Canucks: Wingers that are potential mid-round draft targets
By Rick Warman
There are many winger options the Vancouver Canucks may consider with their mid-round selections.
When it comes to players selected in the third round and beyond, they generally lack one crucial aspect of their game. The Vancouver Canucks scouts look to identify prospects they feel can overcome concerns and develop those deficiencies.
Some are very skilled but are lacking size, while others may show limited offensive upside, and are most suited for a bottom-six role. Here are some of the wingers possibly available when the Canucks select in those rounds.
Veeti Miettinen
2019-2020 Club: Kiekko-Espoo U20 (Jr “A” SM-Liiga Finland)
Position: RW
Height: 5’9″ Weight: 159 lbs
The obvious concern for Veeti Miettinen is his lack of size. However, the St. Cloud State commit will have ample time to bulk up. His skill level is undeniable as he destroyed the Finnish junior league this past season. Miettinen recorded 42 goals and 73 points in 52 games while playing on a weak team. Miettinen remained in junior rather than play in the professional men’s league to maintain his college eligibility.
The talented sniper has a deadly release and tremendous offensive instincts. He is creative, intelligent and possesses exceptionally gifted hands.
Miettinen is very quick on his skates and is a hard worker. If he gains adequate strength while in college, his top-six upside could make him an absolute steal if he’s available when the Canucks select in the third round.
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Brandon Coe
2019-2020 Club: North Bay Battalion (OHL)
Position: RW
Height: 6’4″ Weight: 190 lbs
Another player that registered impressive numbers while playing for a struggling club was Brandon Coe. The Battalion scored the least amount of goals (189) in the Ontario Hockey League last season, while Coe managed 60 points in 57 games.
The third overall selection in the 2017 OHL draft is an all-situation player and is extremely proficient on the forecheck.
Coe is a decent skater with a powerful stride, and he uses his size to protect the puck adequately. His wrist shot is his best offensive weapon, along with a high hockey IQ.
The knock-on Coe is that he lacks consistency and doesn’t bring his “A” game every night. Another concern is that he doesn’t have any exceptional skills. However, he does offer enough strong elements to develop into a reliable middle-six forward if he can find some level of consistency.