And finally, on the topic of puck-moving defensemen, Benning was asked about Brooks Bandits standout Cale Makar who’s draft stock continues to rise as he prepares to finish his season at the RBC Cup. Benning merely skimmed the surface when Makar’s name was floated in the interview and seemed to want to bring the discussion back to generalities in the draft rather than focussing on any one player in particular. However, he reinforced the notion that the Canucks are looking at just two positions with that fifth selection – either a centre or a defenseman.

“He’s a good player, and we’ve watched him closely all year. He’s a skilled guy. He can skate, and he can shoot the puck. There are a bunch of skilled defensemen in this year’s draft. If we can add either a playmaking centre iceman or a skilled defenseman, I think that’s what we’re going to be able to do at this year’s draft.”
- LeftCoaster

Got to believe, Mittelstadt, Glass outside chance he believes in Elias Peterrsson and Liljegren are who van is taking.

Botch: “Some around the team believe they have Swedish defenceman Timothy Liljegren higher than most teams on their board, and some even think the Canucks have him in their top five. This theory is reinforced by some comments Benning made earlier in the season, when we he said Liljegren can be a cornerstone defenceman. He said he was a “dynamic” skater with a good shot who the Canucks could view as answer to their power-play problems.”
- LeftCoaster

Not surprising. A lot of teams might feel dumb if they pass over a guy who was seen as a top-2 pick after he had mono, only to have him bounce back when healthy.

Botch: “Some around the team believe they have Swedish defenceman Timothy Liljegren higher than most teams on their board, and some even think the Canucks have him in their top five. This theory is reinforced by some comments Benning made earlier in the season, when we he said Liljegren can be a cornerstone defenceman. He said he was a “dynamic” skater with a good shot who the Canucks could view as answer to their power-play problems.”
- LeftCoaster

If Dal and Col both take a D. I would think Buffalo would be very interestes in trading up 3 spots for whichever of the top 3 are left. Or Van takes the last D and trades them Tanev for 8

If Dal and Col both take a D. I would think Buffalo would be very interestes in trading up 3 spots for whichever of the top 3 are left. Or Van takes the last D and trades them Tanev for 8
- manvanfan

There isn't an 8th round, and if there was Tanev would definitely be worth more than a 8th round pick.

Got to believe, Mittelstadt, Glass outside chance he believes in Elias Peterrsson and Liljegren are who van is taking.
- manvanfan

Klim Kostin was rated the #1 European before his injury. To bad he is a winger.

I think any team trading up or down in the top 10 is slim to none. It is done so rarely. After the top 2 picks the general feeling is 3-15 is very close so why trade?

Klim Kostin was rated the #1 European before his injury. To bad he is a winger.
- thundachunk

Hes a total wildcard as most russians are around draft time.

I think any team trading up or down in the top 10 is slim to none. It is done so rarely. After the top 2 picks the general feeling is 3-15 is very close so why trade?
- VANTEL

Thats not how JB described it. He had 1 and 2 then 3-5.

I think any team trading up or down in the top 10 is slim to none. It is done so rarely. After the top 2 picks the general feeling is 3-15 is very close so why trade?
- VANTEL

Especially this draft.

Hes a total wildcard as most russians are around draft time.
- manvanfan

I know. He's good though.

I think any team trading up or down in the top 10 is slim to none. It is done so rarely. After the top 2 picks the general feeling is 3-15 is very close so why trade?
- VANTEL

Teams could be targeting a specific guy. Just because the scouts see the field as even doesn't mean the individual teams feel the same way. When a draft isn't as high quality, you do tend to see teams more willing to move around.

Thats not how JB described it. He had 1 and 2 then 3-5.
- manvanfan

Then he is wrong.

I know. He's good though.
- thundachunk

If he didnt have shoulder surgery, id slap him top 8 for sure. I think hes at 15 to NYI in my mock draft.

At the middle of the year I thought drafting a Dman was a great idea even though y all told me we need a center. My exact words were the centers this year are not elite so build the back end first and take a center next year.

