Vancouver Canucks 2013-2014 Offseason Review
The 2013-2014 season was one for remodeling and rebuilding the Vancouver Canucks. If last season's philosophy was "out with the old", then the mantra for this season was definitely "in with the new".
After finishing with the 2nd worst record in the league, the Canucks fan base was beginning to wonder what direction GM Jason Glubiak had their team headed. Hopefully they were answered with the moves made this offseason. Starting with the luck of the draw, and winning of the 2014 Draft Lottery, moving up from the second to the top spot in the draft.
Vancouver once again started their offseason with a plethora of draft picks, including seven in the top 60. This time, hoping to use them to help with the now, more than just the future.
Starting with a trifecta of minor deals, to help give the Canucks help, and financial, as well as roster space. The first transaction, saw Vancouver send one of their starting goalie tandem, Jacob Markstrom (38gp, 13-18-0-0, 3.10gaa, 87.6sa%), to Detroit, for a 2nd round pick in the 2015 draft. The second, had defenseman Vladimir Mihalik (64gp, 1g-10a=11pts -9, +92 GA/TA) being sent to the Dallas Stars, also for a 2nd rounder in 2015. The two picks will help keep the prospect pool filled for the future, or perhaps be used as trade chips. The last of the three, saw another exchange between the Canucks and Stars. Vancouver acquired offensive minded C/LW Andrei Loktionov, while sending Dallas' their own 3rd round pick in the upcoming draft (previously acquired).
Following the house cleaning, the Canucks thought over how best to use their 4 first round picks. Though they had listened to offers for the first overall, there was little chance of it being traded. The others, were up for grabs.
Continuing to shore up their offense, Vancouver packaged Phoenix's 1st (25th ov), Pittsburgh's 2nd (60th ov), and their own 3rd in 2015 and sent them to the Calgary Flames. In return, the Canucks received forward Alexander Burnistrov (67 points in 85 games, including 24 powerplay points, and 245 PIM's), as well as defenseman Josh Godfrey (20 points in 56 games, with 10 on the powerplay). Both these players should help what was an otherwise anemic Canucks offense, especially Godfrey, who will provide a shot from the point, something severely lacking on Vancouver's 2013-14 team.
With a glaring hole in the crease and the lack of a bonafied starter since the trade of Luongo, Vancouver wanted to solidify their crease with a starter that would here for the long term. There were a couple of goalies that fit the bill, and though some might have been less expensive, the Canucks went after the goalie their GM had his eye on since taking over last year. San Jose's Andrei Vasilevskiy. Rebuffed by the Sharks on numerous occasion's, Glubiak looked to take advantage of San Jose's sudden and unexpected downfall in the playoffs. Vancouver sent two of their 1st round picks (DET 10th ov & BOS 18th ov) to the Sharks for the 19 year old Vasilevskiy, and San Jose's 3rd in 2014. the deal was completed when San Jose included defenseman Niklas Kronwall, for Pittsburgh's 3rd round pick in 2015. Vasilevskiy, coming off a 38 win rookie season, will be the starter for Vancouver for the near and foreseeable future. Hopefully this will put Canucks fans at ease a bit, heading into the 2014 season.
Glubiak continued his offseason dealing, by sending the 34ov pick to the Winnipeg Jets, for the 38th overall pick and the Jets 2nd round pick next season. Vancouver then welcomed Buffalo's new GM, by sending him the 91st and 113th picks in this years draft, as well as Boston's 3rd round pick in 2015 for the 69th overall pick. Later, looking to get back into the 4th round, fringe forward, Jordan Martinook was sent east to the New York Rangers, in return the Canucks received the 108th and 111th picks in the current draft. The most recent deal, sent Vancouver's 5th rounder in 2015 to the Florida Panthers, for their 5th round pick in the current draft, 126th overall.
Vancouver Canucks 2013-2014 Offseason and Draft Reviews
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VancouverCanucksGM
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VancouverCanucksGM
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Re: Vancouver Canucks 2013-2014 Offseason and Draft Reviews
Vancouver Canucks 2014 Draft Review - First Round
Name: Aaron Ekblad
Age: 18
HT: 6'4 WT: 216
Position: Defenseman
Drafted: 1st round (1st overall)
CSB Ranking: 2nd Overall (North American skaters)
Expectations: Top pairing defenseman
In need of a solid 2-way defenseman, Aaron Ekblad was more than anything the Canucks could have asked for. Aaron point production improved from his rookie season on. His last season, saw him score 23 goals, while adding 30 assists. An incredible 16 of those goals were scored on the powerplay. Ekblad embraces every aspect of his game, from scoring, to shutting down the oppositions best skaters to even dropping the gloves when necessary.
