VANCOUVER — To grasp the significance of this draft for the Vancouver Canucks, consider that their three picks within the top 65 equal the total number of picks they had in that range over the past five years.
Seattle Thunderbirds center and captain Braeden Cootes, their first-round pick on Friday night, was their second-highest selection since 2019. Furthermore, their deliberate choice of 17-year-old London Knights goalie Alexei Medvedev at 47th overall on Saturday marked their first pick in the second round since the 2021 draft.
Overall, the Canucks used their six draft selections on future National Hockey League players, including four centers, which strongly addresses the team`s need for depth down the middle. They also picked one winger and the first Russian goaltender in franchise history.
Beyond their positions, the skaters chosen generally possess traits of being highly competitive, physically engaged, and difficult opponents.
The Canucks, like many others, have observed the relentless and aggressive style of play demonstrated by the Florida Panthers during their recent runs to the Stanley Cup Final.
“Well, I think if you watch the playoffs… that’s what happens when the stakes are high,” Canucks amateur scouting director Todd Harvey commented on Saturday after the conclusion of the NHL`s annual draft. “I think that’s what we`re aiming for here: to be annoying to play against, to be tough to face. And I believe the players we`ve chosen fit that description.
“I’m pleased with every pick we`ve made. There`s a reason behind each selection. I really value that we’ve acquired competitive individuals. They are good people, the kind of people we want as Vancouver Canucks. And I think that`s the most crucial aspect. You mention Cootes? A high-quality person. Our scouting staff has thoroughly evaluated all the players we`ve selected, and they are quality individuals. That’s important to us.”
