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Vancouver Canucks: A look at 2019 NHL draft prospects

By Joshua Rey

VANCOUVER, BC - FEBRUARY 28: (L-R) NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson, Francesco Aquilini, Vancouver Canucks Chairman and Governor and Trevor Linden, Vancouver Canucks President Hockey Operations hold a 2019 Vancouver Canucks 2019 Draft jersey during a press conference at Rogers Arena February 28, 2018 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The Vancouver Canucks will host the 2019 NHL Draft at Rogers Arena, the National Hockey League, Canucks and City of Vancouver announced today. (Photo by Jeff Vinnick/NHLI via Getty Images)
VANCOUVER, BC - FEBRUARY 28: (L-R) NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson, Francesco Aquilini, Vancouver Canucks Chairman and Governor and Trevor Linden, Vancouver Canucks President Hockey Operations hold a 2019 Vancouver Canucks 2019 Draft jersey during a press conference at Rogers Arena February 28, 2018 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The Vancouver Canucks will host the 2019 NHL Draft at Rogers Arena, the National Hockey League, Canucks and City of Vancouver announced today. (Photo by Jeff Vinnick/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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It’s never too early to think about the 2019 NHL Entry Draft. Here are Five Prospects I would like the Canucks to draft in June.

When you’re a Vancouver Canucks fan it is never too early to think about the 2019 NHL Draft. It looks like it’s going to be a good one with many intriguing prospects. Here are five prospects I have had my eye on and would like to see the Canucks draft in June.

I got info on these prospects mainly from Eliteprospects.com, MyNHLDraft.Com and from Hockey Prospects Center and NHL Draft Central on YouTube.I’m not a scout or a draft expert, just a fan who likes to look at prospects.

Jack Hughes, C,  5’10”, 160 Pounds

It’s no secret that Jack Hughes is the consensus number one overall pick in the 2019 NHL Draft. The Canucks drafted his older brother Quinn last June and it would be a treat to see both Hughes brothers on the Canucks next season.

It would be like the second coming of the Sedin Twins except one is a forward and the other is a defenceman.  Hughes plays for the US National Development Team. The one thing that really sticks out about Jack Hughes is his skating. He has it all: Speed, acceleration, Agility, Stride you name it.  He can burst through the defence game after game.

Hughes’ shot has a quick release. It is not powerful but it is still quite deadly. He knows how to pick his spots and catches the goaltender by surprise. Hughes knows almost instantly where his teammates are for a pass. He passes quite efficiently even when he has his back turned from the play. All these aspects including great hockey sense make him the consensus number one overall pick. The Canucks would need lady luck to be on their side if they want the chance to draft him though.

Kaapo Kakko, RW, 6’1″,  181 Pounds

Kaapo Kakko of TPS of the LIIGA  has a great name. That is not the only thing that makes him great however. The first thing I noticed about him was how great he as at stick handling. Kakko knows how to get around opponents really well because he combines his stick handling and his excellent agility.

He also knows how to score as he also has an accurate wrist shot. Kakko protects the puck just as good as letting it go. Defenders often have a hard time getting the puck away from him. He also uses his size to get away from opponent’s checks. Kakko looks like he will be a very dangerous scorer for years to come in the NHL. The Canucks would be delighted to have him. He would be a fan favourite here in Vancouver for sure.

Bowen Byram, D, 6’1″, 190 Pounds

I’ve been very high on Bowen Byram for quite some time now. It is mainly because he plays for my favourite junior team, the Vancouver Giants. (Still wished they didn’t leave the Coliseum though) It wouldn’t hurt for the Canucks to draft another defenceman. Some scouts say Byram is the best defenceman in the draft.

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The thing that makes Byram great is his ability to bring the puck into the offensive zone and create plays. His skating is really smooth and has a powerful shot that can make way through traffic. Byram can quarterback a power play and knows how to set up his opponents. Defensively, he’s just as  good. His smooth skating helps him not make a mistake.

He knows how to shut down top players, intercept passes, block shots and takeaway pucks. Then, he goes on to create an offensive play. Byram is a very creative defenceman who can play at any end of the ice. I would love to see the Vancouver Giant get drafted by the Vancouver Canucks in Vancouver.

Peyton Krebs, LW, 5’11”, 180 Pounds

The Kootenay Ice Winger has a ton of upside. He is a very exciting player. Krebs also can skate with good stride and acceleration. He pick his corners very well and can pounce on a rebound when standing in front of the net.

With the puck, he is very elusive as he can get around defenders with ease. He has great hockey sense which leads to smooth tape to tape passes. Krebs is a player with determination and the desire for winning. He can work in all three zones of the ice and maybe he’ll be pulling on a Canucks sweater in June.

Dylan Cozens, C, 6’3″ , 181 Pounds

Dylan Cozens of the Lethbridge Hurricanes is a character guy. According to many scouts and experts he has a team first attitude and wants to win every night. Cozens has very good speed and stride making him one of the best skater’s in the draft. He makes clear passes to teammates and knows where they are at all times.

His shot is very accurate and is good in the faceoff circle as well. Cozens can make plays defensively and can help stop the opposing players from entering the offensive zone.  He could be an excellent two-way player in the NHL.

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I hope to do another prospect article like this one sometime in the future. There are a lot of intriguing prospects in this draft and it is looking to be a good one.

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