Friedman opines that this year’s draft will really begin when someone selects Russian winger Vasili Podkolzin. One of the more polarizing players in this draft class, Podkolzin’s draft stock depends not only on how teams view his ability, but also on how soon they expect him to contribute. Friedman reports that Podkolzin is locked into two more years on his current KHL contract, meaning anyone using a top pick on him will have to wait until at least 2021-22 to see any return. That guaranteed absence only boosts the “Russian factor” fear, that Podkolzin will take his time or potentially may never make the jump to the NHL. On ability alone, Podkolzin is easily a top-ten talent this year, but scouts differ on where in that range he should land. Add in the number of teams drafting in the top ten who want to improve immediately and Podkolzin’s draft slot becomes a complete mystery. Although this deep and talented class provides little consensus, even on early picks, Friedman’s take that the Podkolzin pick will truly shift the draft board is more than fair.

Another top draft prospect seemingly not expecting to rush across the Atlantic is defenseman Philip Broberg. Once considered the surefire second-best defender in the draft class, Broberg’s stock has fallen somewhat this season as scouts have begun to realize that his size, strength, and skating mask some holes to his game in the skill and IQ departments. Broberg very well may still be second defenseman off the board and is a lock as a first-round pick, but he no longer has the top-five or even top-ten guarantee he may have anticipated at this time last year. As such, Broberg is clearly expecting a longer stay in his native Sweden rather than an immediate jump to the NHL. Swedish news source Norran reports that Broberg is expected to sign a contract with the Swedish Hockey League’s Skelleftea AIK. Broberg joined the AIK organization midway through last season, but had not seen any action at the highest level. That will change next season, as Broberg will stay in Sweden but venture into the top pro ranks rather than play at the junior level or in the AHL instead. The transfer agreement between the NHL and SHL means that Broberg will not be locked in to his contract the same way Podkolzin is, but it also makes it unlikely that he’ll be seen in North America next year.

Friedman opines that this year’s draft will really begin when someone selects Russian winger Vasili Podkolzin. One of the more polarizing players in this draft class, Podkolzin’s draft stock depends not only on how teams view his ability, but also on how soon they expect him to contribute. Friedman reports that Podkolzin is locked into two more years on his current KHL contract, meaning anyone using a top pick on him will have to wait until at least 2021-22 to see any return. That guaranteed absence only boosts the “Russian factor” fear, that Podkolzin will take his time or potentially may never make the jump to the NHL. On ability alone, Podkolzin is easily a top-ten talent this year, but scouts differ on where in that range he should land. Add in the number of teams drafting in the top ten who want to improve immediately and Podkolzin’s draft slot becomes a complete mystery. Although this deep and talented class provides little consensus, even on early picks, Friedman’s take that the Podkolzin pick will truly shift the draft board is more than fair.

Another top draft prospect seemingly not expecting to rush across the Atlantic is defenseman Philip Broberg. Once considered the surefire second-best defender in the draft class, Broberg’s stock has fallen somewhat this season as scouts have begun to realize that his size, strength, and skating mask some holes to his game in the skill and IQ departments. Broberg very well may still be second defenseman off the board and is a lock as a first-round pick, but he no longer has the top-five or even top-ten guarantee he may have anticipated at this time last year. As such, Broberg is clearly expecting a longer stay in his native Sweden rather than an immediate jump to the NHL. Swedish news source Norran reports that Broberg is expected to sign a contract with the Swedish Hockey League’s Skelleftea AIK. Broberg joined the AIK organization midway through last season, but had not seen any action at the highest level. That will change next season, as Broberg will stay in Sweden but venture into the top pro ranks rather than play at the junior level or in the AHL instead. The transfer agreement between the NHL and SHL means that Broberg will not be locked in to his contract the same way Podkolzin is, but it also makes it unlikely that he’ll be seen in North America next year.
- manvanfan

Geeez...take it easy minivan that's alot of text...

Friedman opines that this year’s draft will really begin when someone selects Russian winger Vasili Podkolzin. One of the more polarizing players in this draft class, Podkolzin’s draft stock depends not only on how teams view his ability, but also on how soon they expect him to contribute. Friedman reports that Podkolzin is locked into two more years on his current KHL contract, meaning anyone using a top pick on him will have to wait until at least 2021-22 to see any return. That guaranteed absence only boosts the “Russian factor” fear, that Podkolzin will take his time or potentially may never make the jump to the NHL. On ability alone, Podkolzin is easily a top-ten talent this year, but scouts differ on where in that range he should land. Add in the number of teams drafting in the top ten who want to improve immediately and Podkolzin’s draft slot becomes a complete mystery. Although this deep and talented class provides little consensus, even on early picks, Friedman’s take that the Podkolzin pick will truly shift the draft board is more than fair.

