Meet The Prospects: Vancouver Canucks 2024 NHL Entry Draft Edition
The Vancouver Canucks selected five players at the 2024 NHL Entry Draft.
Photo by Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports - Meet The Prospects: Vancouver Canucks 2024 NHL Entry Draft EditionThe 2024 NHL Entry Draft has concluded, with the Vancouver Canucks adding five players to the organization. GM Patrik Allvin and his team did not have a first or second-round pick but still walked away from Vegas with some intriguing prospects who had high upsides. Here is a look at the five players Vancouver selected this year.
Melvin Fernström- 3rd Round, 93rd Overall
The first player selected by the Canucks was Swedish winger Melvin Fernström. Listed at 6'1", 188 pounds, he was the 23rd-ranked European Skater heading into the draft. Fernström was part of Team Sweden's U18 group that won Bronze this past season and will be part of Sweden's roster at the upcoming World Junior Summer Showcase.
Fernström's best attribute is his ability to put the puck in the back of the net. He led the J20 Nationell with 31 goals in 45 games, becoming the 22nd player in league history to surpass the 30-goal mark in a season. Fernström was also a key part of Örebro HK J20 playoff run this year, scoring five goals and recording ten points in eight games.
One reason Fernström is so effective in the offensive zone is that he understands how to find open ice in scoring positions. He is constantly moving around and keeps his stick on the ice as a target point for his teammates. Once Fernström finally gets the puck, it isn't long before it's off his stick, as he can hit one-timers or deliver quick passes to his teammates for high-danger chances.
At this stage of Fernström's development, there are a couple of areas he needs to improve. Skating is a question mark and will be something to keep an eye on as he develops. Fernström's defensive play also needs some work, as well as his ability to become a play driver rather than a complimentary piece. The good news, however, is that Fernström was one of the youngest players in this year's draft and will have plenty of time to develop before making the move to North America.
Riley Patterson- 4th Round, 125th Overall
In the fourth round, Vancouver selected center Riley Patterson from the Barrie Colts. Listed at 6'0", 193 pounds, he was the 61st-ranked North American Skater heading into the draft. Patterson was one of the biggest risers in the draft this year, seeing a 55-spot jump from the mid-term mark to the final rankings.
Patterson was fantastic in his rookie OHL season. He finished second in rookie scoring with 62 points, while his 29 goals ranked second on the Colts. Patterson also was productive during the playoffs, scoring two goals and adding an assist in six postseason games.
As for Patterson's play, he is very noticeable in the transition game. He has good speed and can beat defenders to lose pucks while also showing a willingness to forecheck and try to create turnovers along the end boards. While he doesn't throw a ton of big hits, Patterson does have a physical element to his game, often using his body to try and win puck battles.
Patterson's next step is expanding his play in the offensive zone. This includes becoming a more effective playmaker and driving play more consistently. Expected to see more time on both the power play and penalty kill; Patterson should be able to take his game to another level next year.
Anthony Romani- 6th Round, 162 Overall
With their first of two picks in the sixth round, the Canucks selected Anthony Romani from the North Bay Battalion. Listed at 6'0", 184 pounds, he was the 70th-ranked North American Skater this year. After being passed over in last year's draft, Romani had a massive season, finishing second in OHL scoring with 111 points while leading the league with 58 goals in 68 games.
Romani thrives in the offensive zone. He can score from distance and create chances through his playmaking ability. Ultimately, Romani is at his best when he is carrying the puck, as he can either deliver tape-to-tape passes or try to create rebound opportunities for his teammates to capitalize on.
One impressive area of Romani's game is his ability to read the play and anticipate where teammates are going to be. This skill is beneficial in the transition game as he can lead linemates into open space to create scoring chances. Romani has also shown an ability to spot teammates who have a step on defenders, delivering stretch passes from his own zone that lead to breakaways.
The next step for Romani will be to strengthen his skating while becoming a better defender. Set to turn 19 in a few days; this may be his last season in the OHL before turning pro, meaning he needs to continue to develop these areas in order to have a smooth transition to the AHL. If he can take another step forward in 2024-25, Romani could be a contender for OHL MVP.
Parker Alcos- 6th Round, 189th Overall
The first defender picked by Vancouver was Edmonton Oil Kings Parker Alcos. Listed at 6'2", 180 pounds, he was the 112th-ranked North American Skater heading into the draft. A local prospect from Port Moody, Alcos, spent time in the Burnaby Winter Club program before joining the WHL.
The best way to describe Alcos is a steady, defensive defenceman who plays a physical game. He averaged over 20 minutes in his first full season with Edmonton and was a pain to play against every night. A strong skater, Alcos continued to improve throughout the year and by the end, proved he could limit some of the best players in the WHL.
In the defensive zone, Alcos knows where his stick needs to be to break up plays and force turnovers. He is a solid rush defender and often can create offsides by forcing puck carriers to lose the puck. Alcos is also very good at sweeping pucks around the boards to teammates and doesn't get rattled when opposing forwards are closing in on him.
The next step in Alcos' development will be to skate the puck out of the zone and become more dangerous in the transition game. While being able to clear the puck is a valuable skill, he needs to find teammates with breakout passes on a more consistent basis. With the Oil Kings expected to have a strong team next season, Alcos should have plenty of opportunities to show the offensive side of his game.
Basile Sansonnens- 7th Round, 221st overall
The last player selected by the Canucks this year was defenceman Basile Sansonnens. Listed at 6'2", 196 pounds, he was the 131st-ranked European Skater heading into the draft. This past season, Sansonnens played in the U20-Elit in Switzerland while his representing his county at the U18s.
Sansonnes is a mobile, defensive defenceman who proved to be valuable for Switzerland at the U18s. He averaged over 18 minutes a game and saw time on the penalty kill. Ultimately, Sansonnes isn't going to produce a ton offensively, but he is a reliable defender that can be used in a shutdown role.
One impressive feat this season by Sansonnes is that he played four games at the NL level. He was one of seven skaters to play in Switzerland's top league, while his four games ranked fourth. Sansonnes also played four games in the SL, which is the second tier of the pro league in Switzerland.
There isn't a ton of scouting on Sansonnes, which makes his participation at this year's development camp crucial in determining where his game is at. He will be a name to watch heading into the World Juniors, as he could make the U20 squad in December. Moving to Lausanne for the 2024-25 season, he is projected to play at both the NL and U20-Elit next year.
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