Aaron will be given every chance to make the Canucks out of camp, but Vancouver won't rush him, as they want him as fully developed as possible. His likely landing spot will be the AHL as one of Vancouver's three under 20 players. Giving him time to develop while getting top pair minutes, as well as powerplay and shorthanded time.
Both Vancouver's brass and their fans look forward to Arron's arrival.
Name: Aaron Ekblad
Age: 18
HT: 6'4 WT: 216
Position: Defenseman
Drafted: 1st round (1st overall)
CSB Ranking: 2nd Overall (North American skaters)
Expectations: Top pairing defenseman
In need of a solid 2-way defenseman, Aaron Ekblad was more than anything the Canucks could have asked for. Aaron point production improved from his rookie season on. His last season, saw him score 23 goals, while adding 30 assists. An incredible 16 of those goals were scored on the powerplay. Ekblad embraces every aspect of his game, from scoring, to shutting down the oppositions best skaters to even dropping the gloves when necessary.
Aaron will be given every chance to make the Canucks out of camp, but Vancouver won't rush him, as they want him as fully developed as possible. His likely landing spot will be the AHL as one of Vancouver's three under 20 players. Giving him time to develop while getting top pair minutes, as well as powerplay and shorthanded time.
Both Vancouver's brass and their fans look forward to Arron's arrival.
Last edited by VancouverCanucksGM on Sun Jul 20, 2014 12:23 am, edited 2 times in total.
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VancouverCanucksGM
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Re: Vancouver Canucks 2013-2014 Offseason and Draft Reviews
Vancouver Canucks 2014 Draft Review - Second Round
Name: Alexander Sharov
Age: 18
HT: 6'2 WT: 187
Position: Left/Right Wing
Drafted: 2nd round (32nd overall)
CSB Ranking: 34th Overall (European skaters)
Expectations: Two-way Winger
After playing with Krasnaya Armiya of the Russian Minor/Junior Hockey League (MHL), Alexander was finally ready to make the jump to the VHL, signing a contract with Lada Togliatti.
The Canucks were pleased to see Sharov still on the board when their turn to pick came around. Having been one of their more highly scouted prospects, Vancouver wasted no time in calling his name from their draft table in Philadelphia.
Scouts have noted his ability to play at both ends of the ice, with a decent scoring touch (34 points in 41 games), as well as having solid awareness and responsibility (+25). His stock continued to rise within the Vancouver organization, with a stellar performance in the MHL playoffs, scoring 18 points in 20 games while adding a respectable +12.
Though he won't appear at their summer rdevelopmental camp, the Canucks look forward to having Sharov attend the one in the fall, scheduled just before the start of training camp. The outlook for Alexander is for to play the upcoming year in the VHL, and then invite him to North America to begin his career with the Canucks.
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Name: Connor Chatham
Age: 18
HT: 6'3 WT: 225
Position: Left/Right Wing
Drafted: 2nd round (38th overall)
CSB Ranking: 46th Overall (North American skaters)
Expectations: Power Forward
Standing 6'3 and 225 pounds, Belleville, Illinois native Connor Chatham isn't hard to miss. Chatham is the latest of Vancouver's mid round projects, like Michael McCarron before him. Connor has the combination of deceptive shot power, added to his physicality, gives the Canucks something they're always looking for, productive size.
He notched 31 points, including 13 goals in his first season with the Plymouth Whalers of the OHL. He will look to continue his development at the junior level in the upcoming season. Like Aleaxander Sharov, Connor will miss the Canuck's developmental camp in the coming week, but is expected to participate fully in the fall RC camp, as well as the Canuck's training camp in September.
Vancouver has given the rough projection of the 2016 season for Connor to make his professional debut, weather that be Vancouver or on the farm in Utica.
