INSIDE HOCKEY

With one of the deepest drafts in recent memory on the horizon, the Vancouver Canucks chose just the right time to miss the playoffs, and as a result, obtain the tenth overall selection in the process. It’s likely that General Manager Mike Gillis and the Vancouver Canucks will use this favorable pick to select a dynamic forward; however, with the recent unfortunate passing of blue-chip defenseman Luc Bourdon, a defenseman may now also be a distinct possibility. After all, the 2008 NHL entry draft is being dubbed as “the year of the defenseman.”

In several interviews, Mike Gillis has stated that he will bring a fresh philosophy to the Canucks scouting department, which has been harshly criticized in recent memory for the selections of Patrick White (25th overall, 2007 draft) over David Perron (26th overall, 2007 draft) and Taylor Ellington (33rd overall, 2007 draft) over the likes of Michal Repik (40th overall, 2007 draft) and Oscar Moller (52nd overall, 2007 draft). Gillis is adamant that he will do away with the customary “best talent available” approach on the draft. Instead, the Canucks will make their selection based on Gillis’ personal criteria, which is believed to include speed and/or grit.

Forwards Colin Wilson, Mikkel Boedker, and Cody Hodgson certainly fit the bill, and will unquestionably draw some major interest from the Canucks organization if available when Gillis and company arrive at the podium to make their first selection at tenth overall, barring any trades. These three players can be classified in the Tier 2 group of forwards, following the consensus number one pick Steven Stamkos and this year’s Russian sensation Nikita Filatov. Below is a look at what the Canucks could be getting in each of the before mentioned forwards.

Colin Wilson – Center
Boston University - NCAA
ISS Ranking: 8
CSS Ranking: 10
Percentage of surveyed Canucks fans who would like to select Colin Wilson at tenth overall: 29%

Coming off a spectacular display at the 2008 NHL draft combine, Colin Wilson may have done just enough to secure his position as a top ten pick in the upcoming NHL entry draft. However, with the abundance of skill across the board in this year’s draft, it’s a possibility that Wilson may be ripe for the pickings at tenth overall, and if he is, the native of Greenwich, Connecticut could very likely be donning the Vancouver Canucks jersey, sooner rather than later.

Aside from Stamkos, and perhaps defensemen Drew Doughty and Zach Bogosian, Colin Wilson is considered to be the most NHL-ready player of this year’s draft. At 6’ 1”, 215 pounds, Wilson possesses the brute strength and physique to make the jump to the professional ranks, and growing up in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Wilson suggests he wouldn’t be the least bit disappointed to join a Canadian team this summer.

“I would be more than fine with being drafted by a Canadian team,” said Wilson – the son of long time NHLer Carey Wilson. “The fans will be better in Canada and it will be a nice feeling being considered a top athlete with people recognizing you on the streets because there is no interest in any other sport other than hockey.”

The biggest appeal with Wilson – aside from his NHL-like build – is his all-around game. He has above-average offensive instincts, is very strong on the puck, is good at both ends of the rink, and above all, he understands the game to a tee. Wilson agrees that he doesn’t really have any overpowering attributes, nor does he have any glaring flaws.

“I would say this is just about correct,” said Wilson when asked about this assessment of his game. “Generally when I am going through my game, I never find myself making a gigantic mistake.”

Some question whether Wilson’s offensive abilities will translate to the next level; however, it’s a general consensus that he already possesses the raw tools to be a regular NHL player, due to his efficient and complete game. While Wilson is pleased that many believe he has what it takes to play at the elite level, he remains confident that he’ll be able to produce wherever he plays.

“I look at it as a compliment that I will be a regular in the NHL,” he said. “No one knows who will be able to put up numbers, but if I adjust the way I have at every other level, I am confident in my offensive game to make plays and score goals.”

Colin Wilson may prove to be just what the doctor ordered for the Vancouver Canucks, who have been longing for that bona fide number one center for what seems like an eternity. With the looming departure of unrestricted free-agent Brendan Morrison, Colin Wilson could possibly serve as an immediate slot-in as the second line center behind Henrik Sedin. Otherwise, he could inherit the role as the checking center, and thus, allow Ryan Kesler to jump onto the second line. Either way, Colin Wilson will be ready for the call, whenever he gets it, and from whichever team.

“Well I am going to keep working hard and developing to be ready for when the time comes. I will let my team that I am drafted to decide [when I’m ready]. When they call me up, I will be ready for the challenge.”

Mikkel Boedker – Left Wing
Kitchener Rangers - OHL
ISS Ranking: 7
CSS Ranking: 11
Percentage of surveyed Canucks fans who would like to select Mikkel Boedker at 10th overall: 18%

Mikkel Boedker’s performance at the CHL Memorial Cup last month may have put him out of reach for the Vancouver Canucks. Boedker is considered to be one of the most skillful forwards in this year’s draft, and will surely be on the Canucks’ radar if available at tenth overall.