Another top draft prospect seemingly not expecting to rush across the Atlantic is defenseman Philip Broberg. Once considered the surefire second-best defender in the draft class, Broberg’s stock has fallen somewhat this season as scouts have begun to realize that his size, strength, and skating mask some holes to his game in the skill and IQ departments. Broberg very well may still be second defenseman off the board and is a lock as a first-round pick, but he no longer has the top-five or even top-ten guarantee he may have anticipated at this time last year. As such, Broberg is clearly expecting a longer stay in his native Sweden rather than an immediate jump to the NHL. Swedish news source Norran reports that Broberg is expected to sign a contract with the Swedish Hockey League’s Skelleftea AIK. Broberg joined the AIK organization midway through last season, but had not seen any action at the highest level. That will change next season, as Broberg will stay in Sweden but venture into the top pro ranks rather than play at the junior level or in the AHL instead. The transfer agreement between the NHL and SHL means that Broberg will not be locked in to his contract the same way Podkolzin is, but it also makes it unlikely that he’ll be seen in North America next year.
- manvanfan

The Canucks just need to stick to their BPA list and trust their process. Drafting for need gets you more Virtanen’s and Juolevi’s as opposed to BPA (according to your list) which gets you Boeser, Pettersson and Q. Hughes.

Geeez...take it easy minivan that's alot of text...
- LordHumungous

It's really hard for some in here to figure out what's copy and pasted or not isn't it. I put it in quotes for you now. Nighthawk only one who's writing 2 long paragraphs like that

The Canucks just need to stick to their BPA list and trust their process. Drafting for need gets you more Virtanen’s and Juolevi’s as opposed to BPA (according to your list) which gets you Boeser, Pettersson and Q. Hughes.
- Pacificgem

Is that what you got from that?

It's really hard for some in here to figure out what's copy and pasted or not isn't it. I put it in quotes for you now. Nighthawk only one who's writing 2 long paragraphs like that
- manvanfan

I was gonna put a 'lol' at the end...all good man.

Is that what you got from that?
- manvanfan

lol ya I was gonna respond but best just to leave it alone.

I was gonna put a 'lol' at the end...all good man.
- LordHumungous

Oh... ya. All good just joking around. I don't get grumpy at people on here, i'm just sarcastic.

Test drove a Sienna yesterday, not worth 50 (frank)en grand that's for sure. Ridiculous!

Panarin - Pettersson - Boeser
Ferland - Horvat - B.Nelson
Pearson - Gaudette - Virtanen
Roussel - Beagle - Motte

Edler - Karlsson
Hughes - Tanev
Lassie - Stecher
Schenn

Markstrom
Demko
- Makita

Is that what you got from that?
- manvanfan

it had nothing to do with that, just a general draft comment.

Oh... ya. All good just joking around. I don't get grumpy at people on here, i'm just sarcastic.

Test drove a Sienna yesterday, not worth 50 (frank)en grand that's for sure. Ridiculous!
- manvanfan

You can get a one year old fully loaded grand caravan for 20 grand.

The Canucks just need to stick to their BPA list and trust their process. Drafting for need gets you more Virtanen’s and Juolevi’s as opposed to BPA (according to your list) which gets you Boeser, Pettersson and Q. Hughes.
- Pacificgem

All this talk about taking BPA is BS. Our BPA and their BPA may be completely different. If we took Broberg(or Seid, or Caufield, etc) at 10, many of us would say "why didn't we take BPA?". Realistically whoever we take at 10 is the guy our scouts decided was BPA whether we agree or not, doesn't matter.

All this talk about taking BPA is BS. Our BPA and their BPA may be completely different. If we took Broberg(or Seid, or Caufield, etc) at 10, many of us would say "why didn't we take BPA?". Realistically whoever we take at 10 is the guy our scouts decided was BPA whether we agree or not, doesn't matter.
- Retinalz

^this,

if we take a D with our 10oa, I will assume it is because they feel it is the BPA (which, at 10th, and given the nature of this draft, it very well could be).
If we take a forward, it's safe to assume that they went BPA for that as well. We have a glaring need at multiple positions, but I think defense is the most apparent and glaring. (people will say we drafted for position rather than BPA)

No matter who the Canucks choose at 10th, people will gripe about it IMO, unless we are fortunate enough to have someone fall into our laps like we did last year who probably should have gone sooner.

