The 2025 NHL Draft is officially behind us, and the <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/combinations">Vancouver Canucks</a> have <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/news/vancouver-canucks-2025-nhl-draft-letter-grades">added six new prospects into their system</a>.
Based on the selections made, it&#8217;s evident that the team had a specific mantra in mind: character, compete, and a little bit of size.
Oh, and a goalie.
While the crop appears to carry relatively high ceilings as pro hockey players (in some capacity), some were disappointed in the lack of high-pedigree swings and would have liked to see one or two more risk vs. reward type picks.
Well, thanks to the inspiration of a loyal reader, we thought we&#8217;d share our thoughts and take on who WE would have drafted based on the players available at the time of the Vancouver Canucks&#8217; pick.
Would they match? Would they at least be close?
Unfortunately, the answer to both questions is no. While we matched with one pick, the club veered quite far from where we would have gone.
Shocker.
But Head Scout Todd Harvey had a terrific quote in his media availability, where he touched on their third-round pick, Kieren Dervin, who was ranked much lower than the third round in most rankings.
&#8220;It&#8217;s okay,&#8221; he chuckled. &#8220;He wasn&#8217;t ranked by us like that.&#8221;
It&#8217;s a good reminder that NHL teams have internal lists. In the Canucks&#8217; case, they have a pretty good track record of sticking to that list, regardless of outside consensus.
But let&#8217;s give this a try, shall we?
<h2>First round, 15th overall</h2>
<blockquote>My pick: Braeden Cootes, C</blockquote>
There was only one player who was realistically within the Vancouver Canucks’ vicinity that I viewed higher, and that was Carter Bear. With him off the table, the choice was an easy one.
With <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/news/what-vancouver-canucks-getting-braeden-cootes">Braeden Cootes, we’re talking about a right-shot centre</a> who leaves it all on the ice and leads by example by making himself better every day.
He led a low-scoring Seattle Thunderbirds team in scoring as the youngest captain in the league, firing just over a point-per-game clip. With some additional help, his skillset could easily net him in the 90-plus range next season.
He carried that skill and leadership over to the U18 World Championships, where he led a stacked Team Canada with 12 points, once again donning the “C” on his chest.
He’s a character guy that you build a culture around, and with a pinch of everything in his game, he’s a guy that you win with. It’s a no-brainer for me.
<blockquote>Vancouver Canucks pick: Braeden Cootes, C</blockquote>
They agreed.
“We are so pleased to bring in a player of this quality and character into our organization,” said Patrick Allvin in the team’s press release. “Braeden is a strong competitor and has proven to be a good leader as well in the Western Hockey League. He profiles as a solid playmaker and has a good motor, and we really like the way Braeden leaves it all on the ice. Our group is really excited to see him continue to develop in the years to come.”
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
“We believe there is a lot of upside with you here.”
Get familiar with Braeden Cootes&#39; game.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NHLDraft?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NHLDraft</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/UberEats?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UberEats</a> <a href="https://t.co/RT4bOzPUZ2">pic.twitter.com/RT4bOzPUZ2</a>
&mdash; Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) <a href="https://twitter.com/Canucks/status/1938795537345757596?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 28, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<h2>Second round, 47th overall</h2>
<blockquote>My pick: Cole McKinney, C (drafted by the San Jose Sharks, 53rd overall)</blockquote>
Even with a right-shot centre taken care of in Braeden Cootes, the Canucks&#8217; depth up the middle is nowhere to be found. So please keep them coming.
Like Cootes, McKinney&#8217;s a versatile right-shot pivot who plays a two-way game in all situations. He brings a non-stop motor and creates space for his teammates thanks to his work ethic.
He also shows flashes of offence, as evidenced by 53 points in 49 games at the US National Development Program. He plays a game that most consider a surefire path to playing in the NHL in the future, and was pegged to go somewhere in the late-first to mid-second round.
The centre depth was non-existent heading in, but after picks one and two, you have your future middle-six locked up for good.
<blockquote>Vancouver Canucks pick: Aleksei Medvedev, G</blockquote>
In a complete opposite direction, the Canucks selected a young, somewhat raw, but very promising goalie from the London Knights.
“We thought it was the right time, and, you know, [Ian] Clark, he’ll be in touch with the goalies,” <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/news/director-scouting-todd-harvey-discusses-vancouver-canucks-2025-nhl-draft-class">said Canucks director of amateur scouting Todd Harvey of the pick</a>. “We have a really good staff here for development and [will] bring [Medvedev] along, and he’s going to have the net next year in London. And you never know, London, they always have a good team, so maybe they get back to the Memorial Cup.”
