The 2025 NHL Draft is just days away, and anticipation is building for the Vancouver Canucks, who hold a pick in every round for the first time in years — at least for now.
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At the time of this writing, here is a list of picks that the team carries:
<ul>
 	<li>First round - 15th overall</li>
 	<li>Second round - 47th overall</li>
 	<li>Third round - 65th overall</li>
 	<li>Fourth round- 117th overall</li>
 	<li>Fifth round - 143rd overall</li>
 	<li>Sixth round - 175th overall</li>
 	<li>Seventh round -  207th overall</li>
</ul>
With trade rumors swirling, many expect the Canucks to leverage their first-round pick to bolster their NHL roster with immediate help.

Should they keep their selections, however, Vancouver is poised to add impactful talent to an already promising prospect pool, which we have highlighted a few targets here at CanucksArmy.

While the first round garners the spotlight, the second round offers a wealth of opportunity in a draft that feels unpredictable beyond the top 25. The range from late-first to third-round picks is a lottery of high-upside players, many of whom could slide into Vancouver’s grasp.

We’ve scoured the rankings to identify second-round targets who could shape the franchise’s future.
<h2><strong>Mason West</strong></h2>
<em>Team: Edina High (USHS) / Fargo Force (USHL)</em>
<em>Age: 17 | Position: Centre | Height: 6-foot-6 | Weight: 218 lbs | Shoots: Right</em>
<em>Birthplace: Edina, Minnesota, USA</em>
<em>Stats: 31 GP, 27 G, 22 A, 49 PTS (USHS); 10 GP, 1 G, 8 A, 9 PTS (USHL)
Central Scouting ranking: North America: 27th</em>

Mason West is a towering right-shot centre who checks every box for a Canucks fan’s wish list.

He's been an interesting prospect to follow, as his commitment to hockey was up in the air until just recently. As a ranked quarterback, he had to choose between the two sports, and, for the benefit of the NHL draft, he chose hockey.

At 6-foot-6 and 218 pounds, his imposing frame is incredibly enticing. To add to his allure, there is still an incredible runway to develop his game and dare we say, grow even more as an August birthday.

To make his profile even more intriguing is his skating ability. Despite being a heavy-set forward, he skates with surprising fluidity and combines that with a tremendous hustle.

https://youtu.be/UVXAgnSass4?si=-Vjck6hgBE5VTUyT

Although he’s spent most of his season at the High School level, he did finish second on Edina High with 27 goals and 49 points in 31 games. He then flashed potential in a 10-game USHL stint, posting eight assists. He’ll now jump straight to the NCAA to play with Anthony Romani over at Michigan State in 2025-26.

Although still a raw talent, he boasts a strong shot and adds power elements to drive to the middle and crash the net. While his high school competition slightly skews his stock, his raw tools and high ceiling make him a tantalizing bet in the second round.

Big, skilled right-shot centres don’t grow on trees, and West could be an excellent pick for Vancouver in the second round.

Now, the question is whether the secret is out, and will he still be around at 47th?
<h2><strong>Charlie Trethewey</strong></h2>
Team: USNTDP
<em>Age: 17 | Position: Defence | Height: 6-foot-2 | Weight: 201 lbs | Shoots: Right</em>
<em>Birthplace: Ellicott City, Maryland, USA</em>
<em>Stats: 63 GP, 6 G, 14 A, 20 PTS
</em><em>Central Scouting ranking: North America: 46th</em>

Charlie Trethewey is a mobile, right-shot defenceman with the tools to become a two-way force. Like Mason West, he's a late birthday with tons of runway to grow his game, as well as his already established frame.

Carrying a 6-foot-1, 200-pound frame, the 17-year-old holds a baked-in frame to withstand the rigours of pro hockey. He matches it with high-end mobility and the willingness to deliver game-changing hits with a high running motor.

