VANCOUVER – After another promising run at the Stanley Cup came to a screeching halt, thanks in large part to the newly crowned Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks, the Vancouver Canucks will be searching for answers to avoid another early exit next season. The 2010 NHL Entry Draft probably won’t help the Canucks next season but you never know. The Canucks have the 25th pick in the first round and could use it to move up in the draft if they package it to move up and get more immediate help.
This season the Canucks were solid on both ends of the ice. They were ranked 2nd in offense, 12th in defense, 7th in face-offs, 6th on the power play, and 18th on the penalty kill. Most of the team’s goals came from the center and left wing positions, most notably from Hart Trophy winner Henrik Sedin and brother Daniel. They had two 30 plus goal scorers, four 20 plus scorers, and 3 with over 10. Pavol Demitra will be a free agent and most likely won’t be resigned. The Canucks also have 7 other forward free agents they must decide what to do with. On defense they have three UFA’s that must be dealt with as well.
In the farm system the Canucks two centers, two right wingers, and goalie Cory Schneider waiting in the wings and could use Schneider as trade bait for some help on the right side of the ice or on defense. Because of the recent Boston Bruins/Florida Panthers trade, the 15th overall pick is now in the hands of the Panthers. In PHN’s mock draft we already had defenseman Dylan McIlrath penciled in for the Bruins. Needless to say things have changed. The Canucks will be happy to hear that he has. “With the 25nd pick in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, the Vancouver Canucks select, from the Moose Jaw Warriors of the Western Hockey League, defenseman Dylan McIlrath .” To learn more about Dylan McIlrath click on his name.
Contact the author at Brian.Jennings@prohockeynews.com
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