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
MEDVEDEV MAKES THE SAVE! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NHLDraft?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NHLDraft</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/UberEats?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UberEats</a> <a href="https://t.co/tU95f1v8vH">pic.twitter.com/tU95f1v8vH</a>
&mdash; Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) <a href="https://twitter.com/Canucks/status/1939029209340596701?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 28, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Quads is very high on Medvedev, and you can read his <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/news/why-vancouver-canucks-hit-home-run-aleksei-medvedev-pick">in-depth analysis piece on him by clicking here</a>.
<h2>Third round, 65th overall</h2>
<blockquote>My pick: Cameron Schmidt, RW (drafted by the Dallas Stars, 94th overall)</blockquote>
This is where the draft becomes particularly interesting for me, and there are numerous avenues to explore.
First and foremost, I am looking to make a trade. With no pick in the fourth round, and several names on my (personal) list, there is a chance to trade down and recoup a pick.
Unfortunately, that ability is not in my arsenal here.
But since I’ve taken two high-floor players, I feel confident in making a swing knowing that I won’t pick for another 78 picks. With that, I’m taking a boom-or-bust type and a kid who’s very familiar with the area.
For what it’s worth, I do think this is early. Yes, he was ranked quite high by most pundits, but there’s a solid history that suggests a player of his archetype tends to slide a little further (which he eventually did). But this prospect pool needs some spice, and this is the perfect wave to make before an extended break before the next pick in four hours (that&#8217;s a decentralized draft joke).
He may be small, but boy, is the ceiling booming on this kid. He’s arguably the best skater in the draft; he can shoot, he can dish it, and his hands are incredible. If only he were a few inches taller.
In addition to a highly tantalizing package, he has a long history of playing within the area. Although from Edmonton, Alberta, he’s made stops in Prince George&#8217;s, Kelowna and of course, Vancouver, where he’s a star for the Vancouver Giants.
<blockquote>Vancouver Canucks pick: Kieren Dervin, C</blockquote>
The Canucks felt that a <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/news/vancouver-canucks-select-kieran-dervin-third-round-2025-nhl-draft">two-way, right-shot centre with a chance to grow as a prominent member</a> of the Kingston Frontenacs was the way to go. He has an NHL frame and shows low-key but projectable qualities. Many scouts saw this as a prudent move, with his late stint in Kingston offering some intriguing promise.
He is committed to Penn State University for the 2026-27 season, but he&#8217;ll be playing in Kingston next year, where he&#8217;ll be tasked with an elevated role.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
A glimpse into Kieren Dervin! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NHLDraft?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NHLDraft</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/UberEats?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UberEats</a> <a href="https://t.co/eFV2tDnjkl">pic.twitter.com/eFV2tDnjkl</a>
&mdash; Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) <a href="https://twitter.com/Canucks/status/1939063100986323380?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 28, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
“I watched him play near the end of the year a few times, and then in the playoffs. And he’s got good size, he skates pretty well, can make plays, and sees the ice well, and he’s not afraid to play in traffic,” Todd Harvey told the media. “I thought I saw something there, and our guy in Ontario really liked him. I thought it was the pick for us.”
So much for the spicy swing.
<h2>Fifth round, 143rd overall</h2>
<blockquote>My pick: Aidan Lane, RW (drafted by the Calgary Flames, 176th overall)</blockquote>
Funny enough, Aidan Lane was selected just one pick after the Vancouver Canucks&#8217; next pick (175th).
Playing alongside Kieren Dervin in High School, Lane was a beneficiary of the new NCAA rules, dropping his bags to jet over to the Ontario Hockey League to wrap up his draft-eligible season.
Following a stellar season in AAA, where he finished second with 86 points (seven more than Dervin), he joined the Brampton Steelheads. There, he finished as a point-per-game player with 13 points, which were split between seven goals and six assists.
He’s got a relentless motor, which pays off in all three zones and shows strong offensive awareness. He digs at the netfront, which was evident in his stint with Brampton, and he shows good vision around the net with a high offensive IQ.
<blockquote>Vancouver Canucks pick: Wilson Bjorck, C</blockquote>
