Canucks:
have to include the trade for Ballard in the mix, as it was our big move (and our first round pick).
it was rather expensive, but the pieces that we sent were going to have a hard time fitting into our plans. Bernier showed flashes, but never found his hands, even she slotted in the prime triplet role. Grabner is offensively gifted. He could be a very good player. he'll get a better chance at that in Florida then he would have here.
Canucks, for their part got tougher. Ballard's stats would have put him #1 on the Canucks (by a large margin) in blocked shots, and #2 in hits. Both of those are very valuable, and pretty much essential if Mitchell moves on.
Oreskovich seems like a 4th line plumber, if he hits and stays out of trouble, that's OK. he can replace Glass. again adds to the team's toughness.
as for the draft picks:
115: Patrick McNally. Every team needs a good irishman, maybe he can be a drinking buddy for O'Brien. They feel he was a bargain as because he has committed to go to Harvard.
145: Adam Polasek. the name reminds me too much of Libor. was passed over last draft due to a clerical error?
both are basically two large defensemen (6'3, 6'2), as our prospect bin is fairly dry on the blueline.
172 - Alex Freisen C - third line grinder.
175 - Jonathan Iilhti G - theythink he should be in the mix for Finland's WJHC team.
205 - Sawyer Hannay - another big (6'4) defenseman.
they seemed to get almost everyone from the QMJHL this year. odd.
oh well, at least i can get good scouting reports from juliansteed
the common theme seems to be grit.
I can't say I'm too familiar with Polasek or Hannay yet. I've heard of them and know who they play for but that's about it. I don't usually notice the visiting 16 and 17 year olds too much unless they are standouts like Gormley, Kabanov, or Sean Couturier (2011). They both play in the Atlantic Division though so going forward I should be able to keep an eye on them for you.
