Why the Vancouver Canucks should draft Matthew Boldy

With the tenth overall pick in the 2019 NHL draft, the Vancouver Canucks should consider drafting USDP Left winger Matthew Boldy.

The Vancouver Canucks have not had any luck when it comes to the draft lottery, but they have been able to manage with their given draft positions.

With the fifth pick in 2017, the Canucks drafted Elias Pettersson, who as of right now is considered the one of — if not the best player — to come out of the 2017 draft. Most recently, with the seventh pick in the 2018 draft, the Canucks selected Quinn Hughes who, with a very small sample size, could revolutionize the team’s defensive unit.

That leads us to the 2019 NHL draft. This year, outside of Jack Hughes and Kaapo Kakko, it is nowhere near certain as to who will be drafted where. That is why with the tenth overall selection, there is a great chance that a very good prospect will still be available for the Canucks.

As for who I think Vancouver should draft (being that other higher rated prospects have been selected,) I believe general manager Jim Benning should select USDP left winger Matthew Boldy.

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With a need for top-end left wingers, this would immediately help towards filling that hole. Boldy has the potential to become a top line forward, but him becoming a solid scoring top six left winger would be more realistic, and it would still be valuable to the Canucks.

Boldy plays a dynamic, and electric game. Known for being able to both have great vision, play-making ability, as well as a quick release and accurate shot.

With a higher IQ to identify what is needed from his team during play, he is able to adapt to either role, play-maker and sniper.

Boldy is also noted as a player who makes little mistakes and can be depended on in most situations.

Defensively, Boldy has worked to develop himself in all three zones, whereas before had been known to be a defensive liability. Skating-wise, Boldy is an strong all-around skater, not exceptional and not weak in that area.

There may be an argument that he’s is feeding off Jack Hughes for production, but Boldy had spent time playing without Hughes in which his production did not decrease.

As for a projection, Boldy’s ceiling is a top line winger, whereas his floor is a top sixwinger. For the Canucks, having a player like Boldy on either Pettersson or Bo Horvat’s left side would be promising for a young core looking to win Stanley Cups. If Boldy is still available when the Canucks select, Benning should jump on the opportunity to draft him.

Nonetheless, Canucks fans should have faith in both Benning and the scouts, as they have done a fantastic job at assessing talent in all stages of the draft. Let us know who you think the Canucks should draft in the comments below.