Local hockey fans hoping the Canucks win the top pick in the draft lottery
Posted April 29, 2016 8:51 am.
Last Updated April 29, 2016 8:52 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – For the first time ever, the Vancouver Canucks could land the top pick in the NHL!
Managers from the 14 worst teams in the league this year gather for the draft lottery tomorrow afternoon.
If the Canucks land the first overall pick, which this year is known as the “Auston Matthews Sweepstakes,” they will be getting a dynamic centreman who will easily slide into the lineup next fall.
A franchise player is also what the organization would get if it picks in the number two or three spot.
Two Finnish forwards follow Matthews, and they are Patrik Laine and Jesse Puljujärvi. In January, they helped Finland win gold at the World Junior Championship. Also part of that team was Olli Juolevi, a big puck-moving defenseman.
Even in the four, five, and six spots, the Canucks have an excellent shot at snagging a top defenseman — a depth move that the team desperately needs.
After a season of disappointment, Vancouver fans can finally have something to get excited about, and should keep tabs on these four players.
No doubt, other organizations will reach out to make an offer for the pick but in exchange for, say, Matthews, the Canucks would want a current roster player that fits their needs right now, plus a young prospect and another prospect or future pick.
