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Keeping with the theme of grit and toughness, today I will look at some of the players who may be available in the later rounds. These players would add that skill set to the Canucks organization.
Picks 147, 177, and 207
Brendan Leipsic- Portland, 5"9 175, C/RW
65GP, 28G, 30A, 82PIM
One of my favourite players in this entire draft class because of the energy and work ethic he brings every shift. Leipsic may be small, but in my opinion, he has the "it" factor that will ensure he makes it to the NHL. He may be the top shift disturber in this entire draft. It doesn't matter if you're 5"5 or 6"5, Leipsic will try and run you over. Leipsic will likely slot into a second or third line role in the future
NHL Comparison- Pat Verbeek (with less points)
Justin Auger- Guelph, 6"7 220, RW
58GP, 7G, 7A, 39PIM
Auger is still a bit of a project, but you can't teach size and he has that. Auger is a fairly good skater for his size and has a decent set of hands. Right now Auger is still learning the pace of the game. The other downside to him right now is he needs to take advantage of his greatest asset (his size) and play a more physical role. If Auger puts it all together and steps up the intensity he could be a very good player.
NHL Comparison- Brian Boyle (if he toughens up)
Joel Wigle- Niagara, 6"2 190, RW
63GP, 12G, 8A 51PIM
Another player that I love the way he plays. Wigle is one of those players that you just look at and don't want to mess with. He is a no nonsense type of player who can hold his own with anyone. He was stuck mostly on the fourth line this year on a very deep Niagara team, but could have put up better numbers if he played more. Wigle is a good skater who finishes his checks and has the potential to be a bit of a scorer.
NHL Comparison- David Clarkson
Troy Donnay- Erie, 6"7 190, D
50GP, 1G, 7A, 44PIM
A hulking D, that needs some time to fill out. Donnay is still very much a project, but with the right coaching he could turn into a formidable force one day. Donnay needs to step up the toughness and hitting, but if he does that he could turn into a solid 4/5/6 shutdown D. I'd consider him late and hope he develops but he is at least 4-5 years away.
NHL Comparison- Hal Gill (If he develops)
Jake Dotchin-Owen Sound, 6"3 205, D
64GP, 3G, 16A, 77PIM
Dotchin is a hard-nosed D that is no fun to play against. He is a big-time hitter with a great shot from the point. When he is on the ice, getting to the net is no easy task. Dotchin is also not afraid to throw down and drop the mitts if he needs to. Dotchin still has some things to work on, but his combination of size, toughness, work ethic, and shot make him a great bargain in the late rounds. Whoever takes him will be getting a hell of a player with a decent ceiling.
NHL Comparison- Francois Beauchemin
Alex Gudbranson- Kingston, 6"2 205, D
50GP, 2G, 7A, 52PIM
Eric's little Bro is definitely not as good as his brother, but he does have the tools to be a solid D one day. Lil G, Is an OK skater, who can lay some big hits, and is a good fighter. While he is still an adventure at times in his own end, and doesn't have a lot of offensive upside, he is learning slowly. At the start of the year I thought he had first round potential, so if he slides to the late rounds he wouldn't be a bad guy to take.
NHL Comparison- Mark Fistric
Alessio Bertaggia-Brandon, 5"8 170, LW
64GP, 24G, 26A, 62PIM
I watched Brandon play a few times this year, and every time Bertaggia was a player that stood out to me. He is small, but he can absolutely fly, and he is fearless in the corners and in front. The Little guy finishes he checks all the time and brings a lot of energy. He has a pretty good shot and his compete level is off the charts. If he is there late, I would consider taking him because at the least he will be a very good AHL player who may be able to play top 9 in the NHL.
NHL Comparison- Brian Gionta (his upside)
Rhett Holland- Okotoks, 6"2 215, D
47GP, 3G, 7A, 223PIM
Holland is your typical stay-at-home, rough and tumble D. His offence is a bit limited, but his toughness isn't. His skating needs some work, but I don't think it will hinder him too much. All in all, Rhett is one of the tougher D's in the draft and no fun to play against. He has a lot of leadership and character and has those intangibles that are so important to winning teams.
NHL Comparison- Andy Sutton
Liam O'brien- Rouyn-Noranda, 6"1 195, C
67GP, 10G, 16A, 136PIM
The guy's name just sounds like he should be in a bar fight somewhere. O'brien brings it all the time and loves to finish his checks. He also has a lot of character and will stand up for team mates when it is needed. He is one tough kid that can hold his own with anyone in the Q. Aside from the rough stuff, O'brien can score a little and has some offensive upside. His skating needs a little work on the first few steps, but once he is going he is hard to stop. In my opinion, O'brien is a player with a lot of upside to be a 15-20 goal guy at the NHL level.
NHL Comparison- Chris Neil
Colton Heffley- Kelowna, 6"3 200, C
55GP, 4G, 6A, 68PIM
Kelowna's other Colton doesn't have as much upside, but he could turn into a good fourth line player. Heffley has NHL size and toughness and he is serviceable in all three zones. His skating needs some work, but he is capable of getting where he needs to be. He doesn't hurt his team defensively and he is willing to stick up for teammates when needed.
NHL Comparison- Mike Rupp
Jay Dickman- Fargo, 6"5 240, C/LW
12GP, 0G, 5A, 2PIM
A huge wild card in this year's draft has the attractive combination of size and hands. Dickman's real problem right now is motivation, but in the right system, with the right coach he could turn into a Byfuglien/Penner type of net presence. He has the tools to be an NHL player, now it's up to him to decide if he's willing to pay the price in the corners and improve his skating. If that happens he could be a good player, if it doesn't, it will be a waste on a late pick.
NHL Comparison- Dustin Penner (with huge bust potential)
Loïc Leduc- Cape Breton, 6"6 200, D
65GP, 2G, 8A, 99PIM
Leduc is a big defenceman with a lot of potential to be a very solid NHL player. He doesn't mind getting involved in the rough stuff and is learning how to use his size to its fullest potential. He has a very hard shot and the potential is there for him to be effective on the power-play because of it. His skating is average, but likely good enough to play at the next level.
NHL Comparison- Kurtis Foster
Wes Vannieuwenhuizen- Vancouver, 6"3 210, D
69GP, 3G, 7A, 152PIM
I believe the overeager is still draft eligible, and if he is there late I think he would make an excellent pick. Vannieuwenhuizen is never going to be a star, but I love his character, toughness and leadership qualities. And when you add those qualities with his great name and being a local product, I'd love to see him in Vancouver. He is what the Canucks lack in their system and that is a real junkyard dog type.
NHL Comparison- Matt Carkner
Ty Bilcke- Windsor, 6"2 220, RW
62GP, 1G, 4A, 221PIM
The OHL's penalty minutes leader is one tough hombre. He registered 37 fights this year alone and took on all comers. His skating needs a bit of work, but it's not terrible. If he can become better at picking and choosing his spots to fight (like say 15-20 times and not 35-40), I think he could develop into a good fourth line, character guy. Right now he almost looks like he fights just to fight. If he decides he wants to be a NHL player and not just a minor league goon, he could be a steal.
NHL Comparison- Rob Ray
Well that's a wrap.
Ian
Vancouver Canucks Blogger • 
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