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stuff99 · 06-27-2009, 12:06 AM

Canucks get value with their first round pick, some think they also got a star

By Botchford 06-26-2009 COMMENTS(1) The White Towel

Filed under: jordan schroeder

It will take some time before we know if the Canucks got the next Patrick Kane or Martin St. Louis in Friday's NHL draft.
What we do know right now, is they got value.
Jordan Schroeder spiraled down the draft board to land in GM Mike Gillis's lap at No. 22. Schroeder came into the draft ranked fifth among North American skaters.
But teams clearly balked at his small (5-foot-8), and stocky (175-pounds) stature. Some scouts questioned his compete level, and labelled him a one-dimensional offensive player.

Instead of taking the speedy University of Minnesota forward, several teams chose to go off the board.
Not Gillis, who has made it clear he doesn't obsess about size. He's looking for smart 18-year-olds who can play. And Schroeder fits that bill.
So what did he get? Some think Gillis got a player with star potential.
E.J. McGuire, the NHL's top amateur scout, told reporters: Schroeder is "destined for stardom in the NHL."
As a freshman this year, playing against plenty of college kids five, six years older, Schroeder proved he can pick up the game quickly, totalling 45 points in 35 games.
Patrick White, who was the Canucks 2007 first rounder, played on the same team and had 16 points.
In years past, the Canucks reached for players like White and Michael Grabner in the first round. This time they got value at No. 22. Most people had Schroeder going in the top 15 picks. Some had him going in the top 10.
Coming into the draft, Schroeder said he's expecting to go back to university for another year.
But McGuire, the NHL's top amateur scout, told reporters before the draft that Schroeder might be able to make the leap.
"Another year (of college) wouldn't hurt him," McGuire said, "but right now he's as capable of contributing as was a (Sam) Gagner last year, a Patrick Kane -- those types of guys. He's right in that ballpark."
That seems unlikely because the Canucks have put significant money and time into player development. They would probably like to work with him for a year or two to prepare him for the transition to the NHL.

06-27-2009, 12:06 AM	#359
stuff99 I subscribe to the Fight Club ONLY Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Vancouver Posts: 7,316 Thanked 212 Times in 79 Posts Failed 35 Times in 23 Posts	Canucks get value with their first round pick, some think they also got a star By Botchford 06-26-2009 COMMENTS(1) The White Towel Filed under: jordan schroeder It will take some time before we know if the Canucks got the next Patrick Kane or Martin St. Louis in Friday's NHL draft. What we do know right now, is they got value. Jordan Schroeder spiraled down the draft board to land in GM Mike Gillis's lap at No. 22. Schroeder came into the draft ranked fifth among North American skaters. But teams clearly balked at his small (5-foot-8), and stocky (175-pounds) stature. Some scouts questioned his compete level, and labelled him a one-dimensional offensive player. Instead of taking the speedy University of Minnesota forward, several teams chose to go off the board. Not Gillis, who has made it clear he doesn't obsess about size. He's looking for smart 18-year-olds who can play. And Schroeder fits that bill. So what did he get? Some think Gillis got a player with star potential. E.J. McGuire, the NHL's top amateur scout, told reporters: Schroeder is "destined for stardom in the NHL." As a freshman this year, playing against plenty of college kids five, six years older, Schroeder proved he can pick up the game quickly, totalling 45 points in 35 games. Patrick White, who was the Canucks 2007 first rounder, played on the same team and had 16 points. In years past, the Canucks reached for players like White and Michael Grabner in the first round. This time they got value at No. 22. Most people had Schroeder going in the top 15 picks. Some had him going in the top 10. Coming into the draft, Schroeder said he's expecting to go back to university for another year. But McGuire, the NHL's top amateur scout, told reporters before the draft that Schroeder might be able to make the leap. "Another year (of college) wouldn't hurt him," McGuire said, "but right now he's as capable of contributing as was a (Sam) Gagner last year, a Patrick Kane -- those types of guys. He's right in that ballpark." That seems unlikely because the Canucks have put significant money and time into player development. They would probably like to work with him for a year or two to prepare him for the transition to the NHL. __________________ ....