Name: Alexander Sharov
Age: 18
HT: 6'2 WT: 187
Position: Left/Right Wing
Drafted: 2nd round (32nd overall)
CSB Ranking: 34th Overall (European skaters)
Expectations: Two-way Winger
After playing with Krasnaya Armiya of the Russian Minor/Junior Hockey League (MHL), Alexander was finally ready to make the jump to the VHL, signing a contract with Lada Togliatti.
The Canucks were pleased to see Sharov still on the board when their turn to pick came around. Having been one of their more highly scouted prospects, Vancouver wasted no time in calling his name from their draft table in Philadelphia.
Scouts have noted his ability to play at both ends of the ice, with a decent scoring touch (34 points in 41 games), as well as having solid awareness and responsibility (+25). His stock continued to rise within the Vancouver organization, with a stellar performance in the MHL playoffs, scoring 18 points in 20 games while adding a respectable +12.
Though he won't appear at their summer rdevelopmental camp, the Canucks look forward to having Sharov attend the one in the fall, scheduled just before the start of training camp. The outlook for Alexander is for to play the upcoming year in the VHL, and then invite him to North America to begin his career with the Canucks.
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Name: Connor Chatham
Age: 18
HT: 6'3 WT: 225
Position: Left/Right Wing
Drafted: 2nd round (38th overall)
CSB Ranking: 46th Overall (North American skaters)
Expectations: Power Forward
Standing 6'3 and 225 pounds, Belleville, Illinois native Connor Chatham isn't hard to miss. Chatham is the latest of Vancouver's mid round projects, like Michael McCarron before him. Connor has the combination of deceptive shot power, added to his physicality, gives the Canucks something they're always looking for, productive size.
He notched 31 points, including 13 goals in his first season with the Plymouth Whalers of the OHL. He will look to continue his development at the junior level in the upcoming season. Like Aleaxander Sharov, Connor will miss the Canuck's developmental camp in the coming week, but is expected to participate fully in the fall RC camp, as well as the Canuck's training camp in September.
Vancouver has given the rough projection of the 2016 season for Connor to make his professional debut, weather that be Vancouver or on the farm in Utica.
Last edited by VancouverCanucksGM on Sun Jul 20, 2014 12:22 am, edited 1 time in total.
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VancouverCanucksGM
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Re: Vancouver Canucks 2013-2014 Offseason and Draft Reviews
Vancouver Canucks 2014 Draft Review - Third Round
Name: Joni Tuulola
Age: 18
HT: 6'3 WT: 181
Position: Defenseman
Drafted: 3rd round (69th overall)
CSB Ranking: 41st Overall (European skaters)
Expectations: Defensive Defenseman
While with the Under 20 squad of HPK, Joni accumulated 24 points in 47 games, and though his offensive numbers may have earned him a spot on the parent club, it was his defensive play that caught eyes of the scout's for Vancouver. Joni led his team in points by a defenseman, as well as leading the entire team in plus/minus, with a +15.
Vancouver hopes to have a future 4-6 position stay at home defenseman in Tuulola. He will stay oversea's for one possibly 2 more seasons, and then will look to make the switch to the North American style in the AHL.
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Name: Brandon Prophet
Age: 18
HT: 6'2 WT: 203
Position: Defenseman
Drafted: 3rd round (86th overall)
CSB Ranking: 174th Overall (North American skaters)
Expectations: Defensive Defenseman
The Canuck's were once again on the lookout for defense, and found that player in Brandon Prophet.
Brandon, being more of a stay at home for the Saginaw Spirit, had a welcome addition to his game when he also chipped in 19 points in 65 games with a +5. Much like Tuulola before him, Vancouver was drawn more to his defensive competency.
Projected as a bottom pairing defenseman, Prophet brings his work ethic wherever he goes. Already scheduled to arrive in Vancouver for the summer developmental camp, the Canuck's take that as a positive sign to him wanting to improve his game every chance he gets.
His future will remain in the hands of Saginaw in the OHL, where he'll be given the chance to develop, getting minutes he wouldn't be afforded elsewhere in Vancouver's organization. At the end of his junior career, he will be reevaluated and then it will determine his place in the Canucks system.