Admittedly, I wasn’t particularly familiar with <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/news/vancouver-canucks-select-wilson-bjorck-fifth-round-of-the-2025-nhl-draft">Wilson Bjorck’s game</a>. Yet, the more I watch tape of him, the more I like the pick.
He’s so raw, but enjoyed a significant uptick in offensive production as a 19-year-old, playing the J20. Playing with his brother, who happens to be a highly ranked 2026 draft-eligible, they finished as a one-two punch in league point totals.
Does that factor in as a knock on him? Was he just a product of a favourable environment? Sure, maybe. But he seems to play with hustle and jam, and he’s now shown that he can produce when placed in the right environment.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
Here are all of Wilson Bjorck&#39;s 2024–25 goals from the J20. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Canucks?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Canucks</a> <a href="https://t.co/yLXpmnAOSw">pic.twitter.com/yLXpmnAOSw</a>
&mdash; Dave Hall (@davehall1289) <a href="https://twitter.com/davehall1289/status/1939048435019325591?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 28, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
We&#8217;ll get to find out next year, when he’ll cross over to the NCAA circuit, where he’s a Colorado College commit.
<h2>Sixth round, 175th overall</h2>
<blockquote>My pick: Jan Chovan, C (drafted by the LA Kings, 184th overall)</blockquote>
Known for his versatile, two-way approach, he can play minutes in all situations. He brings a polished defensive approach and solid IQ.
The most intriguing aspect of his profile, however, is likely his size. With a robust frame, he’s able to protect the puck and drive to the net. He’s likely not to wow you on the scoresheet, but projects as a projectable and dependable bottom-six centre.
<blockquote>Vancouver Canucks pick: Gabriel Chiarot, RW</blockquote>
Another pick that you’ll have to dig a little deeper than the stats to appreciate truly.
He’s a driven winger who isn’t afraid to drop his shoulder and bring the puck to the net. He works for everything, which was a common theme in this draft, and he can finish with an underrated shot.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
Hot shot Chiarot! 🔥<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NHLDraft?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NHLDraft</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/UberEats?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UberEats</a> <a href="https://t.co/JMfyVGqqxW">pic.twitter.com/JMfyVGqqxW</a>
&mdash; Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) <a href="https://twitter.com/Canucks/status/1939062836887724319?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 28, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Once again, I actually like this pick for the Canucks.
<h2>Seventh round, 207th overall</h2>
<blockquote>My pick: Filip Ekberg, LW (drafted by the Carolina Hurricanes, 221 overall)</blockquote>
Perhaps a bit on the smaller side, Filip Ekberg just screamed “Vancouver Canucks” to me at this spot. Despite being 5-foot-10, 170 pounds, he matches the daily vibe of being a relentless pest and knows how to produce offence.
And let&#8217;s be honest here&#8230;he&#8217;s Swedish.
He had a tremendous second half with the Ottawa 67’s and wrapped up his rookie North American season with 45 points in 53 games. His skating needs work, his frame needs bulking, but he felt like a perfect match for a Canuck late in the draft.
<blockquote>Vancouver Canucks pick: Matthew Lansing, C</blockquote>
Again, they <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/news/vancouver-canucks-select-gabriel-chiarot-matthew-lansing-sixth-seventh-round-2025-nhl-draft">elected for a centre with powerful elements</a>. Although he hasn&#8217;t put up the numbers that most like to see, many scouts refer to his game as one that&#8217;s just waiting to break out. He has projectable qualities, but like most at this stage of the game, is considered a long-term project.
<h2>Final list</h2>
Dave:
<ul>
<li>1st, 15th &#8211; Braeden Cootes, C</li>
<li>2nd, 47th &#8211; Cole McKinney, C</li>
<li>3rd, 65th &#8211; Cameron Schmidt, RW</li>
<li>5th, 144th &#8211; Aidan Lane, RW</li>
<li>6th, 175th &#8211; Jan Chovan, C</li>
<li>7th, 207th &#8211; Filip Ekberg, LW</li>
</ul>
Vancouver Canucks:
<ul>
<li>1st, 15th &#8211; Braeden Cootes, C</li>
<li>2nd, 47th &#8211; Alexei Medvedev, G</li>
<li>3rd, 65th &#8211; Kieren Dervin, C</li>
<li>5th, 144th &#8211; Wilson Bjorck, C</li>
<li>6th, 175th &#8211; Gabriel Chiarot, RW</li>
<li>7th, 207th &#8211; Matthew Lansing, C</li>
</ul>
If you were following along the draft, and had a player in the mind with one of the Canucks&#8217; spots, let us know in the comments section below!
<h2><a href="https://canucksarmy.com/news/vancouver-canucks-2025-nhl-draft-letter-grades">READ NEXT: Vancouver Canucks 2025 NHL Draft letter grades</a></h2>
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The 2025 NHL Draft is officially behind us, and the <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/combinations">Vancouver Canucks</a> have <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/news/vancouver-canucks-2025-nhl-draft-letter-grades">added six new prospects into their system</a>.

