The most essential part of a rebuild is without a doubt the acquisition of prospects. In an attempt to collect as many as possible, most franchises start to stock up on draft picks early. The Vancouver Canucks, however, dealt several draft picks away for immediate help in the playoff race, and kept veterans until free agency.
Those moves are starting to backfire.
Luckily, the NHL draft is not the only way to acquire young, talented players. The NCAA, CHL and European pro leagues all have some undrafted prospects.
In the summer of 2016, the Canucks added undrafted free agents Troy Stecher from the University of North Dakota and Michael Carcone of the QMJHL Drummondville Voltigeurs, among others.