Vancouver Canucks: Redrafting the 2006 NHL Draft
Round 1 – 14th Overall
Original Pick: W Michael Grabner
New Pick: C Claude Giroux (22nd to PHI)
Honorable Mentions: W Nick Foligno (28th to OTT), LW Milan Lucic (50th to BOS), W Brad Marchand (71st to BOS)
After three years and 212 games in Manitoba, playing for the Canucks’ former American Hockey League affiliate, the Manitoba Moose, the Canucks decided Michael Grabner was not an NHL player. They gave him 20 games in Vancouver in his final season with the organization, but it was not enough to earn a top-six spot. Grabner seemed like the kind of player who needs a top-six spot or does not have a place on your team. So, the Canucks decided to trade him away at the 2010 draft.
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The Florida Panthers sent defenseman Keith Ballard and forward Victor Oreskovich to Vancouver for forward Steve Bernier, the 25th-overall pick and Grabner. Florida was not sold on Grabner either, so they waived him and he was picked up by the New York Islanders. The Panthers used the 25th pick to select Quinton Howden, who also didn’t turn out the way they hoped. Long story short, Vancouver and Florida kind of both lost here.
However, the Islanders looked like the big winners. After picking Grabner off waivers, the Austrian forward scored 34 goals and 52 points in 76 games in 2010-11. But, we all know how it ended: Grabner only hit 50 points one more time and now in his prime, he only had nine goals and 18 points in a full 2015-16 campaign with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Enough of Grabner.
Instead, the Canucks could have had Claude Giroux, Nick Foligno, Milan Lucic or Brad Marchand. Things could have been so much easier. The way things turned out, Vancouver hates Marchand — but if you think about it, he would have been a second Alex Burrows for the Canucks, and a fun player when he’s on your team. In the end, I opted for Giroux, because he is the best player of the bunch. At least Milan Lucic might find his way home through free agency this year.
Next: Round 3