Canucks: Centres that are potential third round draft targets
By Rick Warman
The Vancouver Canucks will have several options with their third-round selection at the 2020 NHL draft.
There are plenty of quality centres that the Vancouver Canucks could consider with their 2020 third-round draft pick, should they choose to address that need. Here are some players that may be available according to various draft rankings, and the distinct qualities each has to offer.
Dylan Peterson
2019-2020 club: U.S. National Team Development Program U-18
Position: Centre/Right wing
Height: 6’4″ 192 lbs.
Lanky forward Dylan Peterson slipped dramatically in the draft rankings throughout the season. Many scouting sites saw him as a potential early second-round pick at the outset of the campaign. Peterson is a likely a mid-to-late third-round selection in the latest rankings.
His production numbers didn’t measure up to his skill set, managing just eight goals and 17 assists in 45 games. My first recollection of Peterson was at the Four Nations Tournament in December 2018, where he set up both goals for the U.S. in a 3-2 overtime loss to Russia in the final game of that event.
Peterson is a relatively good skater with decent top-end speed and a long powerful stride. His agility and edgework are better than average for someone his size, although his starts need improvement. He uses his size and slick stickhandling ability proficiently to protect the puck, thus affording him the time to utilize his adept playmaking skills.
Peterson displays a hard, accurate shot that he doesn’t use often enough, evidenced by the 13 games he failed to register a shot on goal. He uses his size adequately on the forecheck as well as when he’s engaged in puck battles.
Defensively, Peterson uses his long reach to take away passing lanes, works hard when back-checking, and his overall positioning is reliable.My biggest concern is his lack of consistency. On five separate occasions this past season, Peterson went three or more games without registering a point. However, his size and skills are fascinating should he realize his full potential.
Peterson is committed to Boston University for the 2020-2021 campaign and will have sufficient time to develop into a power-forward role before entering professional hockey.