Post by Deleted on Jul 9, 2016 16:39:46 GMT -5
The Vancouver Canucks entered the OGSHL Entry Draft with the number 2 overall selection, and wasted no time picking highly touted Finnish player Patrik Laine. After that selection, it was all defense for the rest of the draft, and with another first round pick after wheeling and dealing for the 14th overall pick, Canucks GM Justin Ridenour picked offensive defenseman Jake Bean from the Calgary Hitmen. Vancouver didn't pick again until the 3rd round but chose Victor Mete with the first pick and then Filip Hronek five picks later. "All of these defensemen are really good skaters that can carry the puck up the ice," Justin said. "I set out to rebuild the defensive core when I took over and between all of the trades and now the draft, I believe we have addressed that. We have given up quite a bit of scoring, but with Strome and now Laine, I think we are very well set up for the next 10 years," he added. After acquiring prospect goaltender Adin Hill, Justin said he didn't feel the need to draft a goalie in this draft.
Justin said he plans on being active during free agency to help shore up some other areas of the team. Here is a brief recap of the players selected in the draft:
Patrik Laine LW/RW Finland, 1st round, 2nd overall
A natural scorer, Laine's greatest asset is his intimidating shot. He's not a speedy skater, but possesses power and a long stride, and protects the puck well with his large frame and longer stick. Overall, skating has been a minor issue through Laine's development but has improved with some help from his ability to read the game. Laine has the hunger to create chances on his own from the wing and actively looks for and creates opportunities to use his shot. His elite wrist shot is notable for its quick release and his powerful one-timer from the top of the circle is a constant threat on the man-advantage.
Jake Bean D Calgary WHL, 1st round, 14th overall
A shifty and intelligent defenseman who plays with panache and poise. An excellent skater who is a good puck-carrier up the ice. Makes very good decisions with and without the puck, and plays strong positionally. Works hard and doesn't give the opposition much to work with, but could stand to be a bit more assertive during high pressure situations. That being said, he is not a one dimensional player. He displays natural talent in the offensive end, but also plays a complete defensive game in his own end. He has a proactive stick and boxes the opposition out, limiting lanes. All-in-all, the type of all-around defenseman who you want to have on the ice as much as possible.
Victor Mete D London OHL, 3rd round 61st overall
Undersized defenseman with great poise, decisions, feet, skill set, and offensive capabilities. He can be in his own end, avoid the forecheck turn up ice and carry or outlet it, and if he passes it he will be the four attacker on the rush in no time. If the transition back to the opposition he has the mobility and speed to still be the back in his end defending. Decent at handling most attackers one on one, boxing them out. Plays with calm and is a terrific puck mover in the offensive zone and the power play. Excellent with his decisions with the puck on the PP. Might be THE best offense man in the class. Needs to get stronger and thicker if he is going to project as an all-around pro.
Filip Hronek D Czech Republic, 3rd round 66th overall
Czech Republic defender who displayed terrific puck moving skills and instincts. runs the PP and reads and dishes well. Not big but plays well in all phases unnoticed. Plays aggressive and doesn't really panic under pressure. Positionally solid in all three zones. Has good vision and sees his outlet options and hits them. Likes to carry with good feet and isn't afraid of the rough going. Not six foot but an interesting prospect who will needs more weight room to get stronger in body and stride.
Scouting reports courtesy of Elite Prospects and Draft Site.
Justin said he plans on being active during free agency to help shore up some other areas of the team. Here is a brief recap of the players selected in the draft:
Patrik Laine LW/RW Finland, 1st round, 2nd overall
A natural scorer, Laine's greatest asset is his intimidating shot. He's not a speedy skater, but possesses power and a long stride, and protects the puck well with his large frame and longer stick. Overall, skating has been a minor issue through Laine's development but has improved with some help from his ability to read the game. Laine has the hunger to create chances on his own from the wing and actively looks for and creates opportunities to use his shot. His elite wrist shot is notable for its quick release and his powerful one-timer from the top of the circle is a constant threat on the man-advantage.
Jake Bean D Calgary WHL, 1st round, 14th overall
A shifty and intelligent defenseman who plays with panache and poise. An excellent skater who is a good puck-carrier up the ice. Makes very good decisions with and without the puck, and plays strong positionally. Works hard and doesn't give the opposition much to work with, but could stand to be a bit more assertive during high pressure situations. That being said, he is not a one dimensional player. He displays natural talent in the offensive end, but also plays a complete defensive game in his own end. He has a proactive stick and boxes the opposition out, limiting lanes. All-in-all, the type of all-around defenseman who you want to have on the ice as much as possible.
Victor Mete D London OHL, 3rd round 61st overall
Undersized defenseman with great poise, decisions, feet, skill set, and offensive capabilities. He can be in his own end, avoid the forecheck turn up ice and carry or outlet it, and if he passes it he will be the four attacker on the rush in no time. If the transition back to the opposition he has the mobility and speed to still be the back in his end defending. Decent at handling most attackers one on one, boxing them out. Plays with calm and is a terrific puck mover in the offensive zone and the power play. Excellent with his decisions with the puck on the PP. Might be THE best offense man in the class. Needs to get stronger and thicker if he is going to project as an all-around pro.
Filip Hronek D Czech Republic, 3rd round 66th overall
Czech Republic defender who displayed terrific puck moving skills and instincts. runs the PP and reads and dishes well. Not big but plays well in all phases unnoticed. Plays aggressive and doesn't really panic under pressure. Positionally solid in all three zones. Has good vision and sees his outlet options and hits them. Likes to carry with good feet and isn't afraid of the rough going. Not six foot but an interesting prospect who will needs more weight room to get stronger in body and stride.
Scouting reports courtesy of Elite Prospects and Draft Site.
