Vancouver Canucks general manager Jim Benning is known to be a strong talent evaluator, making him the perfect person to head into the draft with. However, his first three drafts with the club were not outstanding. Especially the selection of Jake Virtanen with the sixth-overall pick in 2014 keeps coming back to haunt him.
Now that the Canucks are officially rebuilding, they need those drafts to be successful. Yet, they should target some hit-or-miss players.
Safe picks
Every year, there are prospects that are considered safe picks. Smart players that skate well and work hard, standing out with a strong two-way game.