Canucks: 3 defencemen they could draft in the third round

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HAMILTON, ON – JANUARY 16: Thimo Nickl #78 of Team Red skates during the 2020 CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game against Team White at FirstOntario Centre on January 16, 2020 in Hamilton, Canada. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /

Thimo Nickl,6’2″,, 176 pounds, shoots right

Thimo Nicki is one of the older prospects in this years draft having been born on Dec. 4, 2001. He is heavily projected to go in the third or fourth round

Nickl had 10 goals and 29 assists in 58 games with the Drummondville Voltigeurs of the QMJHL. The Austrian right-handed defenceman has a strong two-way game and superb skating abilities with excellent acceleration. Nickl has a powerful point shot and can produce points on the power play. The 18-year-old is a very accurate passer, especially cross ice.

Nickl breaks up plays with his long stick, makes smart backchecks and wins battles in the corners. The only concern for Nickl is his decision making, but that’s something that he should be able to fix overtime.

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Nickl has the makings to be a top-six defenceman in the NHL, one that could play in all situations for the Canucks.

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