2025 DRAFT Thread

[lawrence]

My guess is the player who'd most like to be in Vancouver is Victor Eklund. For Swedes, Vancouver is their 'home away from home'.

And it's possible he drops in this draft to 15th. Eklund has a relentless motor and blinding speed, but he's only 5'11" and plays with a fearless physicality. And his size probably works against him on the smaller NA ice.

And as others have pointed out, some of the young d-men available in this draft probably aren't penciling in the Canucks as their premier destination. Too many young d-men in front of them.

My guess is Roger McQueen. He’s apparently a nucks fan.

 

[Brock Boeser Laser Show]

Sometimes I laugh at the NHL website content.

They are going thru team needs at the draft and the Canucks top priority according to NHL.com is defenseman. Like I mean you can never have enough good young defenseman but have they seen our forward prospects and center depth?

 

[Nomadhock3y]

Respectfully, why are you gung ho on Cootes? I just don't see him as a top 6 NHL centre--he doesn't have particularly strong shooting or passing ability. I see him as a good player off puck--a hard working leader with a standout 2-way game with a high floor.

McQueen would be my first choice at 15 as but I doubt he falls that far.

I like his consistency and compete level, he is always moving and always trying to make something happen. No his shot isnt the strongest but he has the smarts to find shooting lanes that provide dangerous opportunites. My preference is McQueen as well, but if Cootes finds another gear and can get stronger on his shot then he has all the makings of being a pain in the butt 2C matchup centre

 

[Just A Bit Outside]

Sometimes I laugh at the NHL website content.

They are going thru team needs at the draft and the Canucks top priority according to NHL.com is defenseman. Like I mean you can never have enough good young defenseman but have they seen our forward prospects and center depth?

"Other than Tom Willander, the Canucks have not drafted a defenseman in the 1st two rounds of the draft since Hughes in 2018".

Defense is the last thing we need.

Our forward depth, in particular Top 6 C prospects, is non-existent.

 

[Nomadhock3y]

Sometimes I laugh at the NHL website content.

They are going thru team needs at the draft and the Canucks top priority according to NHL.com is defenseman. Like I mean you can never have enough good young defenseman but have they seen our forward prospects and center depth?

The NHL.com guys are a complete joke when it comes to evaluating team needs, prospect rankings and the prospects themselves. Anyone with half a hockey mind knows the Canucks are severely lacking C prospects and at the very least impactful forward prospects. Just because Willander is the only one we have taken in the first 2 rounds doesnt mean we dont have defensive prospects....D. Petey, Willander, Kudraytsev, Mynio, and Mancini all have the makings of being NHL defenders

 

[ChilliBilly]

The NHL.com guys are a complete joke when it comes to evaluating team needs, prospect rankings and the prospects themselves. Anyone with half a hockey mind knows the Canucks are severely lacking C prospects and at the very least impactful forward prospects. Just because Willander is the only one we have taken in the first 2 rounds doesnt mean we dont have defensive prospects....D. Petey, Willander, Kudraytsev, Mynio, and Mancini all have the makings of being NHL defenders

I think EP2 has already made the team. Which gives us Hughes Hronek MP Meyers Forbort and EP being pretty much locks for the team. #7 is going to be Willander or Mancini. KK and Mynio are hard up against it to get to the big club this year. I can see subbing out Meyers and Forbort to give them rest occasionally ... to let another player in. Fortunately both Mancini and Willander are waiver exempt, so they can get additional playing time in Abby. But KK may make it really difficult to not play him in VCR as well. what a great problem to have.

As it stands, Mancini may have the highest trade value. I sure don't want to trade KK or Willander, but Mancini has proven to be a decent NHLer.

Actually hate to trade any of them, because I think they all will be worth more in the near future over what they would return.

 

[lawrence]

Does anyone have any insight on Nesbitt? Seems to be buried on a really deep team.

OHL: Jack Nesbitt - Neutral Zone - Men's

Got the ai to break it down.

