Canucks: This Fab 5 needs to be focus when lottery confirms NHL Draft order

Slick Slovakian centre Dalibor Dvorsky, who had 13 factors (8-5) on the Underneath-18 world championship, needs to be a Canucks’ draft goal.

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The Vancouver Canucks want so as to add franchise depth at centre and defence when the NHL Draft is held June 28-29 in Nashville. 

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They’ve a 79.9 per cent probability of choosing No. 11, a 13.4 shot at choosing twelfth and minuscule three-per-cent odds of touchdown North Vancouver phenom centre Connor Bedard, who went into the WHL stratosphere this season with 143 factors (71-72) in 57 video games.

The choice order shall be confirmed Monday within the draft lottery (5 p.m. Pacific, Sportsnet). Logic suggests choosing the most effective participant obtainable, and if that additionally addresses a positional want, that’s a house run. Or, grand slams in touchdown Elias Pettersson and Quinn Hughes.

The trickle-down impact within the commerce departure of centre Bo Horvat, and a draft prospect pool down the center that’s skinny — Nils Aman, 22, and Aatu Raty, 20, have been acquired by free company and commerce, respectfully — strongly suggests making a draft-day play for a pivot.

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It’s why Slovakian centre Dalibor Dvorsky needs to be a primary goal.

Dalibor Dvorsky is denied during this world junior championship foray at Halifax on Jan. 2.
Dalibor Dvorsky is denied throughout this world junior championship foray at Halifax on Jan. 2. Photograph by Darren Calabrese Darren Calabr /The Canadian Press

“What actually units him aside as a major participant is a triple risk together with his passing, taking pictures and playmaking,” stated veteran NHL prospects scout Shane Malloy, who has authored The Artwork of Scouting, seems on Hockey Prospects Radio on the Sirius SM NHL Radio Community and is working towards a PhD in interdisciplinary research.

On the Canucks’ again finish, Jack Rathbone was a prudent fourth-round choose in 2017, however can he win the NHL size-and-compete debates? Is he commerce bait?

Filip Johansson, 22, was rated tenth amongst Canucks prospects, however he arrived in free company. That different Elias Pettersson, was a third-round choose in 2020 and the early returns on his professional improvement within the Swedish junior ranks are good.

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“You at all times take the most effective participant obtainable, however the Canucks have to think about what their farm system appears to be like like and what their wants are,” added Malloy. “They’re centre and defence, and so they want them badly.”

Right here’s a have a look at The Fab 5 worthy of draft-pick precedence:

Dalibor Dvorsky, C, left shot, 6-foot-1, 201 lb., Svolen, Slovakia.

The statistics: AIK (Sweden, Allsvenskan), GP: 38. G: 6. A: 8. Pts: 14. Skelleftea AIK (Sweden, junior), GP: 10. G: 10. A: 11. Pts: 21.

The thin: On the 2023 world Underneath-18 championship, he amassed 13 factors (8-5) for Slovakia to assist solidify his draft inventory as a centre of consideration. Passing together with taking pictures and playmaking are elite, and his heavy and correct launch charges excessive. Skating was a difficulty, however has improved his first few strides. The same scenario to what Horvat endured as an 18-year-old prospect earlier than gaining power.

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The scout says: “Within the Underneath-18, he was one of many MVPs. It was both a primary aim or a game-tying aim, and this isn’t the primary time. He confirmed the identical dynamic on the world junior and may nonetheless be there at (choose) No. 11. You are taking him. This draft is basically forward-loaded up high and I’d put Dvorsky in that class.”

Axel Sandin-Pellikka, D, proper shot, 5-foot-11, 181 lb., Gallivare, Sweden.

The stats: Skelleftea AIK (Sweden, junior), GP: 31. G: 16. A: 20. Pts: 36. Skelleftea AIK (Swedish Hockey League), GP: 22. G: 2. A: 3. Pts: 5.

The thin: Dynamic puck-moving defender who obtained a style of the professional recreation this season, and can return to the SHL. Tasks as a No. 3 blueliner, however his ability degree ensures that he’ll run one of many membership’s energy performs.

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The scout says:It doesn’t matter about Hughes and (Filip) Hronek. When you’ve got a defenceman like this, you exit and get him as a result of what’s your roster going to appear like in 4 years? There’s a shortage of offensive defencemen within the NHL and that provides worth. You possibly can by no means have sufficient of them and yow will discover insulating guys to guard them.”

David Reinbacher, D, proper shot, 6-foot-2, 187 lb., Hohenems, Austria.

The stats: Kloten HC (Swiss-A), GP: 46. G: 3. A: 19. Pts: 22.

The thin: Reliable two-way defender thought-about an excellent “glue man” to maintain the again finish intact after the highest pairing. You set him on the market when issues are going badly. He can settle all people down.

The scout says: “Robust emotional and psychological attributes. Very composed. Very resilient. It’s getting again to that center (efficiency) floor and that’s what he’s good at. Poise is superb.”

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Ryan Leonard, C/RW, proper shot, 6-foot, 192 lb., Amherst, Mass.

The stats: U.S. Nationwide U-18, GP: 57. G: 51. A: 43. Pts: 94.

The thin: Lit-it-up with renown improvement program squad, then did likewise on the Underneath-18 with 17 factors (8-9). Linemate Will Smith led the tourney with 20 factors (9/11) and may go within the high 5.

The scout says: “They (U.S.) have been a stacked group on the Underneath-19 and kicked the crap out of groups. They’re scorching (commodities) now, so I don’t know if Leonard shall be there at No. 11.”

Colby Barlow, LW, shoots left, 6-foot-1, 187 lb., Orillia, Ont.

The stats: Owen Sound (OHL), GP: 59. G: 46. A: 33. Pts: 79.

The thin: Energy ahead who’ll additionally do the soiled work. Will take successful, block a shot, win board battles and end. An actual gamer. Onerous to search out. Inventory is rising.

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The scout says: “The kind of participant you win with within the playoffs. Tasks as a second-liner and the Canucks may use that.”

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Originally posted 2023-05-06 00:12:39.


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