PHN Mock NHL Entry Draft: Vancouver Canucks

VANCOUVER, B.C. – Shocked by the death of Luc Bourdon, the Canucks must not only find another top defensive prospect, but begin to address a serious shortage of up-and-coming skilled forwards for their top two lines. New General Manager and former player agent Mike Gillis doesn’t have a track record, but wants to build a contender in short order. Fortunately, his first draft will provide ample fodder.
Vancouver will be tempted to select center Kyle Beach from the Everett Silvertips (WHL). The British Columbia native plays with jam and could be the kind of power forward that gives a team added identity. However,

questions about his temper and maturity are such that the Canucks will instead play it safe and nab Mikkel Boedker, a versatile left wing from Denmark who’s coming off a strong year with the Kitchener Rangers (OHL) and also played in the World Junior Championship.
Ranked No. 7 by the International Scouting Service, Boedker scored 29 goals and 73 points in 62 games for Kitchener and got raves for his breakaway speed. If he can continue growing and develop into a top-tier setup man, Vancouver might have to rely less on its tight-checkingsystem and netminder Roberto Luongo. The selection will make Boedker the highest-drafted Danish-born player ever in the NHL draft.
With that said, expect to hear Gillis at the podium in Ottawa say the following.
“With the tenth pick in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, the Vancouver Canucks proudly select, from the Kitchener Rangers of the OHL, left winger, Mikkel Boedker.”
Contact the author at Adriel.Bettelheim@prohockeynews.com