Day two of the 2024 NHL Entry Draft got off to a fast start, and then things slowed right down after a flurry of trades in the second round. As a result, we had to wait a bit before the Vancouver Canucks made their first selection.
But now it’s happened! The Vancouver Canucks have selected Melvin Fernstrom in the third round with the 93rd overall pick. Fernstrom played six games with Örebro of the SHL — the same club as top Canucks prospect Jonathan Lekkerimäki — and registered 31 goals and 32 assists through 45 games with Örebro’s Jr. squad.
Our own prospect guru Dave Hall identified Fernstrom as a prospect the Canucks might be interested in with this pick. Here’s what he had to say about him:
Fernström is a talented forward who excelled at the J20 level with Zetterberg at Örebro, leading the league with 31 goals and finishing third in points with 63 total. Internationally, he impressed with 12 goals and 25 points in 27 games for Sweden U18.
Known for his potent shot, including a powerful one-timer and slapshot, Fernström is primarily a shooter but also a capable passer with good vision. Like many on this list, his skating lacks quickness and speed, affecting his transition game and one-on-one battles.
Standing 6’0″ and 187 lbs, Fernström has the size and potential to develop into something more. If he can address his motor and some of his defensive habits, he could become a valuable mid-round gem.
Here’s what Daily Faceoff’s Steven Ellis — who ranked the right-shot winger right at 93rd overall on his mock draft — had to say about him:
From a production standpoint, Fernstrom brings quality to every shift. I love the hands; he’s really creative. I can see him being a power-play specialist, but I’m not sure he’s rounded enough to be a serious top nine threat, for now. That’s because he can get caught trying to do way too much and doesn’t have the IQ or awareness to turn it into anything tangible. Still, from a raw skill perspective, Fernstrom can play with just about anyone and was a big part of Sweden’s attack in U-18 action all season long.
Here is a highlight compilation of the Canucks’ third-round pick.
Check out the CanucksArmy live blog with all the wheelings and dealings from the day all day long by clicking here!
And approximately 30 minutes after the draft, Dave Hall and I will be turning out a very special draft edition of Canucks Conversation! Dave will be giving his thoughts on each Canucks pick, providing insights, and assigning a letter grade to the Canucks’ draft as a whole! Check it out on the CanucksArmy YouTube channel and come interact with us in the live chat!