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Today I will look at the possible goaltenders that are available in this draft and look at where Vancouver will have to select them in order to draft them. I know this may seem like a rather pointless blog because Vancouver is pretty set in goal, but if the best player is a goaltender I think that it is wise to at least look at picking the player.
Pick 26
Malcolm Subban, 6"1 188, Belleville
39GP 2.50GAA 3SO 0.923SV%
The super athletic Subban will likely be off the board when it is Vancouver's turn to strut to the podium, but if he is there, Vancouver has to consider him. Subban is one of the better athletes in the draft and has a fierce, competitive spirit. He covers the bottom of the net well and has all the pedigree of a number one goalie. I consider him one of the top 20 players in this draft, so if he is there at 26 you have to think about it.
Andrei Vasilevski, 6"3 205, Ufa
27GP 2.23GAA 3SO 0.931SV%
I'm a bit on the fence with drafting Vasilevski with the 26th pick because one, he doesn't really fit a need, and two, he may not come over. But aside from those two concerns, I like the way he plays. He has a big frame and takes up a lot of the net. His positioning is pretty close to being NHL ready. He always looks so calm in the nets, and in that way he reminds me a lot of Miikka Kiprusoff. If you're picking the best player at 26 then it may be him, but if you take the Russian factor into play, then maybe you pass.
Pick 57
Joonas Korpisalo, 6"2 165, Jokerit Jr
38GP 2.04GAA 4SO 0.920SV%
One of my big sleepers in this year's draft, I really believe Korpisalo could be the best goalie in the draft. Korpisalo is an outstanding athlete and really battles for every save. He never gives up on the play and will do whatever it takes to stop the puck. His butterfly is good. He takes the bottom of the net away well and does a good job of keeping himself big. 57 may be a reach, but considering he is likely 3-4 years away, it may be a good reach.
Jon Gillies, 6"5 210, Indiana
53GP 2.77GAA 3SO 0.915SV%
Gillies is still a bit of a project, but he has shown improvement in every year. His size is his best asset and he does a good job at staying square to the shooter. His positioning and butterfly could use work, but with his athletic ability and size, you have to figure with the right coach he could be a good one. Drafting a "project" goalie this early is a risk considering he is 4-5 years away, but Vancouver may be in the market for a good young goalie then.
Andrey Makarov, 6"0 180, Saskatoon
54GP 3.01GAA 2SO 0.913SV%
Over twitter, Makarov confirmed that he did interview with the Canucks. Whether Vancouver has an interest in the Russian puck stopper, or if they were just searching for a little more insight on one of his teammates, we'll never really know. Makarov is a big game type of goalie. You need a win in a big game? Makarov will give you ever opportunity to get it. He plays a bit of a hybrid style like Marty Brodeur, but it works for him. Given that he is likely to get a few more big games next year he should be ready for pro hockey after next season. He is definitely a sleeper to watch, and while I think 57 is a reach, I'm not sure he lasts until 147.
Late Round Picks
Daniel Altshuller, 6"3 190, Oshawa
30GP 3.55GAA 0SO 0.900SV%
Altshuller has had a bit of a rocky season, but the kid deserves to be motioned in the same breath as the other top goalies in this year draft. If he's there in the 5th round, I'd take him. He has outstanding size and has played outstanding for Canada on the International stage. He will be a starter in the NHL one day. He takes the bottom of the net away very well and nothing seems to rattle him.
Sean Maguire, 6"1 205, Powell River
31GP 2.33GAA 3SO 0.913SV%
Maguire is a big goalie who can be intimidating to face. He takes up a lot of the net and when he is on, you're not beating him. He will head off to Boston University to work on his game and he should be NHL ready in 4-6 years. He was named the top goalie at the World Jr "A" Championships. If Vancouver wants a goalie in the 6th or 7th round he is a solid project with a lot of upside.
That's a wrap.
Ian
Five Hole For Food
Five Hole For Food is coming to a town near you this summer. For those of you that don't know, the concept was brought forward by some friends in Vancouver, who decided they would travel the country setting up street hockey games. The price to play in the game is a can of food or donation to the local food bank.
To date Five Hole for Food has raised over 70,000 pounds of food for food banks and is continuing the fight against hunger all over North America!
2012 Tour Dates
St. John’s – July 3rd
Halifax – July 5th
Charlottetown – July 6th
Saint John – July 7th
Montreal – July 9th
Ottawa – July 10th
Toronto – July 12th
Winnipeg – July 14th
Regina – July 15th
Calgary – July 17th
Edmonton – July 18th
Victoria – July 20th
Vancouver – July 21st
So get out and support this great cause this summer. For more information on Five Hole For Food
CLICK HERE
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