Some Wheeling And Dealing

The Canucks made some interesting moves on draft day. Turned one pick into two, which I am always in favor of, and seemed to go with size. This seemed a bit like the NBA draft, as far as being front-loaded, however, the NHL is like Major League Baseball, some of the best, if not the best, players come in the later rounds. So lets see the eight newest Canucks:

Round 1, Pick 29: Nicklas Jensen, Left/Right Wing, Shoots: L, 6'2" 187 lbs. 

The 18 year old Dane had a pretty nice rookie season for Oshawa Generals in the OHL, posting 29 Goals and 29 Assists in 61 games. His dad is Canadian Dan Jansen, a former OHLer in his own right. Although he scored as many goals as assists, the younger Jansen seems to be more gifted as a play-maker. He has been known to go coast-to-coast, and has the fore-sight to spot a developing play.

His biggest obstacles have been filling out his frame and using his size as an advantage. At 6'2" 187 lbs. he is a little lanky, so he has some room to fill out. He will definitely need to add muscle to excel at the next level. If he can use his size and (potential) strength to protect the puck with those skills he can be dangerous. He also has a tendency to be streaky. However, he is 18 years old and just finished his first season in the OHL. The kid has a lot of room to grow, and with a former pro father (who is not a Lindross) he should develop nicely. I look forward to seeing a lot more of him in the future. Plus his favorite movie is "Step Brothers."

Round 2, Pick 60: Traded to Minnesota, for the Wild's 3rd Round (71st overall), and 4th Round (101st overall).

I am a big fan of trading picks, especially if you have an offer that gets you more picks, they dropped 11 spots and gained a pick. The more bullets your fire, the more crap you hit. 

Round 3, Pick 71: David Honzik, Goalie, Catches: Left, 6'2" 209 lbs.

The 17 year old Czech goaltender played in his first season in the QMJHL for Victoriaville, and carried a majority of the load, playing in 36 games, posting a 3.54 GAA, with 1 SO, and an .884 S%. He improved in nine playoff games posting a 3.28 GAA, with a much improved .919 S%. He seems to have come on strong late, but he is still 17 and has a lot of room to grow. Nothing but upside here. And yes I am looking on the sunnyside of things.

Round 3, Pick 90: Alexandre Grenier, Right Wing, Shoots: Left, 6'5" 200 lbs.

The 19 year old Canadian posted some nice numbers for Halifax of the QMJHL last season, posting 9 Goals, 15 Assists, and only 6 PIM in 31 games. The Laval, PQ native was a defensive presence, and even participated in a few scrapes. He definitely has the height, but will definitely need to add some muscle mass to make it at the next level. I see a young Max Lapierre, but with more size, and possible a little more offensive productions.

Round 4, Pick 101: Joseph Labate, Center, Shoots: Left, 6'4" 180 lbs.

The 18 year old Minnesota High School product has already committed to the University of Wisconsin for next year. This will be a good move for the lanky ( I am seeing a trend) Center. He played well in the "State of Hockey," as Minnesota is know, posting 49 points (27 goals) in just 25 games. This while notching 42 PIM. Again, muscle mass will be needed, but he seems to have all the intangibles needed. Plus he seems to be a steal at the moment.

Round 4, Pick 120: Ludwig Blomstrand, Left Wing, Shoots: Left, 6'1" 198 lbs.

This 18 year old Swede seems to break the mold of the other draft picks, by not being as lanky as the rest. He spent last season with Djurgarden of the Swedish Junior League, playing in 35 games, posting 3 Goals, 4 Assists, and 14 PIM. He has an engine that doesn't seem to stop and never lacks in the effort department (which is a rarity among Swedes in this organization) and likes to grind out plays. Not too much offensive upside, but could be a solid thrid-liner (i.e. Raffi Torres) with some PK time. 

Round 5, Pick 150: Frank Corrado, Defenseman, Shoots: Right, 6' 190 lbs.

Another 18 year old, this time from Toronto, played for Sudbury in the OHL last season, posting 4 Goals, 26 Assists and 94 PIM in 67 games. He was on the top pairing and became a shutdown Defender in the second half of the season. He seems to get physical when needed, but can also use his skill and smarts when needed. Sounds like Scott Hannan-type potential.

Round 6, Pick 180: Pathrik Westerholm, Center, Shoots: Left, 5'11" 185 lbs.

Round 7, Pick 210: Henrik Tommernes, Defenseman, Shoots: Left, 6' 176 lbs.

Rounding out the draft the Canucks went with a couple more Swedes. The first, 19 year old Westerholm, posted 29 Goals, 29 Assists and 24 PIM in 60 games for Malmo in the Swedish Juniors. Although this does not bode well: he has a twin brother, and there are questions if he can be as productive without him. Still very gifted offensively.

Henrik Tommernes is the old man of the group coming in at 21 years old. Couldn't find much on this blue-liner, but he seems to be a more physical player, with flashes of offense throughout his junior career.

*Also a note: Shortly after I posted the article about Ehrhoff, his rights were traded to the New York Islander for a fourth round pick in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. Nice move by Gillis. If you can't sign him at least get something for him.