Orcasfan wrote:Draft time is always a fascinating time. We live in hope that the Canucks will find those hidden gems. But what is depressing about this time is realizing how poorly the Canucks have drafted from the WHL! In their own backyard, and they miss out on guys like Weber and Jamie Benn.
How is it possible, when, just by proximity alone, they should have a big advantage over most other clubs? Well, obviously, you have to look at their scouting staff, and who is responsible for the WHL region. It looks like Harold Snepsts is one of their guys. I would certainly give him a failing grade based on the team's drafting record so far! So, who else is responsible for the West? Certainly, Delorme - but he has overall duties also. Until they improve their scouting team, they will continue to miss out on all the gems in the WHL!
Weber is hard to chalk up to poor scouting, the Canucks took Ryan Kesler and otherwise did not have a pick available to take beardo. They did have a pick at the end of the second round and took Marc-Andre Bernier (who?), next two picks were Max Lapierre and David Backes.
The two picks taken before Jamie Benn in 2007 were Patrick White and Taylor Ellington. Man that draft was a disaster, but the Canucks didn't do themselves any favours trading away mid round picks (for Brent Sopel and Mika Noronen I think
). Still, lots of guys other than Benn that the Canucks passed up that year.. Wayne Simmonds, PK Subban, etc.
Anyway. I would love to see some kids scooped up from the WHL and the BCHL if they are going to give the team better shots and pulling impact players from the draft - but is that really the case, that proximity gives a real advantage? Do the Canadiens still draft better than everyone else from the Q?