NHL Draft Lottery: Canucks should put their pick in play for a proven centre
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It's always prudent to draft and develop NHL prospects.
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However, when the priority changes, so does the plan. That's where the Vancouver Canucks are positioned among 16 non-playoff teams in the NHL Draft lottery Monday (4 p.m., Pacific, Sportsnet).
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They desperately need to trade for a proven centre and their first-round selection for the June 27-28 NHL Draft in Los Angeles — odds are 97.9 per cent it will remain 15th overall — should be part of the package.
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The Canucks are tied with the San Jose Sharks for worst shot at selecting first overall Monday at 0.5 per cent. However, even if a miracle occurs to pick No. 1 for the first time in franchise history, the Canucks can't claim it. As of 2021, teams can only move up 10 positions, so fifth overall is as high as they can climb.
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And if that gift from the hockey gods actually lands, it would add ammunition to taking trade aim at improving the centre position. Hard to pass on a potential No. 5 pick, but these are hard times and management needs to be proactive.
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The trade exit of J.T. Miller, struggles of Elias Pettersson, concussion history of Filip Chytil, and uncertain future of unrestricted free agent Pius Suter, who is coming off a career 25-goal season, present a suspect pecking order.
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Can Pettersson find presence and persistency required of a No. 1 pivot? Can Chytil stay healthy? There are free agency options to augment what's in place, but is that being prudent? The Canucks maintain they must trade for a centre.
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Sam Bennett, 28, of the Florida Panthers will get a free-agency bump on his expiring US$4.4 million cap hit after 25 goals and 51 points while playing behind top centre Aleksander Barkov. And he does have that presence. Jack Rosolvic, 28, of the Carolina Hurricanes has been post-season scratch after 22 goals on an expiring $2.8 million cap commitment.
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Deep down, you wonder if the Canucks will make a big trade play for a true No. 1 centre. That way, Pettersson and Chytil move down a notch, and if the versatile Suter is retained, he can move to wing.
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Dylan Larkin, 28, has been a consummate captain and contributor for the Detroit Red Wings over 10 seasons. He was critical of his club's lack of trade-deadline improvements for a shot at a playoff spot for the first time in nine seasons.
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For Larkin to go off like that was rare and it could hint of a disconnect with the general manager. Steve Yzerman didn't dwell on what his captain said, only that he needs more from this leaders.
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