards who want to trade Lekkerimaki ASAP,......even saying that if he isn't an impact player as early as next season (when he'll still be only 21) then he's basically a bust.

Fortunately most NHL front offices don't reflect the unreasonable impatience of their fan base.

I think most fans see the potential for Lekkerimäki to play meaningful NHL games, it's how he fits on a true contender that has people thinking he gets us closer to a cup as a trade piece.

If we can somehow trade him for a youngish centre with upside you have to do it. Wingers like him making an impact in the conference finals/cup finals are very rare, and that's the end goal. We don't need more "Mr.October" types

 

[VanJack]

I think most fans see the potential for Lekkerimäki to play meaningful NHL games, it's how he fits on a true contender that has people thinking he gets us closer to a cup as a trade piece.

If we can somehow trade him for a youngish centre with upside you have to do it. Wingers like him making an impact in the conference finals/cup finals are very rare, and that's the end goal. We don't need more "Mr.October" types

My only point is that back in the day, if people had come on to these Boards and advocated trading the Sedins or Kesler early in their Canuck careers for 'immediate help' somewhere else, a lot of people would have been on board.

But like most teams in the league, the 'Canucks and 'immediate help' always seem to go together in the same sentence season after season. But trading any of those guys before the broke out--would have been a franchise-crippling mistake.

 

[ScoutyMcScoutface]

My only point is that back in the day, if people had come on to these Boards and advocated trading the Sedins or Kesler early in their Canuck careers for 'immediate help' somewhere else, a lot of people would have been on board.

But like most teams in the league, the 'Canucks and 'immediate help' always seem to go together in the same sentence season after season. But trading any of those guys before the broke out--would have been a franchise-crippling mistake.

His performance in the AHL playoffs doesn't help his stock and we're at a point in our attempted window that we need to be maximizing assets.

Could he develop into a ~30 goal winger still? absolutely

Will he get there in time to help us hang onto Hughes? Highly unlikely considering his sample of NHL games this year and his play in the AHL playoffs

Seems to me to be the type to hit his stride in his 23+ year old season and we don't have the luxury of patience

 

[The Iron Goalie]

Been awhile since I've posted, but with draft rapidly approaching... I figured it could be fun to go through and list some of the players I'd like to see the Canucks draft outside the 1st Round starting with,

2nd Round 47th overall

Eddie Genborg (LW) - 6'1.5 205lbs

Genborg is a power winger, who loves to drive the net, and is a menace on the forecheck.

Offensively, he's more than willing to go to the dirty areas, and scores most of his goals from around the net, but he does have a solid shot. Playmaking is just ok, but his passing ability is good enough for him to keep plays connected, and the make most of the plays he needs to (the play doesn't die on his stick). That said he'll need to improve his skill level overall, but he does flash some very nice short area skills and is a great net front presence.

Genborg has a strong commitment to both ends of the rink, and has a knack for winning boards battle + disrupting passing lanes( I believe he has some future PK upside).

Ultimately, Genborg will have to continue to improve his overall playmaking, and try to become more dynamic offensively, but he has a strong overall game with plus physical and individual skills. If he does pop offensively, there's a chance we get a top 6 winger power winger, but if not he could still develop into a solid bot 9 contributor.


Luca Romano (RC) - 5'11 177lbs

The first thing that stands out with Romano is his plus skating ability and easy speed, but his release is a close second. His skating allows him to back off defensemen on the rush, and pressure quickly on the forecheck. Romano has above average skill + passing at the OHL level, but it's his awesome release which forces opposing D to respect him as a shooting threat, and that opens up passing lanes for him to make plays.

His overall game shows promise as well, due to his solid hockey sense, willingness to engage physically, and win board battles. He may be a bit undersized, but he make up for it with a high work rate.

If he can improve his overall skill level/dynamism, there's a chance he develops into a 2nd line C, but even if his offensive game doesn't pop... his shooting ability, skating, and two-way grit should give Romano a strong chance of developing into a solid bot 6 two-way C who can provide some secondary goal scoring.


Kurban Limatov (LD) - 6'4 190lbs

Limatov is a big smooth skating D, who while not as mean as D-Petey...does well in boards battles, and more than holds his own physically in my limited viewings. His skating allows him to pressure attackers while holding a solid gap, and he can recover from any mistakes/bad pinches with relative ease. Limatov has solid all around defense/offensive positioning, but will need to continue to improve (as all prospects do obviously)

While his overall offensive game remains unrefined, he does show flashes of skill and a willingness to attack with his skating that can't ignored, and while his individual skills can impress... Limatov does need to work on involving his teammate a bit more and develop his playmaking ability (has a bit to much tunnel vision at times).