Name: Joni Tuulola
Age: 18
HT: 6'3 WT: 181
Position: Defenseman
Drafted: 3rd round (69th overall)
CSB Ranking: 41st Overall (European skaters)
Expectations: Defensive Defenseman
While with the Under 20 squad of HPK, Joni accumulated 24 points in 47 games, and though his offensive numbers may have earned him a spot on the parent club, it was his defensive play that caught eyes of the scout's for Vancouver. Joni led his team in points by a defenseman, as well as leading the entire team in plus/minus, with a +15.
Vancouver hopes to have a future 4-6 position stay at home defenseman in Tuulola. He will stay oversea's for one possibly 2 more seasons, and then will look to make the switch to the North American style in the AHL.
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Name: Brandon Prophet
Age: 18
HT: 6'2 WT: 203
Position: Defenseman
Drafted: 3rd round (86th overall)
CSB Ranking: 174th Overall (North American skaters)
Expectations: Defensive Defenseman
The Canuck's were once again on the lookout for defense, and found that player in Brandon Prophet.
Brandon, being more of a stay at home for the Saginaw Spirit, had a welcome addition to his game when he also chipped in 19 points in 65 games with a +5. Much like Tuulola before him, Vancouver was drawn more to his defensive competency.
Projected as a bottom pairing defenseman, Prophet brings his work ethic wherever he goes. Already scheduled to arrive in Vancouver for the summer developmental camp, the Canuck's take that as a positive sign to him wanting to improve his game every chance he gets.
His future will remain in the hands of Saginaw in the OHL, where he'll be given the chance to develop, getting minutes he wouldn't be afforded elsewhere in Vancouver's organization. At the end of his junior career, he will be reevaluated and then it will determine his place in the Canucks system.
Last edited by VancouverCanucksGM on Sun Jul 20, 2014 12:21 am, edited 1 time in total.
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VancouverCanucksGM
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Re: Vancouver Canucks 2013-2014 Offseason and Draft Reviews
Vancouver Canucks 2014 Draft Review - Fourth Round
Name: Jake Walman
Age: 18
HT: 6'1 WT: 174
Position: Defenseman
Drafted: 4th round (108th overall)
CSB Ranking: 47th Overall (North American skaters)
Expectations: Defensive Defenseman
Committed to Providence College, Jake Walman, will take the NCAA route to his hockey career. While playing with the Toronto Jr. Canadiens of the OJHL, Walman became one of the teams top flight defensemen, contributing 33 points in 43 games.
Jake will compete with other draftees for spots in Utica when he completes his college career.
Due to NCAA rules, Jake will not be eligible to attend any of the Canucks rookie camps.
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Vancouver Canucks 2014 Draft Review - Fourth Round
Name: Henrik Törnqvist
Age: 18
HT: 6'1 WT: 165
Position: Right/Left Wing
Drafted: 4th round (111th overall)
CSB Ranking: 50th Overall (European skaters)
Expectations: Minor league top line forward, fringe/emergency call-up
Henrik is slated to play for Linkoping in the 2014-2015 season. It wasn't until he appeared with Sweden's Under-18 team in international competition, that his offensive side seemed to blossom. He notched 5 points and a +3 in 7 games at the World Juniors, and added 13 points with a +4 in 20 games on an international tour.
The Canucks see him as top 6 forward in Utica, with the possibility of an emergency call-up if necessary.
Name: Jake Walman
Age: 18
HT: 6'1 WT: 174
Position: Defenseman
Drafted: 4th round (108th overall)
CSB Ranking: 47th Overall (North American skaters)
Expectations: Defensive Defenseman
Committed to Providence College, Jake Walman, will take the NCAA route to his hockey career. While playing with the Toronto Jr. Canadiens of the OJHL, Walman became one of the teams top flight defensemen, contributing 33 points in 43 games.
Jake will compete with other draftees for spots in Utica when he completes his college career.
Due to NCAA rules, Jake will not be eligible to attend any of the Canucks rookie camps.
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Vancouver Canucks 2014 Draft Review - Fourth Round
Name: Henrik Törnqvist
Age: 18
HT: 6'1 WT: 165
Position: Right/Left Wing
Drafted: 4th round (111th overall)
CSB Ranking: 50th Overall (European skaters)
Expectations: Minor league top line forward, fringe/emergency call-up
Henrik is slated to play for Linkoping in the 2014-2015 season. It wasn't until he appeared with Sweden's Under-18 team in international competition, that his offensive side seemed to blossom. He notched 5 points and a +3 in 7 games at the World Juniors, and added 13 points with a +4 in 20 games on an international tour.