Based on the selections made, it's evident that the team had a specific mantra in mind: character, compete, and a little bit of size.

Oh, and a goalie.

While the crop appears to carry relatively high ceilings as pro hockey players (in some capacity), some were disappointed in the lack of high-pedigree swings and would have liked to see one or two more risk vs. reward type picks.

Well, thanks to the inspiration of a loyal reader, we thought we'd share our thoughts and take on who WE would have drafted based on the players available at the time of the Vancouver Canucks' pick.

Would they match? Would they at least be close?

Unfortunately, the answer to both questions is no. While we matched with one pick, the club veered quite far from where we would have gone.

Shocker.

But Head Scout Todd Harvey had a terrific quote in his media availability, where he touched on their third-round pick, Kieren Dervin, who was ranked much lower than the third round in most rankings.

"It's okay," he chuckled. "He wasn't ranked by us like that."

It's a good reminder that NHL teams have internal lists. In the Canucks' case, they have a pretty good track record of sticking to that list, regardless of outside consensus.

But let's give this a try, shall we?
<h2>First round, 15th overall</h2>
<blockquote>My pick: Braeden Cootes, C</blockquote>
There was only one player who was realistically within the Vancouver Canucks’ vicinity that I viewed higher, and that was Carter Bear. With him off the table, the choice was an easy one.

With <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/news/what-vancouver-canucks-getting-braeden-cootes">Braeden Cootes, we’re talking about a right-shot centre</a> who leaves it all on the ice and leads by example by making himself better every day.

He led a low-scoring Seattle Thunderbirds team in scoring as the youngest captain in the league, firing just over a point-per-game clip. With some additional help, his skillset could easily net him in the 90-plus range next season.

He carried that skill and leadership over to the U18 World Championships, where he led a stacked Team Canada with 12 points, once again donning the “C” on his chest.

He’s a character guy that you build a culture around, and with a pinch of everything in his game, he’s a guy that you win with. It’s a no-brainer for me.
<blockquote>Vancouver Canucks pick: Braeden Cootes, C</blockquote>
They agreed.

“We are so pleased to bring in a player of this quality and character into our organization,” said Patrick Allvin in the team’s press release. “Braeden is a strong competitor and has proven to be a good leader as well in the Western Hockey League. He profiles as a solid playmaker and has a good motor, and we really like the way Braeden leaves it all on the ice. Our group is really excited to see him continue to develop in the years to come.”

https://twitter.com/Canucks/status/1938795537345757596
<h2>Second round, 47th overall</h2>
<blockquote>My pick: Cole McKinney, C (drafted by the San Jose Sharks, 53rd overall)</blockquote>
Even with a right-shot centre taken care of in Braeden Cootes, the Canucks' depth up the middle is nowhere to be found. So please keep them coming.

Like Cootes, McKinney's a versatile right-shot pivot who plays a two-way game in all situations. He brings a non-stop motor and creates space for his teammates thanks to his work ethic.

He also shows flashes of offence, as evidenced by 53 points in 49 games at the US National Development Program. He plays a game that most consider a surefire path to playing in the NHL in the future, and was pegged to go somewhere in the late-first to mid-second round.