Give him a few seasons in the KHL to grow into his game, and we may strike gold with a huge ELITE skating top 4 D, but I wouldn't be surprised to see him go earlier in the 2nd, or maybe even push for a 1st round selection (if a team falls in love with his size+skating combo)

 

[The Iron Goalie]

Alright on to the next pick,

3rd Round 65th overall

Theo Stockselius (C/LW) - 6'3 196lbs

Stockselius is a cunning, big bodied, playmaker who uses his size to protect the puck, and a combination of skill + smarts to create offense.

His 'hard skill' game let's him create offense off the cycle, while his crafty playmaking ability opens up plays off the rush and in zone with quick give and goes. His has a solid release and good hands in close. but the shot is not a plus skill, and he'll need to work on it if he hopes to become a credible shooting threat at the NHL level. That said he still managed to fill the net regularly (30 goals in 49 games played in the J20 reg/post season combined).

His only true weakness is his skating ability. Stockselius is not a burner and lacks explosiveness, so he'll definitely need address this issue, or it could seriously limit his NHL potential/cause him to outright bust.

If he can improve his skating, and work on his shot/shooting more, there's reason to believe Stockselius could become a top 6 player down the road. However, I'd bet more on a 3rd line/bot 6 offense supporting winger, who won't be pushed around easily, and brings a solid all-round game.


Danill Prokhorov (RW) - 6'6 219lbs

Big, powerful, and violent are the best words I'd use to describe Prokhorov. He actively 'hunts' the opposition on the ice, regularly delivers crushing hits, and will go out of his way to initiate contact.

In addition to his physical skills, Prokhorov in a solid goal scorer, and he attacks the net with an enthusiasm surpassed only by his desire to inflict pain on his opponents. He scores most of his goals in and around the net, by overpowering defenders, and owning the net front, but he can use his powerful shot to score off the rush. His skating is also solid for his size, and once he gets moving...he's hard to contain.

Prokhorov's individual offense is actually very good, but his lack of vision and overall playmaking ability leads to him to missing passing lanes/opportunities, and as a result he really struggles to use his teammates effectively...limiting his offensive impact to goal scoring (Daniil potted 24 goals and just 7 assists over 51 games this season)

Prokhorov is a true POWER forward and projects as an imposing physical force, who can provide above average goal scoring ability, but lacks any real playmaking ability. Give him a few years to fill out, and refine/develop his game...and you might just get a middle 6 wrecking ball that causes fear in the opposition.


Filip Ekberg (LW) - 5'10 168lbs

Ekberg's game is built on his ability to process the game quickly, and his uncanny ability to find open ice.

While he possesses above average skill overall, his skating is average, and he does have a slight frame which could hold him back at the pro level. However, Ekberg does make up for his physical shortcomings by having a strong work rate, thinking around his opponents, and consistently finding the quiet areas on the ice where his shot + passing skill can shine through. Ekberg also doesn't shy away from the middle of the ice, and has solid puck protection skills as well.

Ekberg's offensive numbers may look weak at first glance (outside of the U18's), but some context is required. Filip started the season on the 3rd line (9G 12A 21PTS in 33GP), and once he was promoted to the top line in early Feb his offensive game took off (7G 17A 24PTS in 20GP).

Filip Ekberg has underrated offensive upside in my opinion, and even though he does have some physical issues...I feel he has a good chance to overcome them through out thinking his opponents. Gaining strength will be key to rounding out his game, and improving his skating explosiveness, but there's top 9 upside with PP ability for any team willing to be patient.

 

[Nuckler]

I know it's probably not a super popular idea, but I think if Cameron Schmidt falls into the late second round the Canucks should trade up with the sharks pick and snag him. He is tiny but he's also got the traits for a small player to succeed. Top 3 skater in the draft, dynamite shot... High skill. Remind anyone of a guy playing for Montreal right now? Otherwise focusing on centres that can think and skate.

 

[Just A Bit Outside]

I know it's probably not a super popular idea, but I think if Cameron Schmidt falls into the late second round the Canucks should trade up with the sharks pick and snag him. He is tiny but he's also got the traits for a small player to succeed. Top 3 skater in the draft, dynamite shot... High skill. Remind anyone of a guy playing for Montreal right now? Otherwise focusing on centres that can think and skate.

No chance he falls that far.

 

[Brock Boeser Laser Show]

No chance he falls that far.

Stankoven fell to middle of 2nd round. I'd say there's always a chance players that size can be drafted later than expected.

Early 2nd round is where you usually see runs on goalies and defenseman so someone like Schmidt could definitely slip in the process.

 

[Just A Bit Outside]

Stankoven fell to middle of 2nd round. I'd say there's always a chance players that size can be drafted later than expected.

Early 2nd round is where you usually see runs on goalies and defenseman so someone like Schmidt could definitely slip in the process.

Poster said late 2nd round.

He's 100% a 1st round talent.

I could see early, possibly mid 2nd round but no chance it's late 2nd round.

Even then, if a team has multiple 1sts, they could take a flyer on him late in the 1st.

