Recently Canucks Director of Scouting Todd Harvey had this to say on their Selections at this years NHL Draft in Vegas.
“We had guys rated pretty high that were there for us.”
The Vancouver Canucks approached the National Hockey League Draft in Las Vegas with limited draft capital but managed to walk away feeling good about their selections. Canucks Director of Scouting Todd Harvey is confident that the team made the most of their picks, adding three forwards and two defensemen to their prospect pool.
“We’re really excited how the draft played out for us,” Harvey told Canucks.com.
The Canucks targeted offensive talent with their first three picks, starting with Swedish winger Melvin Fernström in the third round. They followed this by selecting Riley Patterson, a center from Barrie, in the fourth round, and Anthony Romani, a right winger from North Bay, in the sixth round.
Given the Canucks’ recent history of trading away draft picks, the team aimed to maximize their mid-round selections by focusing on players with significant offensive potential. This strategy reflects the team’s understanding that they need to replenish their prospect pool, particularly with players who can eventually contribute to their scoring depth.
Harvey highlighted that despite their draft position, the team was able to secure players they had rated highly. “Obviously you look where our picks were, but we had guys rated pretty high that were there for us and that made us really excited,” he explained. “I couldn’t be happier with the way it played out here on the draft floor today.”
In the later rounds, the Canucks shifted their focus to defense, picking Parker Alcos in the sixth round and Basile Sansonnens in the seventh. Alcos, a right-shot defenseman from the WHL’s Edmonton Oil Kings, and Sansonnens, a left-handed defenseman from the Swiss Junior League, bring size and physicality to the team’s prospect pool.
The Canucks’ selections this year might not immediately alter their prospect rankings, but they represent a strategic approach to building depth. The organization is counting on its development staff to polish these prospects and help them reach their potential. The process will begin at the team’s annual summer development camp at UBC, where the young players will receive valuable training and guidance.
“Our development staff does a fantastic job,” Harvey said. “We’re going to have a camp here, the kids are going to come in and they’re going to learn. And they’re going take from the camp what they need back to their club teams and it’s going to make them better. And obviously they’re in contact throughout the season all the time and making sure they’re playing the right way and doing the right things to make themselves better.”
Canucks fans have been vocal about their thoughts on this year’s draft class. Many are excited about the potential offensive boost with picks like Fernström, Patterson, and Romani. There’s a sense of cautious optimism, with fans acknowledging the need for patience as these players develop. The focus on skill and potential, even without early-round picks, has been generally well-received.
Canucks fans have shown a mix of excitement and cautious optimism about the new draftees. Many are enthusiastic about the offensive potential of Fernström, Patterson, and Romani. Fans have expressed their thoughts on social media, with comments like, “Fernström’s hockey IQ is a great addition,” and “Patterson has the potential to be a real steal in the fourth round.”
While there is excitement, there is also an understanding that these players are long-term investments. A fan remarked, “It’s all about development now. These guys won’t make an immediate impact, but they could be great in a few years.”
The Canucks leave Las Vegas with a sense of optimism, having added three offensive talents and two defensive stalwarts to their roster. Although the team had limited picks, they believe they made the most of their opportunities. It will take time to see if these players can transition to the NHL and make an impact, but there is hope that they can develop into valuable assets for the Canucks.
Canucks fans, what are your thoughts on this year’s draft class? Who do you believe has the highest potential to make an impact? Share your thoughts and let’s keep the discussion going.
Go Canucks Go!
Final review of the Vancouver Canucks 2024 Draft Picks. The Vancouver Canucks navigated the 2024 NHL Entry Draft without the advantage of early-round picks, yet managed to strategically enhance their prospect pool with a blend of skill and size. Their selections demonstrate a keen eye for potential and a commitment to building a well-rounded team. By focusing on players who bring a mix of offensive creativity, defensive reliability, and physical presence, the Canucks addressed key areas of need. This approach reflects a balanced strategy aimed at fostering long-term success. Despite the absence of top-tier draft positions, the Canucks’ scouting team identified and secured promising talent across multiple positions, showcasing the organization’s ability to find value in later rounds. Here’s a detailed look at each pick, their potential impact, and how they fit into the Canucks’ future plans.
