Vancover Canucks 2009 draft review

VANCOUVER – On a team with very few flaws in their game, the Vancouver Canucks went into the 2009 NHL Entry Draft in the rare position of drafting 22^nd in the first round. With the exception of looking for offensive-defenseman, the Canucks had very few target areas but still made the most of their draft picks. The Canucks selected one center, two wingers, three defensemen, and one goaltender.

Vancouver was shocked that one of the more exciting players in the draft was ready for the taking when Jordan Schroeder fell into their laps. Schroeder played last season for the University of Minnesota and Team USA at the World Junior Championships in Ottawa. He is not considered to be a great goal scorer but he did play on an underachieving Golden Golpher team. He has very good speed and will be counted on to be a major contributor in the future. His height (5′ 8″) was a major reason he fell as far as he did. In the second round, the Canucks selected Anton Rodin 53^rd overall. He can play both win positions, and had 29 goals in 37 games for Brynas (Sweden). Speed and puck handling is the name of his game and will fit in well to Vancouver’s style of play. The Canucks next three picks were all defensemen: Kevin Connauton, Jeremy Price, and Peter Andersson. Connauton and Price are both 6′ 1″, but Andersson is 6’3″. Connauton and Price just might be the kind of offensive-defensemen the Canucks were looking for at the draft. Connauton had 7 goals in 38 games as a freshman for Western Michigan (CCHA). Price had 12 goals in 55 games for the Central Junior Hockey League’s (CJHL) Nepean Raiders. The CJHL is considered Junior A level, a step below the major juniors. Andersson is clearly a stay-at-home defenseman. His size and strength serves him well as a shut down d-man. In the sixth round, the Canucks selected goaltender Joe Cannata. He played for Merrimack College (Hockey East) and, despite the look of his last name, is an American. He was named the team’s Defensive Player of the year and is the first Merrimack goaltender drafted since 1991. With their last pick in the draft, the Canucks selected left winger Steven Anthony who played for Saint John’s (QMJHL). Vancouver noticed him while playing with another Canuck top prospect Yann Sauve, a second round pick, 41^st overall, in 2008. In 67 games, Anthony had 48 points (19 goals, 29 assists), third on the team in points. His point totals were over three times more than that of his rookie season (14 points) for the Sea Dogs. His size and scoring ability could make him turn out to be the sleeper of the draft. Overall outlook: The Canucks appears to have filled their biggest need by selecting more than one offensive-defenseman. Depth is always a must so by adding some quality forwards. The Canucks needed help at left wing as well and they might have it with Rodin and Anthony. One top of that the team just helped their overall depth at defense. The future looks bright for Vancouver, especially with the Sedin twins back for more. If Mats Sundin can come back then next season just might turn out to be the year of the Canucks. Contact the author at Brian.Jennings@prohockeynews.com