The centre depth was non-existent heading in, but after picks one and two, you have your future middle-six locked up for good.
<blockquote>Vancouver Canucks pick: Aleksei Medvedev, G</blockquote>
In a complete opposite direction, the Canucks selected a young, somewhat raw, but very promising goalie from the London Knights.

“We thought it was the right time, and, you know, [Ian] Clark, he’ll be in touch with the goalies,” <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/news/director-scouting-todd-harvey-discusses-vancouver-canucks-2025-nhl-draft-class">said Canucks director of amateur scouting Todd Harvey of the pick</a>. “We have a really good staff here for development and [will] bring [Medvedev] along, and he’s going to have the net next year in London. And you never know, London, they always have a good team, so maybe they get back to the Memorial Cup.”

https://twitter.com/Canucks/status/1939029209340596701

Quads is very high on Medvedev, and you can read his <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/news/why-vancouver-canucks-hit-home-run-aleksei-medvedev-pick">in-depth analysis piece on him by clicking here</a>.
<h2>Third round, 65th overall</h2>
<blockquote>My pick: Cameron Schmidt, RW (drafted by the Dallas Stars, 94th overall)</blockquote>
This is where the draft becomes particularly interesting for me, and there are numerous avenues to explore.

First and foremost, I am looking to make a trade. With no pick in the fourth round, and several names on my (personal) list, there is a chance to trade down and recoup a pick.

Unfortunately, that ability is not in my arsenal here.

But since I’ve taken two high-floor players, I feel confident in making a swing knowing that I won’t pick for another 78 picks. With that, I’m taking a boom-or-bust type and a kid who’s very familiar with the area.

For what it’s worth, I do think this is early. Yes, he was ranked quite high by most pundits, but there’s a solid history that suggests a player of his archetype tends to slide a little further (which he eventually did). But this prospect pool needs some spice, and this is the perfect wave to make before an extended break before the next pick in four hours (that's a decentralized draft joke).

He may be small, but boy, is the ceiling booming on this kid. He’s arguably the best skater in the draft; he can shoot, he can dish it, and his hands are incredible. If only he were a few inches taller.

In addition to a highly tantalizing package, he has a long history of playing within the area. Although from Edmonton, Alberta, he’s made stops in Prince George's, Kelowna and of course, Vancouver, where he’s a star for the Vancouver Giants.
<blockquote>Vancouver Canucks pick: Kieren Dervin, C</blockquote>
The Canucks felt that a <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/news/vancouver-canucks-select-kieran-dervin-third-round-2025-nhl-draft">two-way, right-shot centre with a chance to grow as a prominent member</a> of the Kingston Frontenacs was the way to go. He has an NHL frame and shows low-key but projectable qualities. Many scouts saw this as a prudent move, with his late stint in Kingston offering some intriguing promise.

He is committed to Penn State University for the 2026-27 season, but he'll be playing in Kingston next year, where he'll be tasked with an elevated role.

https://twitter.com/Canucks/status/1939063100986323380

“I watched him play near the end of the year a few times, and then in the playoffs. And he’s got good size, he skates pretty well, can make plays, and sees the ice well, and he’s not afraid to play in traffic,” Todd Harvey told the media. “I thought I saw something there, and our guy in Ontario really liked him. I thought it was the pick for us.”

So much for the spicy swing.
<h2>Fifth round, 143rd overall</h2>
<blockquote>My pick: Aidan Lane, RW (drafted by the Calgary Flames, 176th overall)</blockquote>
Funny enough, Aidan Lane was selected just one pick after the Vancouver Canucks' next pick (175th).

Playing alongside Kieren Dervin in High School, Lane was a beneficiary of the new NCAA rules, dropping his bags to jet over to the Ontario Hockey League to wrap up his draft-eligible season.

Following a stellar season in AAA, where he finished second with 86 points (seven more than Dervin), he joined the Brampton Steelheads. There, he finished as a point-per-game player with 13 points, which were split between seven goals and six assists.

