The Vancouver Canucks are set to pick fifth-overall in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft, and it’ll be the third time in six years where they pick in the top 10.
Certainly, the Canucks never envisioned high draft picks (instead of vying for Stanley Cups), the last time former general manager Mike Gillis made a selection four years ago. But Vancouver has been suffering quite a bit over the years from Gillis’ porous drafting. On the other hand, some of his draft picks may help this painful rebuild go quicker than expecte.
With the Canucks just a month away from picking early again in the first round, it’s the right time to take a look back at Gillis’ three best and three worst draft picks as Vancouver’s general manager.