The Canucks see him as top 6 forward in Utica, with the possibility of an emergency call-up if necessary.
Last edited by VancouverCanucksGM on Sun Jul 20, 2014 12:20 am, edited 1 time in total.
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VancouverCanucksGM
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Re: Vancouver Canucks 2013-2014 Offseason and Draft Reviews
Vancouver Canucks 2014 Draft Review - Fifth Round
Name: Connor Crisp
Age: 19
HT: 6'3 WT: 225
Position: Left/Right Wing
Drafted: 5th round (126th overall)
CSB Ranking: NA
Expectations: Enforcer
Not much to discover about Connor Crisp, he's out to protect his teammates.
Passed over in the last 2 drafts, Crisp is hoping to be given a chance to play early due to being an overage junior.
He will be attending the summer development camp scheduled for later this week. Vancouver quietly hope he'll turn out to be more than he appears, but if all he is in an enforcer, the Canuck's will fine with that too.
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Vancouver Canucks 2014 Draft Review - Sixth Round
Name: Dallas Valentine
Age: 17
HT: 6'4 WT: 195
Position: Defenseman
Drafted: 6th round (152nd overall)
CSB Ranking: 105th Overall (North American skaters)
Expectations: Defensive Defenseman
Dallas look's to be headed to Vancouver's development camp so the scouts can get a closer look.
Though other teams may have passed over, the scouts believe there's something there to work with. Like a piece of clay, Valentine will have to worked with by the coaches. Hoping to shape him into a possible bottom pairing, reserve defenseman.
If all else fails, they have a ready made promotional night.
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Vancouver Canucks 2014 Draft Review - Seventh Round
Name: Fabian Heldner
Age: 18
HT: 6'4 WT: 209
Position: Defenseman
Drafted: 7th round (182nd overall)
CSB Ranking: 102nd Overall (European skaters)
Expectations: Defensive Defenseman
Always looking for physical players, Fabian Heldner fit the bill. His combination of size, and skill at this point in the draft was more than enough to entice Vancouver to take a flier.
He will remain in Switzerland to continue his development, possibly being invited to the Canuck's fall rookie camp in September.
This concludes the Offseason/Draft review, hope you enjoyed it. Stay tuned for the release of the summer development camp roster, as well as pictures and video's from the event.
Thanks,
VCGM
Name: Connor Crisp
Age: 19
HT: 6'3 WT: 225
Position: Left/Right Wing
Drafted: 5th round (126th overall)
CSB Ranking: NA
Expectations: Enforcer
Not much to discover about Connor Crisp, he's out to protect his teammates.
Passed over in the last 2 drafts, Crisp is hoping to be given a chance to play early due to being an overage junior.
He will be attending the summer development camp scheduled for later this week. Vancouver quietly hope he'll turn out to be more than he appears, but if all he is in an enforcer, the Canuck's will fine with that too.
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Vancouver Canucks 2014 Draft Review - Sixth Round
Name: Dallas Valentine
Age: 17
HT: 6'4 WT: 195
Position: Defenseman
Drafted: 6th round (152nd overall)
CSB Ranking: 105th Overall (North American skaters)
Expectations: Defensive Defenseman
Dallas look's to be headed to Vancouver's development camp so the scouts can get a closer look.
Though other teams may have passed over, the scouts believe there's something there to work with. Like a piece of clay, Valentine will have to worked with by the coaches. Hoping to shape him into a possible bottom pairing, reserve defenseman.
If all else fails, they have a ready made promotional night.
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Vancouver Canucks 2014 Draft Review - Seventh Round
Name: Fabian Heldner
Age: 18
HT: 6'4 WT: 209
Position: Defenseman
Drafted: 7th round (182nd overall)
CSB Ranking: 102nd Overall (European skaters)
Expectations: Defensive Defenseman
Always looking for physical players, Fabian Heldner fit the bill. His combination of size, and skill at this point in the draft was more than enough to entice Vancouver to take a flier.
He will remain in Switzerland to continue his development, possibly being invited to the Canuck's fall rookie camp in September.
This concludes the Offseason/Draft review, hope you enjoyed it. Stay tuned for the release of the summer development camp roster, as well as pictures and video's from the event.
Thanks,
VCGM