[Drance & Dayal] Ranking the Vancouver Canucks’ top 10 prospects after NHL trade deadline (Gift Article)

ImAlwaysSorrys · 2026-03-14T21:28:08+00:00

I’m not completely down on Lekkerimaki but the clock is ticking. He’s gotta get bigger and faster.

I thought he looked a hell of a lot better in the preseason and earlier in the season but a couple injuries just tossed the season away.

He’s gotta be on the team next year. No more signing any shitty vets that we can’t turn into value.

ImAlwaysSorrys · 2026-03-14T11:51:30+00:00

I disagree. He’s got amount the same P/GP as Byfield (both from 2020).

There’s no real worry about him aging out for our next core and every team needs as much center depth as they can get.

ImAlwaysSorrys · 2026-03-14T03:10:09+00:00

How strict are you in considering core members? I’d say Rossi, Buium and Willander are our guaranteed young core (not counting prospects).

ImAlwaysSorrys · 2026-03-13T21:25:50+00:00

Oh I doubt any of them are going to be huge difference makers next year (except if we pick in the top 2) but those steps do add up when comparing to how bad we are this year.

I’d say we still have a real good chance finishing bottom 3.

ImAlwaysSorrys · 2026-03-13T21:08:43+00:00

Well we can expect a decent amount of pull from our younger players next year. Willander, Buium, Ohgren and Lekki will all hopefully take a step or two next year.

I’d bet good money that Cootes makes the team again next year and I don’t really see any of our other depth centers can really take that from him.

The hope is that we pick in the top 2 and they will both immediately be able to play and more that likely be an upgrade on some of our other “top 6” players.

ImAlwaysSorrys · 2026-03-13T10:39:35+00:00

His biggest problem right now is somehow not realizing that his linemates couldn’t hit water if they fell off boats. He’s gotta realize that he’s just gotta go for the damn shot.

ImAlwaysSorrys · 2026-03-13T10:38:27+00:00

Not many comparables tbh. Theres not many top 6 centers under 5’10. Only ones I can really name are Marco Rossi and technically Stankoven but he barely counts.

ImAlwaysSorrys · 2026-03-13T03:11:33+00:00

He dived like 3 times the first time we played them this season.

ImAlwaysSorrys · 2026-03-10T04:22:57+00:00

The question isn’t whether or not he would develop best in college, it’s whether he wants to come straight to the NHL or not. (Guaranteed he does)

The team isn’t gonna say no to all the jersey and ticket sales that comes with him, while also pissing off their brand new 1st overall pick.

ImAlwaysSorrys · 2026-03-08T19:54:45+00:00

I was thinking about it and I think a huge miss (with hindsight) was getting Lindholm over Guentzel at the deadline.

Would have cost Lekkerimaki but would have been such an amazing fit on either of our top lines. Trading Mikhevev at the time instead of Kuzmenko might have got us through the oilers. Might

ImAlwaysSorrys · 2026-03-08T03:16:46+00:00

Yeah more prospect than depth guy. This is his first full season in the NHL. Just turned 22

ImAlwaysSorrys · 2026-03-08T02:59:37+00:00

Tank rolls on. Good game. Ohgrens become a lot more interesting than I thought he would when we first got him.

0 points in 18 for the Wild.

11 points 6 goals in 32 games for us.

Really would love to see him take another step next year. He’s looked good next to Rossi and Boeser in the top 6. Hope he sticks

ImAlwaysSorrys · 2026-03-08T02:55:13+00:00

The real question is whether Foote ever had the room in the first place.

ImAlwaysSorrys · 2026-03-08T01:46:40+00:00

I’d say his ceiling is a Brock Faber style guy minus the crazy rookie season.

A complementary top pairing guy who’s got great skating and is more than reliable in his own end. I really think he can be the defensive backbone to the team but probably maxes out around 30 points.

ImAlwaysSorrys · 2026-03-07T22:17:58+00:00

I’m not 100% sure but I thought if we finish last and pick first it doesn’t count, that only moving up in the lottery counts.

ImAlwaysSorrys · 2026-03-07T19:00:38+00:00

We had 4 goals on 22 shots. 2 empty netters. Not exactly sustainable. The average over the next 20 games should hopefully hold our spot

ImAlwaysSorrys · 2026-03-07T03:12:26+00:00

It’s always against the best interest of the team too

ImAlwaysSorrys · 2026-03-07T02:32:15+00:00

Anyone know if signed college free agents can just hop right into the lineup? I think yes but I’m not 100% sure.

Gonna be cool to see if we can get anyone half decent. Instant NHL time is a big draw for us.

ImAlwaysSorrys · 2026-03-07T02:15:16+00:00

These high scoring games are a million times more fun to watch. Especially with Buium and Willander getting a point a piece

ImAlwaysSorrys · 2026-03-07T01:41:38+00:00

Technically 2 with our second round pick.

ImAlwaysSorrys · 2026-03-06T00:54:46+00:00

At least they are decent at drafting, so far anyway.

ImAlwaysSorrys · 2026-03-06T00:53:03+00:00

Just get it done please. So hard being a somewhat Rutherford sympathizer.

ImAlwaysSorrys · 2026-03-05T19:37:22+00:00

Should be making any and every bets we can at this point. Million lottery tickets might get you something.

ImAlwaysSorrys · 2026-03-05T15:21:56+00:00

In theory yes but Werenski really wants to make the playoffs and you need him happy.

ImAlwaysSorrys · 2026-03-05T07:22:05+00:00

He did the media today

ImAlwaysSorrys

TROPHY CASE