Vancouver Canucks are looking to make a HUGE splash, interviewing top 3 projected pick
Elliote Friedman and Jeff Marek were discussing the Vancouver Canucks interest in one the top prospects in this years' draft Juraj Slafkovsk�. The problem is Slafkovsk� is projected to go in the Top 3 and the Canucks don't pick until 15th overall. Unfortunately for the Canucks, Slafkovsky won't be there. Which means if they want him they will need to move up in the draft.
There are many reports out there that New Jersey Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald would be willing to move the #2 overall pick in this years draft for an Impact player or a goalie.
When we start to connect the dots. Vancouver has a pretty impactful player that was rumored available at the trade deadline for the right price in JT Miller. Miller is a UFA after the 2022-2023 season and is in for a huge raise on his current $5,500,000 cap hit.
The Devils are very solid down the middle with captain Nico Hischier, and franchise center Jack Hughes both locked up long term but are in desperate need of an elite scoring winger. Miller can play center or wing and would line up quite nicely alongside one of New Jersey's young center man.
The scouting report on Slafkovsky is he's already a big boy at 6-foot-4 and 218 pounds. With his big frame, his skating is a bit of a work in progress. He needs to work on his first few steps and his acceleration. However, once he gets moving, his top-end speed is good.
One area that which Slafkovsky excels is with his balance and power. He is very hard to knock off the puck and can fight through checks and get to the net. Slafkovsky also does a really good job of winning battles along the boards. He could be even better in this area as he continues to fill out his frame. He is a power forward. He uses his size and skill to his advantage. He is a puck possession monster. Slafkovsky is a very good stick-handler and uses his long reach and big body to protect the puck down low in the cycle game. When he gets the opportunity, he can take the puck to the front of the net and finish in tight to the goal with his soft hands. He also has a very good shot. His one-timer is powerful and accurate. His wrist shot also has good power and accuracy. He gets it off with a quick-release that helps to fool goaltenders from further out.
Slafkovsky forechecks effectively, forcing opposing defenders to move the puck quickly which often leads to turnovers. He is also good at winning the puck on the boards. Slafkovsky is also a good passer. He can put the puck through tight lanes and onto a teammate's stick. However, he does need to work on his decision-making in the offensive end. He sometimes can pick a much harder pass than simply moving it to an open teammate. He also needs to do a better job of finding open ice without the puck so he can receive a pass for a scoring chance. His quick hands help him to make quick moves to open up shooting and passing lanes.
Slafkovsky's size also helps him in the defensive end. His long stick is very good at cutting down passing lanes. He is also strong on the boards and helps to contain the cycle down low. He needs to work on his awareness and positioning though. Slafkovsky can sometimes get out of position and lose his man. He has a tendency to puck watch at times, losing his man away from the play. Slafkovsky shows high effort and commitment though. He should improve in time with good coaching. He has the tools to be a strong two-way player but is still very raw.
The Canucks and Devils linked up before at the draft in 2013 when Vancouver traded Cory Schneider to the Devils for the 9th overall pick in that years draft which they used on future captain Bo Horvat. For Canucks fans this will be a big offseason to see where management thinks this team is. Trading JT MIller for the 2nd overall pick would go along way in shaping the future.
| POLL | ||
What is the Canucks biggest need this offseason? | ||
| Finding More Scoring | 21 | 26.9 % |
| Finding a reliable backup for Demko | 14 | 17.9 % |
| Finding better Defensemen | 43 | 55.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
