On today’s episode of Canucks Conversation, David Quadrelli and Harman Dayal were joined by Dave Hall to recap Abbotsford’s incredible Calder Cup championship run and preview what the Canucks might do at the 2025 NHL Entry Draft later this week.
Reflecting on Abbotsford’s championship-clinching win, Hall said: “What a ride. You never would’ve thought for a team sitting seventh or eighth in the Pacific Division, that on June 24th we’d be talking about a Calder Cup victory. It’s an incredible run and a real testament to Manny Malhotra, and last night’s game personified him to a tee. All three goals were driven by 50/50 puck battle wins, and it was a perfectly paced game. Great run, congrats to everyone and you couldn’t find a better team to root for.”
Hall credited Abbotsford’s team-wide contributions across five rounds of playoff hockey. “Overall, their sheer depth got them through. If it wasn’t the Bains-Karlsson line- which of course it was for most of the final, they combined for 19 points in the last five games- if it wasn’t them, it was another line stepping up. Chase Wouters, the defence, Tristan Nielsen– any given game, there was a different player or two stepping up, and that includes Arturs Silovs who pretty much bailed them out every game and was MVP for a reason.”
The development impact of the run is what Hall sees as a major takeaway for the Canucks organization. “It’s an intriguing development for the big club. All those players got that incredible experience on their resume now. Guys like Ty Mueller, Jonathan Lekkerimaki, Kirill Kudryavtsev– not only going through their first playoff run but their first North American pro hockey experience- and they go all the way to a five-round Calder Cup victory. That’s going to be invaluable.”
Hall added that some of those names might push for NHL time next season. “Guys like Linus Karlsson are going to be given a chance next year after this run, Arshdeep Bains as well. I don’t know if we’re going to see Ty Mueller or Kirill Kudryavtsev with Vancouver, but overall, it’s a good indictment on a few players that could make it.”
Looking ahead to the draft, Hall noted the Canucks should still be able to land a solid player with the 15th pick. “The Rangers deciding to forego their pick this year, giving it to the Penguins who now pick 11th and 12th- it just shows the Rangers think next year’s draft will be more intriguing. Whether they tank or not, next year is more of a top-heavy draft. The Canucks at 15 will still get a good player. Whoever they get there will probably slide in as a top two or three prospect in their pool.”
Still, Hall doesn’t see the 2025 class as overflowing with elite upside outside the top few picks. “Looking at a guy like Braeden Cootes or Cole Reschny, you’re probably looking at a second-line ceiling. Still a good player, but definitely a bit lacklustre in terms of top pedigree.”
As for potential fits at 15th overall, Hall has a favourite: “Braeden Cootes is my number one target for the Canucks if they use their first-round pick and he’s available. He’s a right-shot, gritty centre who can put the puck in the net. There’s plenty about his game fans would love, so he’s an easy target.”
He also mentioned another name to watch: “If you’re going for more hard-skill, Justin Carbonneau has some of the softest hands in the draft with power forward elements in his game, so he’s also a player you target- although he’s not a centre. Because there are so many centres available in this draft, I think you kinda have to go right-shot centre which is why I like Braeden Cootes.”
Hall hopes the Canucks keep their first-round pick, though he acknowledges there are intriguing second-round options too- if more raw. “My go-to target in the second round is a guy named Mason West. He’s a ranked quarterback as well for college football but made the decision to stick with hockey. He’s a 6’6” right-shot centre who skates really well. Intriguing qualities, but he’s still very raw. I wouldn’t mind them taking a chance on him in the second round. He just announced he’s going to Michigan State with Anthony Romani too.”
With the NHL Draft just days away, Hall sees this as a pivotal week for the Canucks’ future. The club has momentum coming off Abbotsford’s championship- and now it’s up to the front office to build on it.
You can watch the full segment below:
Tune in for The Sheet Draft Special, streaming live on the Daily Faceoff YouTube channel on Friday, June 27th at 7 PM EST. Hosted by Jeff Marek, this live special will cover all the action from the 2025 Draft, including expert analysis of top prospects, team-by-team breakdowns, and real-time reactions to every pick. Whether you’re tracking your team’s future stars or just love the drama of draft night, this is your go-to destination for all things Draft.
