The NHL Draft is set to take place in Las Vegas in just three weeks ,June 28th and 29th, but for Vancouver Canucks fans, the excitement is tempered by the lack of first and second-round picks. The Canucks have already moved a significant portion of their draft capital and prospects, which means there’s not much to look forward to in terms of high-profile selections. However, that doesn’t mean the draft will be uneventful for the team. Here’s a breakdown of the current situation and some potential moves the Canucks could make.

Current Prospects and Untouchables

The Canucks have a few high-end prospects that are unlikely to be moved. Elias Pettersson (D-Petty), Tom Willander, and Jonathan Lekkerimäki represent the future core of the team, and it’s hard to imagine management trading them away. These players are seen as foundational pieces for the Canucks’ long-term success.

Aatu Räty, on the other hand, is a more realistic trade piece. However, his value on the market might not be substantial enough to fetch a significant return. Given his potential, the Canucks might be better off holding onto him and allowing him to develop within their system.

After a stellar playoff performance and with Demko’s injury history, Arturs Silovs has solidified his position as a crucial part of the Canucks’ goaltending depth. Moving Silovs would be a highly unpopular decision among fans, especially given the importance of having a reliable backup in today’s NHL.

Kirill Kudryavtsev is another prospect who could potentially be on the move. However, his current value isn’t particularly high, so trading him might not bring the Canucks much in return.

Potential Moves at the NHL Draft

1. Making a Trade at the NHL Draft for Salary Cap Relief

One of the primary goals for the Canucks could be to create some salary cap relief. Moving a player like Ilya Mikheyev, who has a sizable contract, could be a way to achieve this. However, such a trade would likely require the Canucks to include a prospect or draft pick to sweeten the deal. The question is, which prospect or pick could they afford to give up without mortgaging their future?

One possibility is including a mid-tier prospect like Kudryavtsev in a package deal. While he might not have high trade value on his own, pairing him with Mikheyev could make the deal more attractive to other teams. This move would help the Canucks free up cap space, which could then be used to sign other free agents or re-sign key players.

2. NHL Draft Acquiring Mid-to-Late Round Picks

Another strategy could be to focus on acquiring additional mid-to-late-round picks. These picks might not have the same immediate impact as first or second-round selections, but they can be valuable assets for building organizational depth. The Canucks could look to trade some of their fringe players or lower-tier prospects to teams looking to add depth, in exchange for third to sixth-round picks. This is an unlikely scenario as ownership and management have not shown a desire to build the team in this way.

3. Making a Big Trade at the NHL Draft in Vegas

While it seems unlikely given their current situation, there is always a chance that the Canucks could make a splash with a significant trade. This would likely involve moving one of their more valuable assets or a package of players and prospects to acquire a higher draft pick or a player who can make an immediate impact.

A big trade would require careful consideration of the team’s needs and future outlook. For example, if a team is willing to part with a first-round pick in exchange for a combination of players and prospects, the Canucks might consider it, but only if it aligns with their long-term plans.

What Do Fans Want?

As Canucks fans, we’re always hoping for the best possible outcome for our team. The draft is a time for optimism and excitement, even if our current draft position doesn’t inspire much hope. Here are some questions to consider:

• Would you like to see the Canucks make a big trade at the draft?
• Should the focus be on acquiring additional picks to build the prospect pool?
• Is moving a player like Mikheyev for salary cap relief a priority, and what should we be willing to give up in return?

This Years NHL Draft

The 2024 NHL Draft may not hold the promise of immediate high-end talent for the Canucks, but it still represents an opportunity to make strategic moves that can benefit the team in the long run. Whether it’s creating salary cap relief, acquiring additional picks, or even making a surprising trade, the Canucks have options to consider.

As fans, your input and opinions are invaluable. What do you hope to see at the draft this year? Share your thoughts in the comments section below. Let’s discuss future of our Canucks.

Go Canucks Go