Although production was modest with the USNTDP this year, he brings a history of producing points from the backend, beating goaltenders with an above-average shot, or finding teammates with his impressive vision. There are questions about whether he'll be genuinely considered a point-producer at the higher levels, but there's a good foundation to take the risk.

https://youtu.be/5ez2B68Hveg?si=pQFTYL6KY990Sy9a

Most encouraging is his ability to log heavy minutes in all situations. From quarterbacking the power play to killing penalties, he's an intriguing option at any point of the game, which will help his case going into the draft.

But this is the second round, so his game is not perfect. Turnovers and questionable decision-making reflect a still-developing hockey sense. He’s a player who falls under the “tries too much” category and can be caught in panicked situations.

All that said, there’s enough in the toolkit to warrant a selection within this range, and it could become a member of a second pairing someday down the road.
<h2><strong>Theo Stockselius</strong></h2>
<em>Team: Djurgårdens IF (J20 Nationell)</em>
<em>Age: 17 | Position: Winger | Height: 6-foot-3| Weight: 196 lbs | Shoots: Left</em>
<em>Birthplace: Norrtälje, Sweden</em>
<em>Stats: 40 GP, 22 G, 29 A, 51 PTS
Central Scouting ranking: International: 13th
</em>

Perhaps carrying a slightly lower ceiling than some on this list, Theo Stockselius is considered a versatile winger with decent size and a solid two-way game.

The 6-foot-3 Swede was among the top J20 Nationell players with 51 points in 40 games, earning a pair of league titles across two levels of play. He played a significant role in helping both his U18 and U20 Djurgårdens teams to championships, scoring 14 and 18 points, respectively.

His 22 goals at the J20 level highlight a sneaky scoring touch, but it’s his deceptive vision that stands out. With a hockey IQ that stands out, he makes things happen with crafty give-and-gos and plays off the rush.

https://youtu.be/AY7zSK6tPcc?si=rbEJsMz09E6xb6dM

The biggest hindrance to his game is his limited skating ability, which is below average. With a lanky frame, he'll be forced to rely on his smarts, rather than his speed.

Nonetheless, he brings a solid frame, smarts, and good compete. All this combining for a decent bet in the mid-second round.

Did we mention that he’s Swedish?
<h2><strong>Haoxi “Simon” Wang</strong></h2>
<em>Team: King Rebellion (OJHL) / Oshawa Generals (OHL)</em>
<em>Age: 17 | Position: Defence | Height: 6-foot-6 | Weight: 209 lbs | Shoots: Left</em>
<em>Birthplace: Beijing, China</em>
<em>Stats: 38 GP, 4 G, 18 A, 22 PTS (OJHL); 32 GP, 0 G, 2 A, 2 PTS (OHL)
Central Scouting ranking: North America: 34th
</em>

Every draft has one, and Haoxi Wang is this year’s unicorn and a project that development staff members can sink their teeth into.

A 6-foot-6 defenceman with fluid skating, elite edgework, and shutdown potential doesn’t come around every day. Yet, with some downfalls in his game, projecting where he could eventually fall in the draft feels nearly impossible.

Originally from Beijing, Wang transitioned to hockey in Ontario at the age of 12 and has since emerged as one of the more polarizing boom-or-bust prospects in his class.

Offensively speaking, his OHL stint with Oshawa was underwhelming (two assists in 32 games), but his 22 points in 38 OJHL games show offensive promise. But his ability to put up points is only secondary to the incredible reach, size and mobility that he brings to the game.

Wang’s length makes him a threat in rush transitions at both ends of the ice. He’s able to shut things down on a dime, but he’s developed a reputation for providing inconsistent reads and turnovers as a result of limited hockey sense.

https://youtu.be/ocSn6l2dPvM?si=FxbR5BGPIGj3SZ3T

Now, with just half a season of OHL hockey with the Oshawa Generals under his belt, he'll transition to the NCAA ranks, suiting up for the Boston University Terriers.

