One week from today, the Vancouver Canucks will know where they will be picking in the 2023 NHL draft.
Canucks have a 3% chance at landing the next NHL superstar, from Vancouver, Connor Bedard. There’s also a 3.2% chance the Canucks will be able to draft Canadian Adam Fantilli at 2nd overall. But unless there’s a modern-day miracle, the Canucks will be selecting 11th overall at the upcoming draft. Here’s 3 players that the Canucks should target on draft night in Nashville on June 28th.
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Before I introduce the three players the Canucks should aim to acquire at the draft, it’s important to state that I am by no means an NHL scout.
These are simply three players, from a fan’s perspective, that would be good selections for the type of player the team needs the most. The three players are all projected to be selected in the range that the Canucks will be most likely selecting at.
First up is Austrian defender David Reinbacher. The right-handed defender played this season for EHC Kloten in the National League, a Swiss league. Reinbacher is a prime example of a teenager excelling in a professional men’s league. Everyone should know by now that the Canucks most needed upgrade is at defense, so being able to draft the best right-handed defense in the draft would be a home run selection.
🇨🇦 From reconnecting with old friends to showing the world what he's got, get to know @hockeycanada's Colby Barlow.#U18MensWorlds pic.twitter.com/04F0tPS6AC
— IIHF (@IIHFHockey) April 30, 2023
Colby Barlow from the Owen Sound Attack in the OHL would be another great choice for the Canucks at 11th overall. The second most needed upgrade by position for the Canucks is most likely on the wing.
What makes Barlow a special player is his commitment to forcing turnovers on both sides of the ice. Not only can he put the puck in the net, but he is the type of player that you want on the ice when your team needs a game-tying goal.
With 34 goals and 59 points as a rookie, Brayden Yager takes home CHL Rookie of the Year Award honours! #CHLAwards pic.twitter.com/yP7Q3rrbjL
— Canadian Hockey League (@CHLHockey) June 28, 2022
Brayden Yager is the final player that should be at the top of the Canucks draft board. The Saskatoon native played for Moose Jaw in the WHL this season and is known for his quick release and the accurarcy of his passing.
The Canucks are looking for a 3rd line centre, and Yager projects to be a 2nd / 3rd line player who can provide scoring while getting his teammates involved in the offensive zone.
Knowing the Vancouver Canucks successful draft history as of late, I have full confidence that the Canucks will make the right selection with their first round pick this draft, even if it’s not one of the three players I mentioned.
The draft will be an exciting time for Canucks fans as they are ready to welcome a new prospect to the organization!