MAJOR | Insider confirms the Canucks have two local talent in their sights for the eleventh overall
It was reported yesterday that the Canucks had taken out three prospects to dinner, which gave a really good idea of what their plans regarding their eleventh pick were.
It was confirmed that the team's executives had met with Tom Willander, Nate Danielson and Colby Barlow. Now Vancouver insider Rick Dhaliwal added two local names to that list Zach Benson and Matthew Wood.
Zach Benson, who lined up with the Winnipeg Ice in the WHL, demonstrated tons of abilities this year, and many of the mock drafts have him going in the top 10. If he slides all the way down, it would be a travesty for the Canucks not to choose Langley, BC. Product.
A 5'10'' centerman, who plays a complete 200-foot game, has a one of kind hockey IQ and is a wicked playmaker. He registered an impressive 98 points in 60 WHL games this season and added 17 in 15 post-season games. Safe to say, he's the real deal.
Matthew Wood, on his end, chose a completely different route as he opted to play in the BCHL as a 16-year-old and played at the University of Connecticut in the NCAA's top division. After collecting an impressive 85 points in 46 BCHL games, the 6'03'' centerman managed 34 points in 35 games as a freshman in the NCAA.
The Lethbridge, AB. drew early comparisons to Tage Thompson for his size and shooting ability.
The expectation is that Wood could be sliding out of the top15, while it would be considered a surprise if Benson went past the top10. However, if the Canucks deemed it necessary to meet with the young Benson it may be because their expecting him to fall down a few ranks.
| POLL | ||
Who's the best pick for the Canucks? | ||
| Benson | 57 | 40.4 % |
| Wood | 33 | 23.4 % |
| Willander | 51 | 36.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