If you are willing to put in the work, he could end up being a steal in this draft. However, be prepared to take on a project, as the rawness in his game is a significant factor.
<h2><strong>Kristian Epperson</strong></h2>
<em>Team: Saginaw Spirit (OHL)</em>
<em>Age: 19 | Position: Left Wing | Height: 6-foot | Weight: 185 lbs | Shoots: Left</em>
<em>Birthplace: Mequon, Wisconsin, USA</em>
<em>Stats: 58 GP, 27 G, 53 A, 80 PTS
Central Scouting ranking: North America: 47th
</em>

Slightly propped up by playing with this year’s projected top-ranked forward, Michael Misa, Kristian Epperson is this year’s crowned gem in terms of re-entry candidates.

After being passed on at last year’s draft, he joined the Saginaw Spirit, where he thrived with 27 goals and 80 points.

Drawing comparisons to Bryan Rust, his fearless motor and hockey IQ make him a likely candidate to go somewhere within the Vancouver Canucks’ range.

Playing as a linemate of Michael Misa, he was the “go getter” of the line, providing a relentless forecheck, with the ability to finish off and create plays. If all goes well, he has the makings of a prototypical middle-six winger who works hard and can create plays by making space.

https://youtu.be/bfntXmZPk70?si=QDjeXNSSwwQoEck4

He can find linemates with good vision, but can finish the play off with time as well. There have been rumblings about his attitude and lack of attention on the defensive side of things, but there's a good chance he jumps into the second round this year.
<h2><strong>Alexander Zharovsky</strong></h2>
<em>Team: Tolpar Ufa (MHL)</em>
<em>Age: 18 | Position: Right Wing | Height: 6-foot-1 | Weight: 163 lbs | Shoots: Left</em>
<em>Birthplace: Klin, Russia</em>
<em>Stats: 45 GP, 24 G, 26 A, 50 PTS
Central Scouting ranking: International: 5th
</em>

We already know what you're going to say...size, the Russian factor, defensive downfalls...

But bear with us, as we want to give you a plethora of options here.

One of the top prospects coming out of the Russian crop, Alexander Zharovsky, finished in the top 10 during his first season in the MHL with an even split of 24 goals and 26 assists.

Despite being relatively quiet in draft circles to start the year, his play shot out of a cannon, which eventually concluded with a seven-game KHL playoff stint with Salavat Yulaev as a freshly turned 18-year-old.

We always need to include a few of these player archetypes for those who are into high-flying offensive skills. And Zharovsky is a pure skill-driven wizard, with incredible hands and a knack for the fancy play.

Whether it's weaving in and out of traffic, setting up linemates with difficult threads or finishing things off himself, he's got the know-how to do it all. He has a pinpoint release, incredible vision and offensive smarts.

https://youtu.be/2DUngLGZJEg?si=End9pyn1ZDE6l5Qg

The issue is that he needs to bulk, he’s not an incredible skater, and his two-way game needs work.

But do you like highlights? Do you enjoy taking swings on boom-or-busts? He's got you covered.
<h2><strong>Luca Romano</strong></h2>
<em>Team: Kitchener Rangers (OHL)</em>
<em>Age: 17 | Position: Centre | Height: 5-foot-11 | Weight: 176 lbs | Shoots: Right</em>
<em>Birthplace: Toronto, Ontario, Canada</em>
<em>Stats: 67 GP, 25 G, 26 A, 51 PTS
Central Scouting ranking: North America: 48th
</em>

Touted as a skilled and speedy centre developing within the Kitchener Rangers’ system, Romano may not carry the towering 6-foot-plus size. Yet, he's a pest with tremendous speed and hustle, perfect for fulfilling the life of a third liner.

Defensively responsible, he's able to transition the puck quickly to make a solid drive at the other end. He battles hard along the boards and seems to find the right spots on the ice to make the play.

https://youtu.be/JbMrRHR91PQ?si=QGLVoTaa9tjRHQ3R

Off the puck, he’s everywhere all the time, backchecking fiercely and setting up teammates with clever passes.

