Canucks: Potential 2020 NHL draft targets that are NCAA bound
Much uncertainty surrounds the Vancouver Canucks’ scouting system following the announcement that Judd Brackett is leaving the organization.
The Vancouver Canucks enjoyed great success under amateur scouting director Judd Brackett, drating players that developed playing hockey at the NCAA level. Brock Boeser and Quinn Hughes are examples of first-round selections that are prominent core members on the current roster.
Thatcher Demko and Adam Gaudette are other examples of players selected beyond the first round that refined their skills at the collegiate level. Jack Rathbone, Tyler Madden, and Will Lockwood are all on the verge of beginning their professional careers after choosing a similar route. Hopefully, the Canucks will continue to identify and draft such prospects.
The Canucks may very well be without a selection in the 2020 NHL draft until the third round. Let’s take a look at some defencemen that may be available in the third round and beyond that are committed to various NCAA universities.
Eamon Powell
Height: 5’11” Weight: 165 lbs.
Shoots: Right
Team: U.S. National Team Development Program
NCAA commitment: Boston College
An extremely high hockey IQ along with terrific skating ability are necessary traits for an undersized defenceman. Eamon Powell possesses both those attributes. He shows the ability to make quick decisions and passes the puck exceptionally well.
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He uses his agility and quickness to exercise tight gap control through the neutral zone and to angle attackers to the outside in the defensive end. The only noticeable deficiency in his game is the lack of strength.
Additional gym time afforded to NCAA players, as opposed to the rigorous game schedule of those playing junior hockey, should prove beneficial. Powell projects as a possible 4-5 defenceman with some offensive upside but is several years away from cracking an NHL lineup.
However, if he is available when the Canucks draft in the third round and develops the way I think he will, it may prove to be a draft day steal.
Brock Faber
Height: 6’0″ Weight: 194 lbs.
Shoots: Right
Team: U.S. National Team Development Program
NCAA commitment: University of Minnesota
Another intelligent two-way defenceman from the USNTDP who may be available in the third round is Brock Faber. Faber skates well and provides a steady, reliable defensive game.
He does like to jump into the play in the offensive zone, but his best work takes place defensively. Faber is competent in transitioning the puck with safe passes leading to relatively few turnovers. He’s not overly physical but uses his size to his advantage in puck battles.
Yan Kuznetsov
Height: 6’3″ Weight: 201 lbs.
Shoots: Left
Team: University of Connecticut
The draft rankings are all over the map when it comes to Russian-born defenceman Yan Kuznetsov. He is ranked as high as 30th by the International Scouting service and as low as 170th by McKeen’s hockey. Already having one year of NCAA hockey under his belt, and two years in the U.S., Kuznetsov is well-adapted to the smaller North American ice surface.
His first season at Connecticut, where he was the only U18 defenceman playing in the NCAA last season, proved successful. Kuznetsov showed steady progression in his game and provided a solid, reliable defensive game.
Kuznetsov shows terrific mobility for his size, and he thinks the game exceptionally well. The big-bodied defender provides a physical game, particularly in front of his net. His offensive ability is somewhat limited in that he lacks creativity and his vision. His decision making in the offensive end is questionable. Kuznetsov may develop into a shutdown type defender with top-four upside, and he could be a steal as a mid-round selection.
Mitch Miller
Height: 5’11” Weight: 194 lbs.
Shoots: Right
Team: Tri-City Storm (USHL)
NCAA commitment: University of North Dakota
A trade to the Tri-City Storm from the Cedar Rapids Roughriders proved beneficial for Mitch Miller. He more than doubled his point production from the previous season to an impressive 33 points in 44 games.
Miller earned USHL First All-Star Team recognition for his efforts. He also represented the U.S. at the World Junior A Hockey Challenge, posting six points, which was tied for the most points by a defenceman. Miller has a lightning-quick acceleration and exceptional edge work. His transition game benefits from his ability to stickhandle his way out of trouble. He also provides effective zone entries and possesses a terrific shot. Miller is committed to the University of North Dakota, an outstanding program that is very familiar to the Canucks. The offensive upside from a right-handed defenceman makes Miller an intriguing draft option.
Michael Benning
Height: 5’10” Weight: 174 lbs.
Shoots: Right
Team: Sherwood Park Crusaders (AJHL)
NCAA commitment: University of Denver
If the Canucks were to draft the nephew of general manager Jim Benning the selection would be heavily scrutinized by Canucks fans, particularly with the departure of Judd Brackett. However, Michael Benning is a promising prospect. The 75 points he registered in 54 games in the Alberta Junior Hockey League represent the same numbers recorded by Cale Makar in his draft season with the Brooks Bandits.
Although Benning will never become the player that Makar is, the feat does show his game’s offensive capability. The offensively gifted player earned recognition as the Canadian Junior Hockey League’s top defenceman. His skating, hockey intelligence and transition game are all well above average. Benning could develop into a second pairing defenceman capable of running a power play. He is the brother of Matt Benning, a current member of the Edmonton Oilers and son of former NHL player Brian Benning.
Kyle Aucoin
Height: 5’11” Weight: 163 lbs.
Shoots: Left
Team: Tri-City Storm (USHL)
NCAA commitment: Harvard University
Another defenceman with NHL bloodlines and connection to the Canucks is Tri-City Storm defender Kyle Aucoin. His father, Adrian Aucoin, spent parts of seven seasons with the Canucks before being dealt to the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Aucoin is not a highly ranked prospect and may not get drafted. However, he may be worth a late-round gamble with several years at Harvard to develop. Aucoin is a stay-at-home defenceman with minimal offensive upside likely destined for a career in the minor leagues that could someday be a call-up option.
Wyatt Kaiser
Height: 5’11” Weight: 170 lbs.
Shoots: Left
Team: Andover Huskies (USHS)
NCAA commitment: University of Minnesota-Duluth
A high school defenceman worth mentioning is smooth skating Wyatt Kaiser. Kaiser posted 34 points in 25 games for the Huskies last season, as well as recording three assists in 11 games with the Dubuque Fighting Saints of the USHL. Kaiser will be attending Minnesota-Duluth for the 2021-2022 campaign. Kaiser, like all players drafted beyond the first couple of rounds, is a long-term project.
However, he appears to have the necessary tools to translate into a promising prospect. In addition to his excellent skating ability, Kaiser demonstrates terrific vision and a solid transition game. His play in all three zones is commendable. His potential reminds me of a prospect the Canucks took a flyer on a few years ago named Jack Rathbone. Whether or not he develops in the same manner that Rathbone did or not remains to be seen, but it may be a chance worth taking.
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The players mentioned above are all years away from cracking an NHL lineup. Some may never reach that level, as many prospects drafted in the mid-to-late rounds never do. However, the likelihood of a few of them going on to promising careers is quite high.