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We are back for another round of Vancouver Canucks’ 2024 Draft targets.
Today, we focus on our search to find the next Pavel Datsyuk, Doug Gilmour, or Brett Hull – all of whom were drafted in the sixth round of the NHL Draft.
Luckily, the team’s odds are way higher in that regard, as they carry two picks, one at each end of the round.
Here’s a refresher on all the Vancouver Canucks’ draft picks this year:
  • Third round, 93rd overall
  • Fourth round, 125th overall
  • Sixth round, 162nd overall
  • Sixth round, 189th overall
  • Seventh round, 221st overall
At this stage of the weekend, the possibilities are quite endless. All we can do is scour the list for intriguing profiles who catch our eye in hopes that the Canucks see them the same and others do not.
It’s time to go fishing for upside.

The Overagers

Ondřej Becher, Prince Goerge Cougars (WHL)
Position: Centre/Right Wing
Shoots: Left
Height/weight: 6’0, 172 lbs
If there’s any target that we hope slips through the cracks and into the sixth round, it’s Ondřej Becher.
Of course, after a career year in the Western League, there’s a good chance that 31 other teams are on the same wavelength.
Coming off a 96-point sophomore season with the Prince George Cougars — a 58-point increase from his rookie year — Becher is a third-year draft eligible who’s sure to be selected this time around. He capped off his tremendous season with five goals and 19 points across the Cougars’ 15 playoff games.
In addition to his high club numbers, he contributed significantly to a Bronze Medal finish for the Czechs at this year’s World Junior’s, tying Jonathan Lekkerimäki (and three others) with the third-most points (10).
Though there are concerns about his separation speed at the next level, Becher’s playmaking, shiftiness, and motor make him a worthwhile sixth-round flyer. He’s been said to have improved his defensive game, to boot.
He also tracks well, according to Mitchell Brown’s microstat tracking.
Graph courtesy of Mitchell Brown of EliteProspects.
Matyáš Melovský, Baie-Comeau Drakkar (QMJHL)
Position: Centre
Shoots: Right
Height/weight: 6’2, 190 lbs
Speaking of that Czech team, Matyáš Melovský was also on that Bronze Medal-winning squad.
In fact, he outpaced both Becher and Lekkerimäki with 11 points to finish second in the tournament. He also finished tied for the tournament lead with ten assists. 
Like Becher, he’s a double-entry draft eligible who enjoyed a sizable season among the Junior ranks. Playing in his second QMJHL season, Melovský posted 60 points in 53 games and had an outstanding playoff to finish sixth in scoring with 19 points in 17 games.
If you combine all three stages of his season (regular season, WJC, and playoffs), he combined for 90 points. Out of that total, 66 were assists. 
If that did not paint the picture for you, Melovský is considered an above-average and elusive playmaker. He’s a crafty and entertaining prospect to watch, whether by beating forwards outright with strong footspeed or edging out defenders with his solid 6’2″ frame. 
Don’t let the scoring profile fool you; he’s considered a responsible two-way player who plays a strong game in all three zones.
Nate Misskey, Victoria Royals (WHL)
Position: Defence
Shoots: Right
Height/weight: 6’3, 198 lbs
Nate Misskey, a 19-year-old Saskatchewan native, is 6’3″ and 198 lbs. He plays for the Victoria Royals and is described as a strong, physical, and defensive right-shot defender who enjoyed an uptick in his offensive production.
As an alternate captain, he finished second among the Royals’ defensive scoring with seven goals and 34 points.
Misskey’s skills are very raw, and you are more likely targeting him for his shutdown and defensive elements. However, industry chatter suggests that he’s taken solid strides in his game and is well on track to moulding a bottom-pairing role in the future.