All this talk about taking BPA is BS. Our BPA and their BPA may be completely different. If we took Broberg(or Seid, or Caufield, etc) at 10, many of us would say "why didn't we take BPA?". Realistically whoever we take at 10 is the guy our scouts decided was BPA whether we agree or not, doesn't matter.
- Retinalz

The will be debate regardless of who they pick. There is every year. Many will see whoever is picked as NOT the BPA. It should be fun, there is always at least one big meltdown. I come here for the chaos.

The will be debate regardless of who they pick. There is every year. Many will see whoever is picked as NOT the BPA. It should be fun, there is always at least one big meltdown. I come here for the chaos.
- Marwood

Definitely keeps these blogs entertaining.

The will be debate regardless of who they pick. There is every year. Many will see whoever is picked as NOT the BPA. It should be fun, there is always at least one big meltdown. I come here for the chaos.
- Marwood

I know, I just wanted to remind people of that logic before they rip it apart. People are like rabid dogs when it comes to drafting, especially if the team doesn't take their BPA.

I know, I just wanted to remind people of that logic before they rip it apart. People are like rabid dogs when it comes to drafting, especially if the team doesn't take their BPA.
- Retinalz

sometimes its fun to watch the world burn in here though.

sometimes its fun to watch the world burn in here though.
- Codes1087

My all time favourite was the freakout that occurred when we didn't select shinkaruk at 9 overall.

My all time favourite was the freakout that occurred when we didn't select shinkaruk at 9 overall.
- golfingsince

he was the 2nd coming of Patrik Kane after all.

All this talk about taking BPA is BS. Our BPA and their BPA may be completely different. If we took Broberg(or Seid, or Caufield, etc) at 10, many of us would say "why didn't we take BPA?". Realistically whoever we take at 10 is the guy our scouts decided was BPA whether we agree or not, doesn't matter.
- Retinalz

You obviously missed the part where I said BPA on their list, doesn’t matter what everyone else’s list says, go with Brackett’s list.

The will be debate regardless of who they pick. There is every year. Many will see whoever is picked as NOT the BPA. It should be fun, there is always at least one big meltdown. I come here for the chaos.
- Marwood

They picked Virtanen because he was a need, a big physical winger, he obviously wasn’t the highest ceiling player/most talented player. Same with Juolevi, they needed D so they picked what they thought was the best D, again he wasn’t the highest ceiling/most talented player.

When they picked Pettersson it was because they felt he was the most talented player available BPA, and they were right.

Interesting

“NHL teams can't walk away from arbitration awards that are less than $4.39M, which could make the Canucks think twice about going down that road with Hutton. Chance he's not qualified if Van doesn't work out a trade or extension beforehand”

Interesting

“NHL teams can't walk away from arbitration awards that are less than $4.39M, which could make the Canucks think twice about going down that road with Hutton. Chance he's not qualified if Van doesn't work out a trade or extension beforehand”
- Pacificgem

Outstanding!!

They picked Virtanen because he was a need, a big physical winger, he obviously wasn’t the highest ceiling player/most talented player. Same with Juolevi, they needed D so they picked what they thought was the best D, again he wasn’t the highest ceiling/most talented player.

When they picked Pettersson it was because they felt he was the most talented player available BPA, and they were right.
- Pacificgem

Every major sports writer (including Bob McKenzie) had Virtanen ranked at 7OA. When he 'fell' to us at 6OA how was that not BPA according to the rankings? Or was it really an Aquilini pick as many here suggest. Don't think it was need.

Every major sports writer (including Bob McKenzie) had Virtanen ranked at 7OA. When he 'fell' to us at 6OA how was that not BPA according to the rankings? Or was it really an Aquilini pick as many here suggest. Don't think it was need.
- LordHumungous

I know you’re from Alberta, which explains your math skills, *winky face*, however, when you’re ranked 7th overall you don’t fall to the team picking 6th overall. You fall to the teams picking after 7th overall.

It was widely reported at the time they wanted a big goal scoring winger, which Virtanen was in junior, but like I said, he wasn’t on many teams BPA list at 6th overall. I have no interest in going to look it up, but go ahead and fill your boots.

FYI

“It’s clear that during his first draft in 2014, they didn’t pick the best player available. There was a lot of information out there that pointed to players such as William Nylander and Nikolaj Ehlers being superior to Jake Virtanen. Regardless, Benning chose a player that he believed could fill an organizational need. Virtanen’s blend of size, speed and scoring prowess was supposed to insulate the ‘soft’ Canucks.”