Canucks News
Not much going on in Canuck world right now. The boys are relaxing in lovely Los Angles while preparing to play the Kings tomorrow night. Mason Raymond skated for the first time with the team the other day and looked pretty good. I'm expecting he'll be back in 2-3 weeks.
In my opinion, the mental part of the comeback will be harder than the physical. It's going to be interesting to see just how willing he is to go into the traffic areas considering the last time he went there, he almost ended up a paraplegic. If Raymond is recovered fully, the Canucks second line will be a lot better in a few weeks. Get well soon May Ray, the team needs you.
Since not much is going on, and Canuck fans seem to get rather cranky if they don't get their daily blog, I figured it would be a good time to shed a little light on some of the 2012 NHL draft class. These kids are currently rated anywhere from mid-first round to third round. While I'm no Brian Huddle, here are my thoughts on a few guys that are playing well.
WHL
Coda Gordon LW 6”1 180
Undrafted in the WHL draft hasn’t stopped Coda Gordon from turning some heads in his rookie season. This WHL rookie has scored 22 points in 18 games for the Swift Current Broncos. Gordon is a good skater that does his best work in the corners and in front of the net. He uses his size well and is very good at finding open space to get his shot off.
19GM/ 11G/ 11A/ 22PTS/ -1+/-/ 6PIM
NHL Comparison- Teddy Purcell
Damon Severson D 6"2 198
Coming into the season the Kelowna Rockets rearguard was viewed as more of a stay at home, physical D. This season he has burst out of the gates with 16 points in 17 games. Severson has a great shot from the point, moves the puck safely out of his zone, and can shut down the other team's top players. While Severson has good top end speed he will need to work on his acceleration and mobility to make an impact as a top pairing D.
17GM/ 3G/ 13A/ 16PTS/ -2+/-/ 20PIM
NHL Comparison- Alex Edler
Brandon Magee C 5"8 172
If Magee was 5"11 he would be on most teams list as a first round pick. Instead, because of his smallish statue, the Victoria Centre will likely be a late second round pick or later. Magee plays like a wolverine and is fearless on the ice, not backing down from anyone. He brings his lunch pail night in and night out, and is sure to be a fan favourite. He is an exceptional skater, who plays a solid 2-way game, is a great passer who finishes his checks, and makes his teammates better. The only worry scouts may have with him is his size but I'm sure his heart will make up for that.
14GM/ 2G/ 11A/ 13PTS/ -2+/-/ 17PIM
NHL Comparison- Kris Versteeg
OHL
Artur Gavrus C 5"10 165
The Belarusian Bullet is off to a great start to his North American hockey Career. Gavrus has made a seamless transition from Europe to the OHL and has 16 points in 19 games for Owen Sound. Gavrus is an outstanding skater, who can bring the fans out of their seats when he gets the puck. His best assets are his skating, stick handling, and pure offensive game. While there is still plenty of room for the defensive and physical side of Gavrus game to grow, he is working on it.
19GM/ 8G/ 8A/ 16PTS/ +1+/-/ 12PIM
NHL Comparison- Max Afinogenov
Matt Finn D 6"0 197
The Guelph Storm D-man is off to a very good start to the season. He currently sits 7th in OHL scoring for a defenceman with 13 points in 14 games. Finn plays the game very relaxed and composed. He is able to pass the puck out of the zone or rush it up ice. His best quality is his relentless work ethic. If you can't find Finn at the rink, he is likely at the gym. One thing Finn needs to work on is his foot speed to succeed at the NHL level.
14GM/ 4G/ 9A/ 13PTS/ 0+/-/ 16PIM
NHL Comparison- John Carlson
Jesse Graham D 5"11 160
The Niagara Ice Dog defenceman has had a bit of a rough start to the year but is coming around. Graham is maybe the best skater in the draft and has exceptional foot speed. He plays the game with a lot of poise and smarts, and when you see him live you can't help but watch him. His numbers don't reflect how good this kid is going to be and the only real flaw to his game right now is he's rail thin. If Graham can pack 25 pounds on to that frame, look out, someone will get a steal.
18GM/ 3G/ 4A/ 7PTS/ -5+/-/ 8PIM
NHL Comparison- Duncan Keith
QMJHL
Charles Hudon LW 5"10 171
The Chicoutimi Sagueneens star is off to a great start this year. Hudon was last year's QMJHL Rookie of the Year, and is playing even better this year than last. While Hudon may be a bit small, he is a good skater who has a knack for finding the open spaces on the ice. He has maybe the quickest hands in the draft and plays the game with a motor that does not stop. While Hudon's play can sometimes be a bit streaky, he has always played his best in big tournaments for Canada and Quebec.
18GM/ 8G/ 13A/ 21PTS/ +2+/-/ 14PIM
NHL Comparison- Danny Briere
Raphaël Bussières LW 6"1 192
Bussières is a big, strong, power forward in the making. He is off to a strong start in Baie-Comeau and is third in team scoring. Bussières is a great skater, who is tough to stop once he is going. He is a load to handle one-on-one, and can make D look foolish at times. He has great hands, a great shot and is willing to fight once in a while, when he needs to. The defensive part of his game still needs some work, but has improved a lot over last year.
18GM/ 8G/ 14A/ 22PTS +12+/-/ 21PIM
NHL Comparison- Jamie Benn
Denis Kamaev RW 5"10 180
This dynamic, high skilled, Russian, is out to a great start to his season in Rouyn-Noranda. He currently sits second in team scoring with 22 points in 22games. While Kamaev is only an average skater, his quick hands, vision, extremely high skill level and hockey IQ are the behind his early season success. When you watch a Husky's game you likely won't find a smarter player on the ice, the kid just doesn't make mistakes. Due to his small frame and the Russian factor he will likely be a second or third round pick. If he goes that low someone will be getting a steal.
22GM/ 7G/ 15A/ 22PTS/ -12+/-/ 0PIM
NHL Comparison- Jason Pominville
Well that wraps up my thoughts on prospects. I hope you have enjoyed the read.
Thanks for reading.
Enjoy your day.
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