The Canucks took their time in admitting a true rebuild was needed. While they haven’t selected higher than fifth in two decades, they’ve accrued an impressive stable of prospects in recent years. The high-end pieces are either knocking on the door or already on the NHL roster. The next wave coming up lacks the same level of impact but represents a solid amount of talent.
Director of Amateur Scouting, Judd Brackett has been doing some fine work since taking over that role in 2015-16. His value cannot be understated. This is the most talented and deepest pool of young talent the Canucks have ever assembled.
2018-19 Top 10 Vancouver Canucks Prospects
1. Quinn Hughes – Left-Handed Defenseman – University of Michigan (NCAA)
Ht/Wt: 5’10″/174
Age: 19
Drafted: 7th overall in 2018 by the Canucks
The decision to return to Michigan for a sophomore season was not an easy one. But it has allowed the offensive blueliner an opportunity to focus on building strength and improving his shot. Hughes owns near-generational skating ability from the back-end. He’ll sign with Vancouver at the completion of his college campaign and should get into a handful of games.
Hughes’ propensity for turning the puck over will need to settle with the transition, but his upside is exceedingly high.
2. Thatcher Demko – Goaltender – Vancouver (NHL)
Ht/Wt: 6’4″/194
Age: 23
Drafted: 36th overall in 2014 by the Canucks
If you want an example of a near-perfect developmental arc, look no further than Thatcher Demko. Dominant NCAA netminder. High-end American League numbers, and now at 23-years-old, a spot as an NHL back up. He should be ready to take 30 starts in 2019-20 before making his case to be the man as Jakob Markstrom’s contract expires heading into 2020-21.
Demko owns the size, athleticism and calm demeanor you look for in a starting netminder capable of handling a heavy workload.
3. Adam Gaudette – Center – Utica (AHL)
Ht/Wt: 6’1″/183
Age: 22
Drafted: 149th in 2015 by the Canucks
The reigning NCAA Hobey Baker winner has adjusted quickly to the professional ranks, despite splitting time in the NHL and AHL. He’s displayed a speedy and steadily improving game while in a checking role in the big league. Meanwhile, he has also acted as a play-driving and offensive-minded top six pivot in the American League. He projects as a jack-of-all-trades pivot who can contribute in all situations.
4. Tyler Madden – Center – Northeastern (NCAA)
Ht/Wt: 5’11″/150
Age: 19
Drafted: 68th overall in 2018 by the Canucks
A less-than-stellar back half to his draft-eligible campaign allowed Madden to slip to the Canucks early in the third-round last June. Since that day, all he has done is improved his stock. The speedy forward acts as the straw that stirs the drink for Northeastern despite being a freshman. Madden centres the team’s top line, top power play and plays a key role on the penalty kill. He was an effective and versatile forward for the Americans at the WJC helping lead them to a Silver medal.
There’s a world that sees Madden step out of college and into the AHL this spring, but at just 150lbs, the lure of staying another season to live in the weight room should prevail.
5. Olli Juolevi – Left-Handed Defenseman – Utica (AHL)
Ht/Wt: 6’3″/198
Age: 20
Drafted: 5th overall in 2016 by the Canucks
The only player selected in the top 10 in 2016 who has yet to suit up for an NHL game and was handed another piece bad news several weeks back. Just as he was adjusting to the American League and piling up some points to boot, the left-shot defender suffered a season-ending knee injury. That likely means we’re eyeing Christmas 2019 as the earliest time the Finn will suit up for the Canucks.
Juolevi brings strong offensive tools and a developing defensive game. His pace of play, decision-making and physical conditioning are areas to continue to work on. The 20-year-old still boasts top-four upside in a pipeline that needs more of that type of ceiling.
6. Jonathan Dahlen – Left Wing – Utica (AHL)
Ht/Wt: 5’11″/183
Age: 21
Drafted: 42nd overall 2016 by the Senators
Acquired in a trade with Ottawa, Dahlen and Canucks’ super-rookie, Elias Pettersson are best friends. They have years of experience together as line mates back in Sweden and Dahlen is on his way to rejoining his pal in Vancouver. The 21-year-old has been adjusting well to the North American game in his first AHL campaign.
He doesn’t own blistering speed, but possesses deft puck-skills, an impressive release and strong vision. His wait time shouldn’t be long and he provides a top-six upside – something the club very much needs.
7. Michael DiPietro – Goaltender – Ottawa (OHL)
Ht/Wt: 6’0″/205
Age: 19
Drafted: 64th overall in 2017 by the Canucks
The reigning OHL Goaltender of the Year is charting a well-worn path to NHL-success. He’s been a dominant junior netminder and will culminate that this spring with (hopefully) a lengthy run with the Ottawa 67s. After that, Utica and AHL is calling his name. It’s expected he’ll platoon to begin his professional career before driving the bus and beginning to target the Canucks as his next step.
He and Demko represent two of the top goaltending prospects in the world.
8. Jett Woo – Right-Handed Defenseman – Moose Jaw (WHL)
Ht/Wt: 6’0″/203
Age: 18
Drafted: 37th overall in 2018 by the Canucks
The throwback defender had an up and down draft-eligible campaign. Pegged by many to be a mid-first rounder to begin the year, he slipped to Vancouver early in the second round. His play in 2018-19 has more than warranted that spot. Woo can beat you with his feet, shot or pass, but it’s his physicality that keeps opponents heads on a swivel. A late cut from Team Canada’s WJC squad, Woo projects to be a big part of the team next year.
He’s their top prospect on the right side.
9. Kole Lind – Right Wing – Utica (AHL)
Ht/Wt: 6’1″/185
Age: 20
Drafted: 33rd overall in 2017 by the Canucks
A terrific draft-plus one season with Kelowna of the WHL displayed his complete offensive package. The 20-year-old boasts a heavy and accurate release, strong skating ability and a penchant for the rough stuff. He’s suffered through adaptation and injury early in his first professional season, but is beginning to acclimatize in the New Year. He has a versatile top-nine upside.
10. Zack MacEwen – Right Wing – Utica (AHL)
Ht/Wt: 6’4″/212
Age: 22
Drafted: Undrafted
Your proto-typical late bloomer, MacEwen has been near-dominant for stretches in the American League this season. The power winger has good wheels, soft hands and is more than willing to fight into the greasy areas. A heart-and-soul type of player with some offensive upside. Just what the doctor ordered from a free agent signee.
