Vancouver Canucks: 5 Takeaways from Year-End Press Conference
Misconceptions about Draft Comments
Speaking of the draft, Jim Benning has mentioned that he wanted to take a defenceman in this year’s NHL draft unless there is a forward available who is too got not to pick. At the year-end press conference, he explained the actual background that led to the comment.
At the time, the Canucks were still in legitimate playoff contention. They struggled mightily, but thanks to the division they play in and some odd surprise wins, they were always a contender for a playoff spot. Hence, Benning expected to get a pick somewhere in the middle of the first round.
Now, behind the top three, there is a first drop-off. What follows is a bunch of equally talented players, both forwards and defencemen, who project to be drafted in the top 10. Behind that, however, it starts to get hard to project what players could become.
Related:Early 7-Round Mock Draft
In other words, selecting a defenceman who is perhaps ranked 20th in draft rankings, with something like the 12th-overall selection would not be a terrible choice. In the top three, however, things are different.
“Things have changed now,” Benning explained. “As of today, we are at three and we will take the best player available.”
The best player could be anyone. No matter who it turns out to be, Benning is making the right call.
The top-three forwards are too good to pass up, but after that, Jakob Chychrun, Olli Juolevi, Pierre-Luc Dubois or Matthew Tkachuk would all be terrific choices.
Next: Takeaway #4