He’s got a relentless motor, which pays off in all three zones and shows strong offensive awareness. He digs at the netfront, which was evident in his stint with Brampton, and he shows good vision around the net with a high offensive IQ.
<blockquote>Vancouver Canucks pick: Wilson Bjorck, C</blockquote>
Admittedly, I wasn’t particularly familiar with <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/news/vancouver-canucks-select-wilson-bjorck-fifth-round-of-the-2025-nhl-draft">Wilson Bjorck’s game</a>. Yet, the more I watch tape of him, the more I like the pick.

He’s so raw, but enjoyed a significant uptick in offensive production as a 19-year-old, playing the J20. Playing with his brother, who happens to be a highly ranked 2026 draft-eligible, they finished as a one-two punch in league point totals.

Does that factor in as a knock on him? Was he just a product of a favourable environment? Sure, maybe. But he seems to play with hustle and jam, and he’s now shown that he can produce when placed in the right environment.

https://twitter.com/davehall1289/status/1939048435019325591

We'll get to find out next year, when he’ll cross over to the NCAA circuit, where he’s a Colorado College commit.
<h2>Sixth round, 175th overall</h2>
<blockquote>My pick: Jan Chovan, C (drafted by the LA Kings, 184th overall)</blockquote>
Known for his versatile, two-way approach, he can play minutes in all situations. He brings a polished defensive approach and solid IQ.

The most intriguing aspect of his profile, however, is likely his size. With a robust frame, he’s able to protect the puck and drive to the net. He’s likely not to wow you on the scoresheet, but projects as a projectable and dependable bottom-six centre.
<blockquote>Vancouver Canucks pick: Gabriel Chiarot, RW</blockquote>
Another pick that you’ll have to dig a little deeper than the stats to appreciate truly.

He’s a driven winger who isn’t afraid to drop his shoulder and bring the puck to the net. He works for everything, which was a common theme in this draft, and he can finish with an underrated shot.

https://twitter.com/Canucks/status/1939062836887724319

Once again, I actually like this pick for the Canucks.
<h2>Seventh round, 207th overall</h2>
<blockquote>My pick: Filip Ekberg, LW (drafted by the Carolina Hurricanes, 221 overall)</blockquote>
Perhaps a bit on the smaller side, Filip Ekberg just screamed “Vancouver Canucks” to me at this spot. Despite being 5-foot-10, 170 pounds, he matches the daily vibe of being a relentless pest and knows how to produce offence.

And let's be honest here...he's Swedish.

He had a tremendous second half with the Ottawa 67’s and wrapped up his rookie North American season with 45 points in 53 games. His skating needs work, his frame needs bulking, but he felt like a perfect match for a Canuck late in the draft.
<blockquote>Vancouver Canucks pick: Matthew Lansing, C</blockquote>
Again, they <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/news/vancouver-canucks-select-gabriel-chiarot-matthew-lansing-sixth-seventh-round-2025-nhl-draft">elected for a centre with powerful elements</a>. Although he hasn't put up the numbers that most like to see, many scouts refer to his game as one that's just waiting to break out. He has projectable qualities, but like most at this stage of the game, is considered a long-term project.
<h2>Final list</h2>
Dave:
<ul>
 	<li>1st, 15th - Braeden Cootes, C</li>
 	<li>2nd, 47th - Cole McKinney, C</li>
 	<li>3rd, 65th - Cameron Schmidt, RW</li>
 	<li>5th, 144th - Aidan Lane, RW</li>
 	<li>6th, 175th - Jan Chovan, C</li>
 	<li>7th, 207th - Filip Ekberg, LW</li>
</ul>
Vancouver Canucks:
<ul>
 	<li>1st, 15th - Braeden Cootes, C</li>
 	<li>2nd, 47th - Alexei Medvedev, G</li>
 	<li>3rd, 65th - Kieren Dervin, C</li>
 	<li>5th, 144th - Wilson Bjorck, C</li>
 	<li>6th, 175th - Gabriel Chiarot, RW</li>
 	<li>7th, 207th - Matthew Lansing, C</li>
</ul>
If you were following along the draft, and had a player in the mind with one of the Canucks' spots, let us know in the comments section below!
<h2><a href="https://canucksarmy.com/news/vancouver-canucks-2025-nhl-draft-letter-grades">READ NEXT: Vancouver Canucks 2025 NHL Draft letter grades</a></h2>
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Dave Hall: Who I would have drafted with each Canucks selection

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