 

[Burke's Evil Spirit]

My only point is that back in the day, if people had come on to these Boards and advocated trading the Sedins or Kesler early in their Canuck careers for 'immediate help' somewhere else, a lot of people would have been on board.

At the equivalent point in his career, Henrik Sedin was a 3 season NHL veteran and had 12 points in 24 career playoff games. NHL playoff games.
Daniel Sedin had a 20 goal season behind his belt.
Ryan Kesler was a full time bottom 6 NHLer, and was coming off a season where he would attract an offer sheet from Philadelphia.

 

[Burke's Evil Spirit]

Surely the Canucks are due for some draft luck eventually.

Plenty of luck involved in the Pettersson pick and (especially) the Hughes pick. The Canucks have been lucky.

In general though, I do agree with you, there will be a guy at 15 we can't believe is available.

 

[Burke's Evil Spirit]

@The Iron Goalie Nice summaries, man. Appreciate the work. Definitely some intriguing options at both those positions.

I kinda want the Canucks to do what they did with the 2023 draft (where they overloaded on D), but for centers. Imagine a draft where they come away with Cootes, Romano, and Stockselius (man what a cool name).

 

[clay]

@The Iron Goalie Nice summaries, man. Appreciate the work. Definitely some intriguing options at both those positions.

I kinda want the Canucks to do what they did with the 2023 draft (where they overloaded on D), but for centers. Imagine a draft where they come away with Cootes, Romano, and Stockselius (man what a cool name).

That would be a terrific haul - I really like Tyler Hopkins as a target with the 3rd round pick as well. Unfortunately all news being leaked indicates the 15th pick in burning a hole in Allvin's pocket so I highly doubt we have a 1st round pick yet again.

 

[BenningHurtsMySoul]

I want us to take Aitcheson if he's still around and we keep the 15th. His numbers were excellent and we have to plan for a future without Hughes.

 

[Russian_fanatic]

Who is the most NHL ready prospect that can come in and play now?

 

[Vector]

I want us to take Aitcheson if he's still around and we keep the 15th. His numbers were excellent and we have to plan for a future without Hughes.

The reports about his lack of hockey sense and reliance on loud tools would make me extremely hesitant.

 

[Bitz and Bites]

I kinda want the Canucks to do what they did with the 2023 draft (where they overloaded on D), but for centers. Imagine a draft where they come away with Cootes, Romano, and Stockselius (man what a cool name).

That’s not a bad strategy as we’re pretty stocked with D at the moment and still have Mynio and Willander set to start their pro careers.
We’re decent at C in Abby with Raty, Mueller, and Sasson all developing well but there’s very little coming up behind them and what we have isn’t showing much.
Using a fifth or sixth on another goalie wouldn’t be a bad idea either as we haven’t drafted one since Ty Young in 2022 so that pipeline could use a bit more depth.

 

[F A N]

My only point is that back in the day, if people had come on to these Boards and advocated trading the Sedins or Kesler early in their Canuck careers for 'immediate help' somewhere else, a lot of people would have been on board.

At the equivalent point in his career, Henrik Sedin was a 3 season NHL veteran and had 12 points in 24 career playoff games. NHL playoff games.
Daniel Sedin had a 20 goal season behind his belt.
Ryan Kesler was a full time bottom 6 NHLer, and was coming off a season where he would attract an offer sheet from Philadelphia.

To be fair, nobody predicted at the compared timeframe that the Sedins would go on to compete for the Art Ross and Hart Trophies or that Kesler would become an elite 2C who puts up 70+ point seasons.

Hypothetically, if in 2002-2003 we traded the Sedins and our 2023 1st (i.e. Kesler) for a goaltending upgrade, 70+ point C, top 6 winger etc. could we have won the Cup? If we got past Minnesota, I think we could have beat Anaheim if we can beat Giguere. The Devils that year? Hard to say.

That’s not a bad strategy as we’re pretty stocked with D at the moment and still have Mynio and Willander set to start their pro careers.
We’re decent at C in Abby with Raty, Mueller, and Sasson all developing well but there’s very little coming up behind them and what we have isn’t showing much.
Using a fifth or sixth on another goalie wouldn’t be a bad idea either as we haven’t drafted one since Ty Young in 2022 so that pipeline could use a bit more depth.

Agreed. Remember the old Predators teams? They subsisted on drafting defensemen who turned into NHL defensemen. If drafting defensemen has indeed become a strength, it might not be a bad idea to continue drafting defensemen. Granted I'm not sure that it has become a strength. With that said, we continue to lack in the C position. Kind of like leading up to the 2016 draft where we haven't drafted a defenseman in the first round since Bourdon and haven't drafted a defenseman in the first two rounds since Sauve, we haven't drafted a C in first two rounds since Petey and before that McCann. We need to find a way to draft a C

Aside from MIller, our best Cs in recent memory have been guys we drafted. Even Morrison can be traced back to us trading Peca in a deal for Mogilny.