What Alexis Lafrenière could mean for the Canucks

Following the first phase of the NHL draft lottery, the Vancouver Canucks still have a chance at landing Alexis Lafrenière first overall.

While the Vancouver Canucks are still a ways away from the one-in-eight opportunity of winning the first overall pick, of which could quickly diminish if they defeat the Minnesota Wild in their play-in matchup, fans can’t help but wonder how the 18-year-old phenom would look alongside Elias Pettersson, Quinn Hughes and Brock Boeser.

In the scenario the Canucks do fall to the Wild in their upcoming play-in series, their 12.5% odds at selecting first overall would be their best in Jim Benning’s era as general manager. If you’re already frustrated by the Lafrenière talk in the market — fair enough. There’s a lot that needs to happen for the Canucks to even vie for that 12.5 percent chance. But if not, keep reading.

When it comes to critically analyzing what Lafrenière could bring to the Canucks? It doesn’t take a genius to understand just how good he is.

For the second consecutive season, Lafrenière took home both the QMJHL and CHL Player of the Year awards, the latter of which hadn’t been accomplished since fellow Rimouski Oceanic forward Sidney Crosby did it between 2003-2005. He’s the real deal.

According to Corey Pronman of The Athletic (subscription required), Lafrenière was the QMJHL’s best player from nearly the moment he entered the league in 2017. Over that span, he racked up 297 points (114 goals, 183 assists) in a measly 173 games.

Further, in a recent poll taken by The Athletic’s Craig Custance (subscription required), anonymous NHL executives ranked Lafrenière right in the middle of first overall picks over the last decade — behind Connor McDavid, Auston Matthews, Nathan MacKinnon and Rasmus Dahlin.

There’s no doubt he’s a can’t-miss prospect and close to as good as they come.

As a truly elite forward, the thought of Lafrenière joining a stacked group in Vancouver next season is salivating, and according to Dobber Prospect’s Cam Robinson, “He should step into the NHL next fall and immediately make an impression.”

The Canucks already have an extremely bright future, of which fans saw bear many fruits this season. They certainly do not “need” him, as this year’s offence was good for second in the Western Conference in goals per-game (3.25) and boasted six players on pace for 20-plus goals. But in adding another elite forward in the mix, the Canucks could solidify having not just the best top-six in the West, but potentially the entire NHL.

It would also give the team some much needed breathing room in regard to their short-term cap management, as getting an NHL-ready top six forward on an entry level deal would do wonders over the next three years and help them retain key free agents.

Whichever way you choose to look at these next few months, Canucks fans can take solace in the fact that either outcome of their series against the Wild can be a favourable one. Assuming the NHL return to play happens, this franchise will either once again have a taste of playoff hockey, or will have some of their best odds at the first overall selection in franchise history.

Ask any passionate fan in this market and they’ll tell you they want this team to succeed. Whether that starts with defeating the Wild in a play-in series or having a shot at drafting Lafrenière, I’m here for it. Let’s all just hope for a safe return of professional hockey.