A scouting report on Bouchard from someone who's watched him and Dobson a lot. Sounds pretty unbiased since he points out the good and bad.
- Nucker101

Canucks Army provided video to show his poor coverage and how quickly he's a non factor defensively because of his lack of first step speed... separation from the forwards is his enemy unless he anticipates it... but that also seems to be a problem.

Seems like quite the project to make this guy a top pairing Dman. I still feel mid/bottom pairing ceiling,,, PP QB.

I got bored of asking people why Bertuzzi is always the comparison to Jake. Bert was a actual big hockey player. A couple of inches and 20-25 pounds is a lot bigger. Jake is larger than average but hardly a BIG hockey player.

Again, labels. Players even smaller than Jake have been called power forwards but some people automatically pigeon hole these guys into a class of players that have special requirements, expectations and learning curves all because of a fkn label loosely thrown around.... Near half the forwards in the league are Jakes size. Jakes special status is pure group think.

- boonerbuck

100%. It's hilarious when Jake is compared to big mean power forwards. He is average size and not even a big hitter at the pro level. Just because he could manhandle 17 year old boys doesn't mean that will translate to the pros

100%. It's hilarious when Jake is compared to big mean power forwards. He is average size and not even a big hitter at the pro level. Just because he could manhandle 17 year old boys doesn't mean that will translate to the pros
- CanuckDon

Are you trying to tell me Virtanen isn't basically Tom Wilson if the Canucks just gave him a chance? (frank) you.

Canucks Army provided video to show his poor coverage and how quickly he's a non factor defensively because of his lack of first step speed... separation from the forwards is his enemy unless he anticipates it... but that also seems to be a problem.

Seems like quite the project to make this guy a top pairing Dman. I still feel mid/bottom pairing ceiling,,, PP QB.
- boonerbuck

The big thing about Bouchard's skating is that his top speed is fine and once he gets going its impressive. Its the other parts of skating like edgework and "nothing strides" that are areas of concern.

I said the other day I would love 2 Horvats
- VANTEL

2x Two way Vanilla. Make your mind up :D

Are you trying to tell me Virtanen isn't basically Tom Wilson if the Canucks just gave him a chance? (frank) you.
- Lindenis#1

The few things I have read on Kotkaniemi remind me of Horvat in a few ways: strong build, already good two-way game, excellent work ethic, average skater, good hands, and similar career projection of 2C ceiling.

I do like though that most agree his skating has drastically improved over the course of this year and that he is still working on it. To me, that explains his rising stock. Skill is good, but the work ethic and hockey IQ should keep pushing his ceiling
- WhiteLie

Bringing in below average skaters is a mistake. Luckily JB has mention many, many times he's looking for skill and speed

Probably the best thing that could happen to this franchise is if Hughes is there at 7
- VANTEL

It would certainly be one of the best outcomes for us in the 1st round

well the scouts really disagree with you. He is regarded as an excellent skater and one of the best defensively of the dmen available at the top of the draft. At the end of the day I am ok with Hughes, Dobson or Whalley
- CanuckDon

Canucks Army provided video to show his poor coverage and how quickly he's a non factor defensively because of his lack of first step speed... separation from the forwards is his enemy unless he anticipates it... but that also seems to be a problem.

Seems like quite the project to make this guy a top pairing Dman. I still feel mid/bottom pairing ceiling,,, PP QB.
- boonerbuck

100%

Are you trying to tell me Virtanen isn't basically Tom Wilson if the Canucks just gave him a chance? (frank) you.
- Lindenis#1

Wilson is massive. Jake is not. I hope he gets back to being physical and gets to a place where he can go in the corners hard, but he's not even close to Wilson physically. Tkachuk could be.

The big thing about Bouchard's skating is that his top speed is fine and once he gets going its impressive. Its the other parts of skating like edgework and "nothing strides" that are areas of concern.
- Lindenis#1

yup

Are you trying to tell me Virtanen isn't basically Tom Wilson if the Canucks just gave him a chance? (frank) you.
- Lindenis#1

100%. It's hilarious when Jake is compared to big mean power forwards. He is average size and not even a big hitter at the pro level. Just because he could manhandle 17 year old boys doesn't mean that will translate to the pros
- CanuckDon

I actually believe Jake is capable and has shown he can hit above his weight class effectively. He surprised quite a few men in his rookie year. Teams we played got a heads up about the kid who hits harder than he looks. I felt at a certain point, he became shy on big hits after being sent to the box for hockey hits often. He's not the smartest guy so he may forever struggle with walking that line.

The big thing about Bouchard's skating is that his top speed is fine and once he gets going its impressive. Its the other parts of skating like edgework and "nothing strides" that are areas of concern.
- Lindenis#1

More or less what I said. Top speed is pointless if there is a big gap before you reach your top speed...

100%. It's hilarious when Jake is compared to big mean power forwards. He is average size and not even a big hitter at the pro level. Just because he could manhandle 17 year old boys doesn't mean that will translate to the pros
- CanuckDon

Jake certainly isn't the big monster so many want him to be. It was nice to see him throw Kronwall down this year though

I think if he's capable of playing tough like that on a consistent basis and using his speed he still has a bright future.

The big thing about Bouchard's skating is that his top speed is fine and once he gets going its impressive. Its the other parts of skating like edgework and "nothing strides" that are areas of concern.
- Lindenis#1

Stoping/starting and edge work are pretty key to defending in the show. I like Bouchard. He's not slow like Kokt, but he does have serious acceleration issues. Kokt should not be a top10 pick IMO, I don't see what all the hoopla is about.

More or less what I said. Top speed is pointless if there is a big gap before you reach your top speed...
- boonerbuck

Edgework is the kind of thing that can be either easily fixed or never fixed.

Like maybe if he signs up for ballet or dance classes, mixed in with skills coach you can fix it. But because skating is skating and skating is (frank)ing weird on the body, then it could totally be something that never improves to the level you want.

Hughes = Derek Pouliot
Boqvist = Ryan Murphy
Dobson = Thomas Hickey
Bouchard = Cam Barker

Woohoo super draft.

If I seen a booming shot or speed to burn I would be all over him but to me he just does things okay.

Jack of all trades master of none
- VANTEL

Yup... pass on the o'doul's please.

Dahlin

then next tier
Hughes Boqvist

Then the next tier

Dobson bouchard

- VANTEL

Agreed

Jake certainly isn't the big monster so many want him to be. It was nice to see him throw Kronwall down this year though

I think if he's capable of playing tough like that on a consistent basis and using his speed he still has a bright future.
- NorthNuck

Power forwards just take longer to develop is all

well the scouts really disagree with you. He is regarded as an excellent skater and one of the best defensively of the dmen available at the top of the draft. At the end of the day I am ok with Hughes, Dobson or Whalley
- CanuckDon

Yeah but they are the same scouts that most of us in here call idiots , so I am okay with that.

Power forwards just take longer to develop is all
- walshyleafsfan

I hope he gets used a lot in OT next year. His skillset is well suited to it.

This guy is unreal at player breakdowns. I've watched a fair bit of my own tape, and I think Valeno is the best center in the draft due to his speed.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iavHVyP9q28

well the scouts really disagree with you. He is regarded as an excellent skater and one of the best defensively of the dmen available at the top of the draft. At the end of the day I am ok with Hughes, Dobson or Whalley
- CanuckDon

Watching him play , nothing about his skating stands out to me.
Yes he is seen as good defensively.
Another Hamhuis.
Pass.