At first glance, the native of Copenhagen, Denmark appears to lack the size and strength required to succeed at the next level. But don’t be fooled by his stature of 5’ 11", as Boedker plays very low to the ice, and possesses a Sidney Crosby-like lower body, who is also 5’ 11”. Boedker’s low center of gravity coupled with the potency in his legs makes him almost impossible to knock off the puck, and that’s if he can be caught. It wouldn’t be a stretch to state that Boedker is the fastest and most explosive skater in this year’s draft. One of Boedker’s linemates with the Kitchener Rangers, Nick Spaling, agrees that Boedker’s speed is his strong suit.

“I think Mikkel's best asset would be his speed, which is just one of many I think I could have named,” said Spaling.

In addition to his world class speed, Boedker is a great playmaker, he is sound defensively, and enjoys a lethal slap shot, at times which he is a little too hesitant to use. This past season, Boedker excelled playing on the point with Kitchener on their first power play unit.

According to numerous scouts, the one knock on Boedker is that he at times appears to be hesitant to drive the puck to the net. However, as Nick Spaling explains, Boedker is far from a perimeter player.

“I wouldn't say that is fair to him after playing with him for this whole year,” said Spaling when asked if he believes Boedker is a perimeter player. “He played not only physical but was definitely not afraid to drive the puck to the net, as he did many times, a lot of the time resulting in a goal or scoring chance with the speed he brings.”

Spaling also suggested that off the ice, Boedker has a great sense of humor and is a friendly guy who seems to get along with everyone.

The Canucks are in dire need of an offensive minded player with the ability to single handedly take over a game with his skill set, and Boedker could very well be that guy. To boot, Boedker would compliment Vancouver’s strong mix of up and coming skilled wingers, such as Mason Raymond, Michael Grabner, and Jannik Hansen - who just like Boedker, calls Denmark home.

Cody Hodgson - Center
Brampton Battalion
ISS Ranking: 9
CSS Ranking: 9
Percentage of surveyed Canucks fans who would like to select Cody Hodgson at tenth overall: 18%

Cody Hodgson may never lead the league in scoring, but if the Vancouver Canucks end up with this native of Haliburton, Ontario at tenth overall, they could very well be ending up with the second coming of Trevor Linden. And with the recent announcement of Linden’s retirement, it couldn’t have come at a better time for the Canucks organization.

In 1988, Linden surprised many by cracking the Canucks’ roster as an 18-year-old, and 20 years later, Hodgson could end up doing the very same.

“That’s my ultimate goal, to work as hard as I can over the summer so that I can make the team,” said Hodgson, referring to whichever NHL team selects him at the upcoming Entry Draft.

Just like Linden, Hodgson is an extremely poised right-hand shot who excels in the face-off circle, a great two-way player, and most of all, is the true definition of a clutch performer.

At the recent 2008 Under-18 IIHF World Championships, Hodgson led all players with 10 assists and 12 points, leading Team Canada to gold. At the tournament, Hodgson was coached by Pat Quinn, who was also one of Trevor Linden’s biggest mentors.

“It was an unbelievable experience and something that I’ll never forget,” said Hodgson in reminiscence. “We went in as the underdogs and came out with a pretty decisive win over the Russians to win it all. Pat Quinn was a pleasure to play for and a great coach. He taught us that if we play together as a team we could beat anyone and it worked out perfectly.”

Another one of Linden’s strengths in his career was his overall knowledge of the game, leading many to believe that he may pursue the coaching route sometime in the future. And this is no different with Cody Hodgson, as he was voted as the smartest player in the Eastern Conference in the 2008 OHL Coaches Poll.

“I try to play a smart and offensive game that creates chances to score for my teammates and I, but at the same time not be a liability on defense,” said Hodgson. “I was told by former NHLer Basil McCrae that the game is played more in your head than on the ice and that most people in the NHL think that the game is 90% mental and 10% physical, so I’ve tried to use this advice to my advantage on the ice.”

Just like every other draft eligible player, with the exception of perhaps Steven Stamkos, there is some area for improvement in Hodgson’s game: his skating. However, Hodgson’s skating has already drastically improved in the past few seasons, and there’s absolutely no reason why it won’t continue to do so.

“Skating is something that you can always work on and get better at and I’ve been working hard to improve. Hopefully I will continue to get better and stronger and it will allow me to play at the next level,” said Hodgson.

While Canucks fans may be hoping that Hodgson slides to tenth overall, Hodgson is adamant that he has no preferences and will be content donning any National Hockey League jersey next week.

“I’m going in open-minded and it doesn’t matter where I go in the draft. Hopefully I go as high as possible, but it would be an honor just to go.”

Farhan Devji is the author of a hockey based novel, “The Hockey Farmer.” For more information, visit thehockeyfarmer.ca.tp.