**Player Profile:**
* **Name:** Jack Nesbitt
* **Position:** Center (C)
* **Shoots:** Left (L)
* **Height/Weight:** 6'4", 185 lbs
* **Team:** Windsor Spitfires (OHL)
* **DOB:** January 12, 2007
* **Draft Eligible:** 2025 NHL Draft

**Strengths:**
* **Size & Strength:**
* Prototypical power forward frame (6'4", 185 lbs).
* Excellent leverage in puck battles and puck protection.
* Hard to knock off the puck; uses size to shield and drive net.
* Draws 0.61 penalties per game.
* **Skating Ability:**
* Smooth, powerful skater with long strides.
* Good top-end speed and balance.
* Solid agility and edge work for his size.
* **Offensive Tools:**
* Generates 2.5 grade "A" scoring chances per game (strong hockey IQ/positioning).
* Wrist shot has power, deception, and quick release (especially off rush).
* Retrieves 2.7 loose pucks after shots per game (strong anticipation).
* **Competitiveness:**
* Consistent, high compete level.
* Battles hard in traffic and fights for possession.
* Willing to take hits and play through physicality (durable/tough).
* **Physical Engagement (Emerging):**
* Averages 1.30 hard hits per game (expected to increase with strength).
* **Defensive Play:**
* Solid 200-foot game; good positioning and forechecking routes.
* Uses reach effectively for disruptions (4.8 takeaways/game).
* Decent face-off baseline (50% win rate).

**Areas for Improvement:**
* **Shooting Efficiency:**
* Only scores on 13% of grade "A" chances; needs better finishing.
* **Passing & Playmaking:**
* Pass completion rate (81%) is below average for PP usage (3:21/game).
* Needs more accuracy and intentionality in puck distribution.
* **First-Step Explosiveness:**
* Lacks initial burst/acceleration to separate or capitalize on loose pucks.
* **Consistency in Compete Level:**
* Can be tentative at times; needs more consistent intensity/assertiveness.
* **Turnovers:**
* Averages 6 giveaways per game; needs cleaner puck management (especially in transition).

**Projection:**
* Middle-six, two-way NHL center with power-forward potential.
* Needs development in physicality, playmaking, and shooting efficiency to reach ceiling.
* Potential to be a reliable 2nd/3rd line center capable in all situations.

**Draft Outlook:**
* Current Rank: Mid-to-late 2nd round (2025 NHL Draft).
* Intriguing for teams seeking big, mobile centers with offensive instincts & compete level.
* Stock could rise with improved physical engagement & offensive efficiency in 2024/25.

**Player Comparison:**
* Filip Chytil (Size, defensive reliability, two-way potential foundation).

**Key Development Goals:**
1. **Increase Physicality:** Consistently use size to finish checks, dominate boards, create space.
2. **Refine Shooting Technique:** Improve deception, accuracy, release timing.
3. **Improve First-Step Explosiveness:** Gain more power in initial strides for separation.
4. **Enhance Passing Accuracy:** Cleaner distribution under pressure to create chances/reduce turnovers.
5. **Elevate Consistency:** Bring high engagement & intensity every game, impacting all zones.

**Final Assessment:**
* Highly intriguing prospect due to size, skating, and offensive potential.
* Current inconsistencies and areas needing improvement temper immediate impact.
* Excellent long-term upside as a two-way center with power-forward elements.
* With focused development, has the tools to become a key middle-six NHL forward.

Sounds like a 3rd line guy.

 

[racerjoe]

My guess is Roger McQueen. He’s apparently a nucks fan.

I always liked Steve McQueen... and like Canuck great Trevor Linden he had kick as Mustang.

 

[Hughes Clues]

Cootes or bear. Or trade up to get mcqueen cowards.

 

[Zanon]

So, what Swede is Allvin drafting this year?

 

[Hughes Clues]

Does anyone have any insight on Nesbitt? Seems to be buried on a really deep team.

I live in Windsor. Give me a bit and I can give you a rundown of what I see.