Despite not having early-round picks, the Canucks managed to draft players with significant potential. Here are the highlights:
Highest Potential:
The Canucks’ 2024 draft strategy focused on adding both skill and size to their prospect pool. While they didn’t have early-round selections, they made the most of their picks by targeting players with high potential and versatility. As these prospects develop, they could play pivotal roles in the Canucks’ future success.
Canucks fans, what do you think of this year’s draft class? Who do you believe has the highest potential to make an impact? Share your thoughts and let’s keep the discussion going.
Go Canucks Go!
Canucks Draft Anthony Romani with 6th Round Pick, 162nd Overall of the 2024 NHL Entry Draft. The Vancouver Canucks selected versatile forward Anthony Romani with the 162nd overall pick in the sixth round. Born on July 12, 2005, in Pickering, Ontario, the 18-year-old Romani has shown considerable promise with his dynamic offensive play and versatility. Standing at 6’0″ and weighing 183 lbs, Romani can play both center and right wing, offering flexibility and depth to the Canucks’ prospect pool.
Romani’s recent season in junior hockey highlighted his offensive capabilities and playmaking skills. Known for his ability to generate offense off the rush, Romani excels in stretching the ice and hitting teammates with precise, long-bomb cross-ice passes. His ability to carry the puck and create scoring opportunities with weaving rushes and give-and-go plays makes him a constant threat in the offensive zone.
Romani’s playing style is characterized by his east-west movement and ability to shift defenses around. By constantly changing directions and creating space, he not only opens up lanes for himself but also for his linemates. His offensive game thrives on speed and agility, allowing him to break through defensive setups and generate high-quality scoring chances.
Most of Romani’s offense is initiated through his dynamic rushes, making him an exciting player to watch. His ability to maintain control of the puck while maneuvering through defenders demonstrates his advanced puck-handling skills. Additionally, his vision on the ice enables him to execute pinpoint passes, setting up his teammates for prime scoring opportunities.
As Romani transitions from junior hockey to the professional ranks, his focus will be on further honing his physical and defensive aspects of the game. The step up to the NHL will require him to adapt to a more physical style of play while maintaining his offensive creativity. With the Canucks’ development staff, Romani will have the resources and guidance needed to refine his skills and reach his full potential.
Selecting Anthony Romani in the sixth round represents a strategic investment by the Vancouver Canucks. His offensive versatility and ability to play both center and right wing add valuable depth to the team’s prospect pool. Romani’s playmaking abilities and knack for generating offense off the rush align well with the Canucks’ need for dynamic and versatile forwards.
Romani’s journey to the NHL will be closely watched by Canucks fans and the organization. His ability to adapt to the physicality and pace of professional hockey will be crucial for his development. As he progresses, his focus will be on maintaining his offensive creativity while improving his defensive reliability and physical play.
For Canucks fans, Anthony Romani’s selection in the sixth round is a promising development. His dynamic playing style and offensive capabilities bring an exciting element to the team’s future prospects. Fans will be eager to see how Romani evolves and contributes to the Canucks in the coming years.
Anthony Romani’s selection at 162nd overall is a testament to the Vancouver Canucks’ commitment to building a deep and versatile roster of prospects. His impressive junior career, highlighted by his offensive production and playmaking skills, makes him a player to watch as he continues to develop within the organization. With the right development and guidance, Romani has the potential to become a significant contributor to the Canucks’ future success.
Canucks fans, what are your thoughts on this pick? How do you envision Romani fitting into the team’s future plans? Share your opinions and let’s keep the conversation going.
Go Canucks Go!