A lot ( spelled correctly , Lefty ) of other teams are looking at the Preds success this year and now there is a new template for the NHL to follow for drafting.

DCT said it last year when you follow another teams mode by the time you reach it , it has changed again and you are too late.

If teams are looking to draft D first like Avs NJ DAL , by the time it is Canucks turn the pool will be diluted.

If he didnt have shoulder surgery, id slap him top 8 for sure. I think hes at 15 to NYI in my mock draft.
- manvanfan

Yeah he will go 10 - 15 for sure. If he drops off more its the Russian factor. I am leery now with Tryamkin leaving.

What rebuilding model are the Canucks using this week? The Nashville model was so yesterday, I can't keep up.

At the middle of the year I thought drafting a Dman was a great idea even though y all told me we need a center. My exact words were the centers this year are not elite so build the back end first and take a center next year.

A lot ( spelled correctly , Lefty ) of other teams are looking at the Preds success this year and now there is a new template for the NHL to follow for drafting.

DCT said it last year when you follow another teams mode by the time you reach it , it has changed again and you are too late.

If teams are looking to draft D first like Avs NJ DAL , by the time it is Canucks turn the pool will be diluted.
- VANTEL

I was saying once the draft order was settled that Dallas and Colorado both need Defence. I would be surprised if Makar or Lijergren were not taken.

Yeah he will go 10 - 15 for sure. If he drops off more its the Russian factor. I am leery now with Tryamkin leaving.
- thundachunk

Yeah. Unfortunately that situation wasnt handled very well.

At the middle of the year I thought drafting a Dman was a great idea even though y all told me we need a center. My exact words were the centers this year are not elite so build the back end first and take a center next year.

A lot ( spelled correctly , Lefty ) of other teams are looking at the Preds success this year and now there is a new template for the NHL to follow for drafting.

DCT said it last year when you follow another teams mode by the time you reach it , it has changed again and you are too late.

If teams are looking to draft D first like Avs NJ DAL , by the time it is Canucks turn the pool will be diluted.
- VANTEL

Would you be unhappy if Liljegren is gone that he takes Elias Pettersson? He is ranked 2nd by central scouting. Euros always drafted later but a lot turn out to be better.

I was saying once the draft order was settled that Dallas and Colorado both need Defence. I would be surprised if Makar or Lijergren were not taken.
- thundachunk

I think Glass is going to be sitting there on a platter at 5 .He is big , fast , always seem to be around the puck.

I think he will be a better version of Bo.

Would you be unhappy if Liljegren is gone that he takes Elias Pettersson? He is ranked 2nd by central scouting. Euros always drafted later but a lot turn out to be better.
- manvanfan

I don't know much about him TBH

At the middle of the year I thought drafting a Dman was a great idea even though y all told me we need a center. My exact words were the centers this year are not elite so build the back end first and take a center next year.

A lot ( spelled correctly , Lefty ) of other teams are looking at the Preds success this year and now there is a new template for the NHL to follow for drafting.

DCT said it last year when you follow another teams mode by the time you reach it , it has changed again and you are too late.

If teams are looking to draft D first like Avs NJ DAL , by the time it is Canucks turn the pool will be diluted.
- VANTEL

Then one of Hischier or Patrick would be avail to us

Then one of Hischier or Patrick would be avail to us
- Retinalz

I Think

NJ Hischier

PHI Patrick

Dal Heiskanen

Avs Makar

Canuck Glass

Vegas Mittelstaft

Arizona Liljegren

Buffalo Vilardi

Det Kostin

FLA Tippett

I Think

NJ Hischier

PHI Patrick

Dal Heiskanen

Avs Makar

Canuck Glass
- VANTEL

I am good with this. Still think Vilardi is better than Glass though.

Everyone wanted a first for hamhuis, Edler, and even luongo
- Redmile247

Edler was traded?

oh.

Hansen could have been a 1st....