Canucks fans hopeful ahead of NHL Draft
Posted June 24, 2016 8:36 am.
Last Updated June 24, 2016 10:02 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
BUFFALO, NY. (NEWS 1130) – All eyes in the hockey world are on Buffalo today. The 1st round of the NHL Draft goes this afternoon with the Vancouver Canucks choosing fifth.
Barring any last minute moves, NEWS 1130 Sports Director Ann Schmaltz says you can expect the team to draft Pierre-Luc Dubois who can play centre and wing. “Because the team needs to start thinking about a succession plan for the Sedins who have just two years left on their contract.”
Dubois laced up in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League for Cape Breton last season. The 6’2″ and 205-pound forward put up 99 points, including 42 goals and is the top ranked North American skater at this draft. “There is some thought that given his size and speed, he may be ready to step right in and play at the NHL level,” adds Schmaltz.
There is also talk as to whether the Canucks can make a trade for potential buy-out candidates Alex Burrows and Chris Higgins. “And what, if anything, can be done this weekend regarding Dan Hamhuis? Can a pick be acquired for the pending free-agent defenceman? Is the organization really a serious contender in the PK Subban sweepstakes? Defence is a key area that must be strengthen with this team,” she explains.
The team’s late round pick have to be crucial as well. “History has proven players selected deep in the draft have paid off. Jannik Hansen was selected in the ninth round and Ben Hutton was a fifth round pick.”
The draft gets underway at 4 p.m. You can catch all the updates in NEWS 1130 Sports at :15 and :45 and make sure to follow them @NEWS1130Sports.