 

[just22]

Respectfully, why are you gung ho on Cootes? I just don't see him as a top 6 NHL centre--he doesn't have particularly strong shooting or passing ability. I see him as a good player off puck--a hard working leader with a standout 2-way game with a high floor.

McQueen would be my first choice at 15 as but I doubt he falls that far.

On top of what’s already been said, when given an opportunity to play with other top players at the U18s, he ended up leading the team in scoring with 12 points. Watching that Daniel Gee reel you can definitely see hidden offensive potential. I feel like he’s someone who can have a Robert Thomas like curve and surprise a lot of people.

Definitely one of my top prospects now.

 

[Nomadhock3y]

So, what Swede is Allvin drafting this year?

Let's say they go full Swede here:
1st Round Targets
- Victor Eklund
- Sascha Boumedienne
- Milton Gastrin
2nd Round Targets
- Jakob Ihs-Wozniak
- Eric Nilson
- Eddie Genborg
- Theo Stockselius
- Viktor Klingsell
3rd Round
- Gustav Hillstrom
- Theodor Hallquisth

 

[Nomadhock3y]

On top of what’s already been said, when given an opportunity to play with other top players at the U18s, he ended up leading the team in scoring with 12 points. Watching that Daniel Gee reel you can definitely see hidden offensive potential. I feel like he’s someone who can have a Robert Thomas like curve and surprise a lot of people.

Definitely one of my top prospects now.

Been high on Cootes and Bear all year. The WHL centre depth is impressive this year with guys like McQueen, Bear, Cootes, Reschny and Kindel all looking like top 15 guys

 

[Hughes Clues]

I live in Windsor. Give me a bit and I can give you a rundown of what I see.

I see a poor mans Gabe vilardi. He's got vilardi size and like vilardi doesn't really use it other than in board battles. He isn't a plus skater but many big boys take some time for their skating to come around. Not a liability in his own end but isn't a defensive dynamo either. He'll make his money in front of the net. Think a more skilled Linus karlsson. Spends a lot of time after practice tipping pucks and working on his hand eye. I've heard from people involved with the team that he's a great kid.

I'd draft him but not with our first. If we trade back into the first round or if he falls till our second I'm dtf.

 

[LemonSauceD]

Martin
McQueen
Bear
Cootes
Reschny
Carbonneau
Lakovic

If we keep our pick I’m fine with any of them, although preferably in this order.

If we keep our 2nd rounder, I really hope we draft Charlie Cerrato.

 

[Jay26]

I'm starting to think we may actually keep our pick....

Dare I hope?

 

[lawrence]

I'm starting to think we may actually keep our pick....

Dare I hope?

be awesome if we can even trade up.

 

[JanBulisPiggyBack]

be awesome if we can even trade up.

15th and Sherwood/Blueger to Philly for 6th....draft Desnoyers?

 

[Jay26]

be awesome if we can even trade up.

I honestly feel like that's as good an attempt to build a winning team for Hughes as making a splash in free agency or on the trade market. Like if you're Quinn Hughes, what's better than your team moving up to draft a potential star who can help them win for years to come? I've always had a problem with the idea that drafting isn't something a team can do to entice a player, especially drafting higher up where the players are potentially closer to being ready to contribute.

 

[Bitz and Bites]

Martin
McQueen
Bear
Cootes
Reschny
Carbonneau
Lakovic

If we keep our pick I’m fine with any of them, although preferably in this order.

If we keep our 2nd rounder, I really hope we draft Charlie Cerrato.

I’d list them pretty much the same way although I’d slot Eklund after Carbonneau and wouldn’t touch Lakovic until somewhere in the 20’s

 

[Bitz and Bites]

I'm starting to think we may actually keep our pick....

Dare I hope?

This management group is usually pretty patient about waiting for the right deal at the right price so if they’re not seeing anything they like, they likely won’t pull the trigger on a bad deal and will just make the pick. They could always turn around and trade that prospect later on trade next years first which some teams might prefer anyways.