Canucks second round options
The Vancouver Canucks haven’t held a second-round pick since 2009 when they took Anton Rodin, and while the Swedish winger continues to develop in Chicago, a brief history suggests Vancouver’s luck in the round after the first isn’t so hot.
Yann Sauve (2008) is bordering on bust status, Taylor Ellington (2007) and Marc-Andre Bernier (2003) were colossal failures, and for every time the Canucks got lucky (Mason Raymond, 51st overall in 2005), they’ve been unfortunate to trade away that pick for immediate help.
Nevertheless, here are some names to keep in mind for the second round, when the Canucks draft 57th overall.
Martin Frk, RW, Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL):
Bob McKenzie’s Final Ranking: 32
THN Ranking: 45
The Skinny: Missed a lot of time with a concussion and had trouble recovering … Loves to score and is highly skilled, but some scouts question his lack of effort. Not a huge gamble for a team who takes him, but he’ll need another year of junior.
Colton Sissons, RW, Kelowna Rockets (WHL):
Bob McKenzie’s Final Ranking: 33
THN Ranking: 40
The Skinny: Yet another Vancouver product in the 2012 draft, Sissons plays multiple positions and has a high work ethic … He’s a two-way forward, but like Brendan Gaunce, some question if he has any offensive upside.
Brady Vail, LW, Windsor Spitfires (OHL)
Bob McKenzie’s Final Ranking: 60
THN Ranking: 58
The Skinny: Vail and Brendan Gaunce fought last year, but that only shows that Vail is just as rugged as Gaunce. Characterized as a “Swiss army knife” type of player, Vail could be an asset on a team’s third or fourth line.
Cristoval Nieves, C, Kent (USHS):
Bob McKenzie’s Final Ranking: 51
THN Ranking: 55
The Skinny: They call him ‘Boo’ Nieves, maybe because he skates well for such a freak (and that’s a good thing). At 6-3, Nieves is a tremendous skater despite his large frame, something Chris Kreider overcame when drafted by the New York Rangers.
Nick Ebert, D, Windsor Spitfires (OHL):
Bob McKenzie’s Final Ranking: Unranked
THN Ranking: 60
The Skinny: At this time last year, Ebert was projected as a top-ten pick. In the span of 365 days, he’s completely fallen off the chart. But Ebert has a cannon of a shot and an impressive skill set, so if a team wants a project, Ebert’s the biggest one available.
Lukas Sutter, C, Saskatoon (WHL):
Bob McKenzie’s Final Ranking: 52
THN Ranking: 63
The Skinny: It seems like a lot of teams search for a “Brad Marchand type” (as well they should be), and Sutter might be it. Sutter brings tenacity and is committed to winning and even has demonstrated some offensive touch.