His physical game is solid, but will it be as effective among the professional ranks? That remains to be seen. But with a high motor and growing skill set, he's a perfect penalty-killing, middle-six hopeful option.

There's a good chance that his upside has a cap, but projects to be a sound third-line piece as a right-shot two-way option.
<h2><strong>Ryker Lee</strong></h2>
<em>Team: Madison Capitols (USHL)</em>
<em>Age: 18 | Position: Right Wing | Height: 6-foot | Weight: 181 lbs | Shoots: Right</em>
<em>Birthplace: Wilmette, Illinois, USA</em>
<em>Stats: 58 GP, 31 G, 37 A, 68 PTS
Central Scouting ranking: North America: 28th
</em>

Playing for the Madison Capitols, Ryker Lee finished second among USHL draft-eligible skaters with 31 goals and 68 points through 58 games, earning USHL Rookie of the Year.

His game is marked by high-end skill, often setting up linemates with his tremendous hands and playmaking ability.

Holding him back is his skating, which has some concerned about his development. But with the skill baked in, you take a risk on developing the feet with time. His defensive game is a huge work in progress. But again, it's all about the offence, capable of providing top-six pedigree.

https://youtu.be/iXwW_0ZR14g?si=ZcMIW0t5CF1JfWX-

He's off to Michigan State to play with Anthony Romani next season, so he'd have a familiar face to show him the ropes after Development Camp.
<h2><strong>Benjamin Kevan</strong></h2>
<em>Team: Des Moines Buccaneers (USHL)</em>
<em>Age: 18 | Position: Right Wing | Height: 6-foot | Weight: 183 lbs | Shoots: Right</em>
<em>Birthplace: Fairfield, California, USA</em>
<em>Stats: 51 GP, 13 G, 30 A, 43 PTS
Central Scouting ranking: North America: 55th
</em>

Benjamin Kevan is a dynamic, right-shot winger whose blazing speed and silky hands create electrifying plays.

His game thrives on rush opportunities, outpacing defenders with ease, which he pairs with exceptional vision that shines through in crafty behind-the-back passes and give-and-go sequences.

https://youtu.be/DdjgoSHexWA?si=2HEQ3Hujp-Bjz5Yp

However, scouts note his tendency to stick to the perimeter, relying heavily on speed rather than battling in high-traffic areas near the net.

Adding physicality and strength will be key to unlocking his full potential, but his raw tools make him an intriguing second-round pick with high-upside appeal.
<h2><strong>Cole McKinney</strong></h2>
<em>Team: USNTDP (USHL)</em>
<em>Age: 18 | Position: Centre | Height: 6-foot | Weight: 201 lbs | Shoots: Right</em>
<em>Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois, USA</em>
<em>Stats: 60 GP, 27 G, 34 A, 61 PTS
Central Scouting ranking: North America: 32nd
</em>

Cole McKinney feels like a safe projection pick. With that said, there’s a good chance that this “safe” tag has him falling before the Canucks get the opportunity to select him.

While he's known to flash some skill from time to time and produce points at the USHL level, McKinney stands out for his well-rounded, two-way game as a centre.

https://youtu.be/u6sBXMM5PqI?si=ngyt8MDd84tCixiv

With solid size, tenacious compete level, solid ability in the face-off circle and standout penalty-killing skills, he’s a player teams can rely on in critical situations.

While he demonstrates an ability to capitalize on scoring chances, his floor remains strong due to his strong defensive acumen. McKinney is an appealing option for the Canucks if they prefer a steady, responsible player over a high-risk, high-reward project.

Did we miss someone who's been on your radar? Drop a comment to highlight a player whom you like in the second round.

<strong>Sponsored by bet365</strong>
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10 players the Canucks could draft in the second round of the 2025 NHL Draft

Danila Klimovich during the Vancouver Canucks' 4-2 win over the Winnipeg Jets at the 2024 Young Stars Classic from Penticton, BC.

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