Jim Benning not only trade the Vancouver Canucks’ second and fourth-round picks, but he also traded their fifth. Luckily, he still had the one from the New York Islanders at 140th overall. With that pick, Benning selected OHL Hamilton Bulldogs defenseman Cole Candella.
In the third round, the Canucks went a bit off the board, selecting forward William Lockwood, who was ranked 108th among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting. Benning wanted him, didn’t have a pick in the 100 range, so he went for him when he had the chance.
One player rumored to have sparked Vancouver’s interest was CCHL goaltender Colton Point.