Category Archives: Riley Patterson

Canucks Director of Scouting Todd Harvey On His Selections

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.”

Fan Reactions and Future Prospects

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!

Vancouver Canucks 2024 Draft Picks: Skill and Size for the Future

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.

Draft Picks Overview

  1. Melvin Fernström (3rd Round, 93rd Overall)
    • Position: Right Wing
    • Height: 6’0″
    • Weight: 187 lbs
    • Nationality: Sweden
    • Highlights: Fernström is noted for his high hockey IQ and excellent play-reading ability. He anticipates plays well, positions himself effectively, and has a precise shot. His development in Swedish youth leagues has equipped him with a strong foundation in fundamentals.
    • Potential: High potential due to his smart positioning and offensive instincts.
  2. Riley Patterson (4th Round, 125th Overall)
    • Position: Center
    • Height: 6’1″
    • Weight: 192 lbs
    • Nationality: Canada
    • Highlights: Patterson’s dynamic playing style includes excellent puck handling, quick crossovers, and a sharp wrist shot. He posted impressive stats in the OHL with the Barrie Colts, recording 62 points in 68 games.
    • Potential: Strong potential as a dynamic offensive player, especially if he can adapt his skills to the NHL level.
  3. Anthony Romani (6th Round, 162nd Overall)
    • Position: Center/Right Wing
    • Height: 6’0″
    • Weight: 183 lbs
    • Nationality: Canada
    • Highlights: Romani excels at generating offense off the rush and is an effective playmaker. His ability to stretch the ice with long passes and create space with east-west movement makes him a constant threat.
    • Potential: Versatile forward with good offensive upside, ideal for creating scoring opportunities.
  4. Parker Alcos (6th Round, 189th Overall)
    • Position: Defense
    • Height: 6’3″
    • Weight: 181 lbs
    • Nationality: Canada
    • Highlights: Alcos is a fluid skater with excellent mobility, capable of winning puck races and controlling contact. His defensive awareness and ability to transition the puck effectively make him a solid prospect on the blue line.
    • Potential: High potential due to his skating ability and defensive awareness, making him a promising defensive prospect.
  5. Basile Sansonnens (7th Round, 221st Overall)
    • Position: Defense
    • Height: 6’4″
    • Weight: 198 lbs
    • Nationality: Switzerland
    • Highlights: Sansonnens is a towering defenseman known for his physical presence and defensive reliability. He uses his size effectively to disrupt opponents and has a strong shot from the point.
    • Potential: Significant potential as a physically dominant defenseman with offensive capabilities.

Positional Breakdown

  • Forwards: 3 (Melvin Fernström, Riley Patterson, Anthony Romani)
    • Right Wing: 1 (Fernström)
    • Center: 2 (Patterson, Romani)
    • Center/Right Wing: 1 (Romani)
  • Defensemen: 2 (Parker Alcos, Basile Sansonnens)

Highlights and Highest Potential

Despite not having early-round picks, the Canucks managed to draft players with significant potential. Here are the highlights:

  • Skill and Playmaking: Riley Patterson and Anthony Romani bring dynamic offensive skills and playmaking abilities, making them exciting prospects for the Canucks’ forward lines.
  • Defensive Strength: Parker Alcos and Basile Sansonnens add considerable size and defensive capabilities to the blue line. Alcos’ mobility and Sansonnens’ physical presence provide a solid foundation for future defensive depth.
  • Hockey IQ and Positioning: Melvin Fernström stands out for his high hockey IQ and excellent positioning, making him a forward with great potential to develop into a reliable and smart player.

Highest Potential:

  • Riley Patterson likely has the highest potential among the forwards due to his dynamic offensive skills and impressive performance in the OHL.
  • Parker Alcos could be the standout defenseman with his exceptional skating ability and defensive awareness, providing a strong backbone for the team’s future defensive lineup.

Final Thoughts on this Years Draft Class

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 Riley Patterson with 4th Round Pick, 125th Overall

Canucks Draft Riley Patterson with 4th Round Pick, 125th Overall. In what may end up being a great pick up in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, the Vancouver Canucks selected center Riley Patterson with the 125th overall pick in the fourth round. Born on March 22, 2006, in Etobicoke, Ontario, the 18-year-old Patterson has already made a significant impact playing for the Barrie Colts in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). Standing at 6’1″ and weighing 192 lbs, Patterson brings a formidable presence on the ice with a combination of size, skill, and agility that promises to enhance the Canucks’ prospect pool.

Riley Patterson: Junior Career and Performance

Patterson’s performance with the Barrie Colts during the 2023-2024 OHL season showcased his offensive prowess and playmaking abilities. In 68 games, he tallied an impressive 62 points, comprised of 29 goals and 33 assists. His contribution during the playoffs, where he recorded 2 goals and 1 assist in 6 games, further underscored his potential to perform under pressure.

Riley Patterson’s Playing Style

Patterson is known for his dynamic playing style, utilizing blazing crossovers and smooth puck handling to penetrate defensive lines and create scoring opportunities. His ability to catch defenders off-guard with his agility and quick decision-making makes him a constant threat in the offensive zone. One of his standout skills is his quick-release wrist shot, which he often employs after skillfully maneuvering through opponents.

Riley Patterson’s Adaptability and Potential

Transitioning from the OHL to the NHL will present new challenges for Patterson, but his skill set and hockey intelligence suggest he has the tools to adapt effectively. His agility and puck handling, combined with his physical attributes, position him well to take on the increased pace and physicality of professional hockey. Developing his consistency and refining his defensive play will be crucial as he works towards making an impact at the NHL level.

Fit with the Canucks

For the Vancouver Canucks, selecting Riley Patterson in the fourth round is a calculated move aimed at bolstering their depth at the center position. Patterson’s offensive capabilities and his knack for creating plays make him a valuable addition to the team’s prospect pool. His size and skill set align with the type of player the Canucks need to strengthen their roster for the future.

Patterson’s Path Forward

As Patterson transitions from junior hockey to the professional ranks, his focus will likely be on further developing his physicality and defensive reliability. Working with the Canucks’ development staff, he will have the opportunity to fine-tune his skills and adapt his game to the demands of the NHL. His progress in the coming years will be closely monitored by Canucks fans and the organization alike.

Fan Perspective

For Canucks fans, Riley Patterson’s selection is an exciting development. His offensive skill set and dynamic playing style bring a fresh and promising element to the team’s future prospects. Watching his journey from the OHL to potentially making an impact in the NHL will be an intriguing storyline for fans to follow.

Final Thoughts on Riley Patterson

Riley Patterson’s selection at 125th overall adds a dynamic and promising player to the Vancouver Canucks’ roster of prospects. His impressive junior career, highlighted by his offensive production and skillful play, makes him a player to watch as he continues to develop within the organization. With the right guidance and development, Patterson has the potential to become a significant contributor to the Canucks in the future.

Canucks fans, what do you think of this pick? How do you see Patterson fitting into the team’s future plans? Share your thoughts and let’s keep the discussion going.

Go Canucks Go!