School is out and the grades are in.
For those kids in your neighbourhood, it’s time to rejoice. And for those who have struggled in the Vancouver Canucks’ school of hard NHL drafting knocks — including the much-maligned scouts — this is their nirvana.
Acknowledgment from major media entities that the Canucks got it right with nine selections over two days was reflected in grades ranging from A+, A, A- and a few Bs. It’s the kind of report card you cherish.
From suffering to a state of bliss, it’s how you start the rebuild. Stick to the list, hit on critical building-block goals to acquire size, speed, skill and stiffness and also think a little bit out of the box, too.
It resulted in seven forwards, a goaltender and a defenceman topped by Caleb Malhotra at No. 3 — arguably the best two-way centre in this class — plus power forward potential in winger Adam Novotny at No. 24, intriguing 6-foot-7 centre Brooks Rogowski at No. 33 and Norwegian sniper Niklas Aaram-Olsen at No. 41.
Left winger Adam Novotny of the Peterborough Petes of the OHL dons Canucks lid Friday after being selected 24th overall.
“With as many as four potential NHLers, this is one of the top classes this year,” chimed one media outlet. “Great work from an organization that desperately needed an injection of talent.”
Said another site: “Malhotra possesses high-end skill and compete and projects as a quality top-six centre. Adding highly competitive winger in Novotný late in the first makes this a fantastic haul. The Canucks kept building depth by adding Rogowski and Aaram-Olsen. I like both of them, particularly Rogowski.”
Quite the compliments considering a rocky road the Canucks travelled. Worst drafting record in the salary-cap era — low success rates of 17.74 per cent from 2006-2015 and 11.76 per cent from 2016-2020 compared to the average of 28.19 per cent to produce NHL players — but look at them now.
Clear vision, prudent picks and understanding development paths in the CHL and NCAA. The traditional junior thinking that skill will be augmented eventually by strength has been replaced by the immediacy of measuring up in the college ranks. It changes the scope of how players are assessed.
“We had some direction from RJ (general manger Ryan Johnson) and the staff and we wanted to get bigger, faster and harder,” stressed Canucks director of amateur scouting Todd Harvey. “Let’s not underestimate the skill in these guys, and they’re still developing, but we won’t get pushed around.”
Towering OHL centre Brooks Rogowski of Oshawa Generals poses after selected 33rd overall Friday.
Canucks draft capsulesNo. 3: Caleb Malhotra, C, 6-foot-2, 182 lbs., Brantford (OHL), GP: 67, G: 29, A: 55, PTS: 84 PTS
The player: Playoff presence with 26 points (13-13) in 15 games elevated his draft stock and showcased elite playmaking as a two-way centre with a high hockey I.Q. and defensive diligence. Growing offensive game with variety of deceptive passes to spring linemates. Skating needs improvement.
The projection: Second-line centre with first-line potential. Quick career progression, willingness to work at his game for high performance ceiling. Great character as potential future captain sealed the pick deal. Bound for Boston University next fall.
The comparables: Bo Horvat for reliability, ruggedness in battles, Nick Suzuki for leadership, awareness.
No. 24: Adam Novotny, LW, 6-foot-1, 205 lbs., Peterborough (OHL), GP 55, G: 34, A: 31, PTS: 65
The player: Ranked as high as No. 14, physically mature, good wheels and a hot shot that packs rapid release and accuracy. Strong stride ensures good zone progressions to be a menace on the forecheck and strip pucks. Heavy on walls, gets to net.
The projection: Drives play but inconsistent offence and shoot-first mentality likely a third-line fit to be defensively responsible and good in transitions. Heading back to Peterborough to hone his skills.
The comparable: Mason McTavish for frame, shot release and ability to play heavier game.
No. 33: Brooks Rogowski, C, 6-foot-7, 235 lbs., Oshawa (OHL), GP: 46, G: 15, A: 27., PTS: 42
The player: Strong rookie impression. Moves well and will be better with an underrated touch with the puck. A long way from playing in top pro Czechia league at age 15. Answers critical club need for an imposing centre. Strong family sporting lineage in college and professional baseball.
The projection: Reliable third-line centre, lead by example, leader who can help carry club culture.
The comparables: For scoring, towering Tage Thompson, for physicality and reliability Lawson Crouse.
No. 41: Niklas Aaram-Olsen, LW, 6-foot-1, 183 lbs., Orebko HK Jr., (Swe-Jrs.), GP: 29:, G: 20, A: 20, PTS: 40
The player: Norwegian logged 16 games in elite Swedish Hockey League. Speed, elusiveness makes him a threat off rush and has size, skill and finish to take pucks to the net. Lethal and accurate sniper. Boston University bound.
The projection: Low maintenance, high output guy in gym, plays direct and quick, targeted for second-line role.
The comparable: Jonathan Lekkerimaki. Not physical but fast and dangerous with puck for high-velocity releases.
No: 78 Dmitri Ivchenko, G, 6-foot-3, 179 lb., Omskie Yastreby (Rus-MHL), GP: 19, GAA: 1.91, Saves .922%
The player: Poise and economy of motion rare. Young goalies often overact to shots, rebounds, post-to-post movements. Strong skating ability is foundation to build game as intriguing project. Will remain in Russia next season.
The projection: Should he be signed, adjusting to North American ice surface and style of pro game will be big test.
The comparable: Jeremy Swayman. Smart positioning and ability to read the play and remain calm in the crease.
No. 97: Yaroslav Bryzgalov, LW, 6-foot-3, 216 lbs., Medicine Hat (WHL), GP: 64, G: 13, A: 42, PTS: 55
The player: Belarus re-entry winger had good rookie season after USHL. Played for Willie Desjardins on strong WHL squad and lauded for effectiveness on forecheck and one of league’s hardest hitters. Smart. Reads plays well.
The projection. Good test at age 19 to join Division 1 Merrimack College of NCAA ranks to gauge how rugged game evolves.
The comparable: Ivan Barbashev. Big, hard to play against. Heavy on opponents, underrated at getting to scoring areas.
No: 129: Connor Davis, LW, 6-foot 188 lbs., Cedar Rapids (USHL), GP: 59, G: 26, A: 29, PTS: 55
The player: Strong rookie season for Quebec native passed over in 2025 draft. “Big, strong, solid player with a lot of tools. We thought he was a great fit for our program,” — North Dakota head coach Dane Jackson.
The projection: Motor runs hot, excellent at separating and creating. Needs to work on getting inside defenders. Third-liner.
The comparable: Brandon Hagel. Wins battles by competing harder than defenders, strong in transition to get to pucks.
No: 176: Lucian Bernat, RW, 6-foot-4, 198 lbs., Tappara U20 (SM-Sarja), GP: 37, G: 15, A: 16, PTS: 31
The player: Slovakian led club draft-eligible players in scoring. Physical for Slovakia at U-18 worlds. Four points in seven games.
The projection: Heading for Owen Sound of OHL next season to acclimate to North American game, NHL fourth-liner.
The comparable: Alex Killorn. Path is versatile support winger, penalty killer, chip in offensively. Fourth-liner.
Pick 184: Samuel Eriksson, LSD, 6-foot-5, 212 lbs., Farjestads Jrs. (See-Jr.), GP: 32, G: 3, A: 3, PTS: 6
The player: Defensive defenceman, massive and adept at blocking out forwards and using reach to deny scoring.
The projection: Project blueliner must improve skating for explosiveness, mobility to escape zone. No. 6-7 D-man.
The comparison: Caron Soucy. Uses reach to eliminate plays on the walls and slot, kill penalties, move pucks.