6. D Andrey Pedan (7.3)
Pedan, a 6-foot-5, 215-pound defenceman made his NHL debut this season and many fans want to see him in the lineup to add some physicality to a rather soft team. According to Benning, he will be a part of the NHL roster in 2016-17.
Pedan was selected 63rd overall in 2011 and the Canucks seem to have made a decent choice. The only “problem” is that Pedan has a rather low ceiling.
The 22-year-old had 91 points in 134 games through his final two OHL seasons and currently sits at five goals and 16 points through 36 games for the Utica Comets. However, it seems unlikely that Pedan can put up similar numbers at the NHL level.
Scouts loved him for his size and ability to skate, and those are still his biggest assets. Pedan is not a high-scoring offensive defenceman, he is a reliable defensive D-man who does a good job keeping his opponents away from the net. He will add some much-needed physicality to the club soon.
What got Pedan this high on the ranking is his readiness. He will join the Canucks next season — that is a fact. We don’t know that about guys like Olson or Brisebois.
Floor: AHL defenceman
Ceiling: NHL top-six defenceman
Next: Canucks Prospect #5