Vancouver Canucks: NHL Projections for Top 10 Prospects

Apr 7, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Boston College Eagles goalie Thatcher Demko (30) makes a save against the Quinnipiac Bobcats during the second period of the semifinals of the 2016 Frozen Four college ice hockey tournament at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 7, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Boston College Eagles goalie Thatcher Demko (30) makes a save against the Quinnipiac Bobcats during the second period of the semifinals of the 2016 Frozen Four college ice hockey tournament at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
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Apr 7, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; North Dakota Fighting Hawks forward Brock Boeser (16) celebrates after they score an empty net goal against the Denver Pioneers during the third period at the semifinals of the 2016 Frozen Four college ice hockey tournament at Amalie Arena. North Dakota Fighting Hawks defeated the Denver Pioneers 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

3. RW Brock Boeser

Acquired: Drafted 23rd overall, 2015
NHL: 2017-18

Unlike Juolevi, Boeser already has his draft-plus-one season under his belt. He also seems ready for pro hockey, but opted to play another year at the University of North Dakota in the NCAA.

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Boeser finished the 2015-16 season third in NCAA scoring with 60 points in 42 games as a rookie. Coming from college, he would be eligible for the AHL and could continue his development there, but he wants to take on a leadership role at NoDak instead. It certainly makes sense, but Canucks fans didn’t exactly welcome the decision.

Boeser’s goal scoring ability is exactly what the Canucks are missing right now. He might not have made the team out of training camp, but it would be good to have a scorer ready for call-up. This way, the Canucks have to wait a year to sign him — which they will hopefully do — and he might be ready to jump into the NHL right away.

Next: Jake Virtanen