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Should the Canucks draft Brady Tkachuk?

With so much uncertainty after top-two picks, could Tkachuk slide to 7th?
Brady Tkachuk celebrates a goal with Team USA.

A month ago, the top of the NHL draft seemed set in stone. Rasmus Dahlin would go first overall, followed by Andrei Svechnikov and Filip Zadina. The most likely fourth overall pick? Brady Tkachuk.

Over the last few weeks, however, reports have gradually chipped away at the supposedly set-in-stone rankings until only the top-two picks remained. With so much uncertainty over what the Montreal Canadiens will do with the third overall pick, everything else has been thrown into disarray.

Jesperi Kotkaniemi, who was expected to be a mid-first-round pick a month ago, has climbed up draft rankings and now could be a target for the Canadiens at third overall. That led to some speculation: could Filip Zadina fall far enough that he could get picked by the Canucks at seventh?

That’s unlikely, but the uncertainty at the top of the draft might make it more likely that Brady Tkachuk does slide to seventh overall. If he’s available, should the Canucks pick Tkachuk?

The Canucks had a chance to pick Tkachuk’s older brother, Matthew, a couple years back, and many Canucks fans lament the day Jim Benning went with steady defenceman Olli Juolevi over the aggravating winger. Brady is cut from similar cloth as his brother, but many scouts suggest that he has a lot more skill and finesse to his game.

That means Tkachuk is an agitator and a power forward, but with significant upside. Some scouts suggest that he tops out as a second-line centre, but one that can contribute significantly in all aspects of the game, while others see a first-line forward.

While Tkachuk’s freshman season at Boston University was solid, he was an absolute force at the World Junior Championships for Team USA, putting up 3 goals and 9 points in 7 games, despite being one of the younger players at the tournament.

Tkachuk is listed at left wing, but grew up playing centre, and many scouts suggest he could play centre in the NHL. That would be a fit with his strong two-way game, as he arguably has the most complete game of any of the forwards in the top-ten of the draft.

Wherever he ends up, Tkachuk is sure to be a pain in the neck for opponents, as he combines size, physicality, and a mean streak, with superb skill and playmaking. Tkachuk measured in at 6’3”, 191 lbs at the NHL scouting combine, and uses that size to protect the puck and drive the net offensively, and to win puck battles and punish opponents defensively.

Ray Ferraro referred to Tkachuk as a “menace to society on the ice,” as he never shies away from contact and will run over defenders at every opportunity. But he’s more than just a physical force; Tkachuk can play.

Tkachuk has superb hands, particularly for someone his size. His ability to control the puck in tight quarters, combined with his puck protection, makes him a nightmare down low. When he’s driving to the net, he’s tough to contain.

While Tkachuk is more of a playmaker than a scorer, he has a fantastic shot. He seems to prefer setting up his teammates, however, and is excellent at controlling possession and making the right play at the right time.

Above all, scouting reports repeatedly mention how smart he is on the ice. He processes the game at a high level, so makes great choices with the puck and is always in great position without the puck.

Tkachuk isn’t quite as skilled as some of the other forwards at the top of the draft, but what sets him apart is his 200-foot game. Tkachuk is dangerous on the forecheck (“one of the best stick-checkers in this draft class,” says Hockey Prospect) and he’s a standout player defensively.

Essentially, coaches will love what Tkachuk brings at both ends of the ice. He blocks shots, creates turnovers, and supports his defence. It’s a big reason why he’s a good bet to make the NHL as early as next season and immediately contribute.

The only question for Tkachuk is his ceiling. He’s a virtual lock to at least be a middle-six forward. Does he have the skill level to be a first-line forward? And, if he does, will he drive play himself or be a complementary player?

Those are the questions that might cause Tkachuk to slide to seventh overall. If he does, should the Canucks take him or let him continue to slide?