From Our Mock Draft

Petr Sikora, HC Oceláři Třinec (Czechia)
Position: Centre
Shoots: Left
Height/weight: 5’11, 172 lbs
Not to be confused with the ex-New Jersey Devil, this Petr Sikora is a hardworking centre who shined in the U20 Czech league with 40 points (13 goals, 27 assists) in 30 games.
Although his numbers dipped as an 18-year-old with the main club (three points in 22 games), his elite shot and tenacious play make him a boom-or-bust prospect worth keeping an eye on.
While most of his game will need fine-tuning, his lethal release keeps us intrigued.
Aidan Park, Green Bay Gamblers (USHL)
Position: Centre
Shoots: Right
Height/weight: 6’1, 184 lbs
Aidan Park, whom we snagged in the seventh round of our mock draft, finished third in the US Prep School circuit with 93 points for Shattuck St. Mary’s.
He’s got the speed, grit, and willingness to go to the dirty areas; a fan favourite in the making. If you can find a mix of skill and never quit a motor like this in the final two rounds, you take it and run.
He’ll spend his 2024-25 season with the Green Bay Gamblers (USHL) before kickstarting his NCAA career as a Michigan Wolverine in 2025.

Polar opposites

Ilya Protas, Des Moines Buccaneers (USHL)
Position: Left Wing
Shoots: Left
Height/weight: 6’4, 184 lbs
If you’ve watched Alexei Protas of the Washington Capitals play, then you know Ilya’s game well. He is tall and slow but has a few intriguing skills that could make him an effective middle-six contributor.
The Belorussian played out his 2023-24 draft-eligible season in the USHL, where he enjoyed a solid second half to finish third in rookie scoring with 14 goals and 51 points.
Protas is considered a playmaker by nature and uses his solid frame to manipulate the play and make space for himself, giving him ample time to seek his next target.
As a towering but clunky skater, it’s clear which elements of his game are worth selecting and which beg for more development.
Mac Swanson, Fargo Force (USHL)
Position: Left Wing
Shoots: Left
Height/weight: 5’8, 167 lbs
Now, to the polar opposites section. Mac Swanson may be 5’8″ and 167 lbs, but he’s an elusive playmaker.
We get it. Given his size, you may scroll past this pick. But in an era where size is not always necessary, Swanson warrants an extreme “boom-or-bust potential” tag.
Playing for the Fargo Force in the USHL, he scored 132 points in 112 games over two seasons, 94 of which were assists.
Swanson is known for his speed, creativity, and offensive flair. Some have argued that he is a top-10 passer among the entire class. Despite his size, he has a strong motor to boot.
It’s not difficult to pinpoint his major “flaw.” Still, he wouldn’t be in sixth-round conversations if he were just a few inches taller.
If you want to swing on the upside, look no further than the dynamic Mac Swanson. He’ll be transitioning to the NCAA this year, joining Canucks prospect Jackson Kunz at the University of North Dakota.

The Ontario boys

Riley Patterson, Barrie Colts (OHL)
Position: Centre
Shoots: Right
Height/weight: 6’0, 192 lbs
Riley Patterson combines speed, skill, and intelligence into an impressive package that propelled him to a second-place OHL rookie scoring finish with 29 goals and 62 points.
Skating for the Barrie Colts, Patterson is not only a physical presence but also brings the entire offensive package to the table: an NHL shot, solid playmaking ability, and blazing speed. Equally proficient on defence, Patterson consistently disrupts opponents’ plays with his strong work ethic.
Scouts are particularly impressed with his quick decision-making and composure under pressure. Most say there is “third-line centre” potential to his game.
Gabriel Frasca, Kingston Frontenacs (OHL)
Position: Centre
Shoots: Left
Height/weight: 6’0, 170 lbs
There isn’t much “flash” in Gabriel Frasca’s game. Instead, the center plays a simple and effective brand of “Swiss army knife” hockey.
Despite missing the first half of the season due to injury, he carved out a modest 32-point campaign, split evenly between 15 goals and 17 assists.
He’s best known for his two-way play, playmaking skills, and ability to step up in crucial moments. Using a strong hockey IQ, he excels in both offensive and defensive situations.
While his offensive upside may not be as high as some on this list, Frasca projects as a much safer late-round route.
Kaden Pitre, Flint Firebirds (OHL)
Position: Centre
Shoots: Left
Height/weight: 5’11, 168 lbs
While Gabriel Frasca missed the first half of the season, Kaden Pitre missed the second. Before his injury, Pitre was on a roll, recording 30 points in 35 games in his second season with the Flint Firebirds.
The Ontario native excels in a strong two-way game, showcasing elite skating ability and a competitive edge. Despite not being the biggest player on the ice, Pitre is feisty and highly effective along the boards and in transition.
That does it for our sixth-round targets.
Are there any names that you would like the Vancouver Canucks to target? Let us know in the comment section.