Three players of interest who could be available to the Canucks at No. 11

VANCOUVER — The only thing the Vancouver Canucks lost Monday was the $50,000 the National Hockey League fined them for illegal on-ice workouts after their season ended last month. So, overall, Draft Lottery Day didn’t hurt them nearly as much as it usually does.

Still, they were disappointed.

The Canucks maintained a perfect draft-lottery record by extending their winless streak to 0-for-forever. At least none of the teams below them won the lottery, which means Vancouver will select 11^th in the first round on June 28 in Nashville.

North Vancouver sensation Connor Bedard — note to NHL Network: Lynn Valley is a neighbourhood, not a town — said he wanted to play for the Canucks. But the generational talent will be going to the lottery-winning Chicago Blackhawks instead.

The Anaheim Ducks and Columbus Blue Jackets slipped to second and third, respectively, and were the only teams to retreat in the draft order. The Canucks lost a total of seven draft positions during one four-year lottery losing streak that ended in 2019. 

Trades by former Vancouver general manager Jim Benning meant last year’s top pick, Jonathan Lekkerimaki at No. 15, was the Canucks’ first opening-round selection since 2019.

“We've got our scouts in town here and (we’re) going through the amateur meetings,” Canucks GM Patrik Allvin told reporters in a post-lottery zoom call. “We're definitely excited about having a first-round pick. It sure looks like some good players around 11 there.”

It’s possible the Canucks could trade up or down in the first round depending on their draft tiers and targets. Although Allvin stated again his philosophy of taking the best player available, the organization is starving for elite prospects and could especially use a blue-chip defenceman or centre in their development pipeline.

“I think we're open for anything,” Allvin said.

But he did not expect Monday’s $50,000 fine from the NHL for on-ice sessions the Canucks offered a handful of players in late April and were staffed by development coaches Daniel and Henrik Sedin. The league determined these unsanctioned workouts violated the Collective Bargaining Agreement. The 50K punishment was first reported by Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli and CHEK-TV’s Rick Dhaliwal.

“I was surprised by it,” Allvin said. “(It was) voluntary. We have several players that were in discussions for the world championships. We had players going through their rehab, sticking around here in Vancouver. And we had some young players that couldn't go down to Abbotsford (in the AHL). So we wanted to help the players and I'm very surprised about the fine.”

The Canucks continue their amateur scouting meetings this week.

Here are three players of interest who could be available to Vancouver at No. 11, with commentary by Sportsnet scout Jason Bukala, whose draft rankings were released Friday.

DALIBOR DVORSKY, C/LW,  6-1 200

AIK (Sweden-2) GP 38 6-8-14 pts

AIK Jrs. GP 10 10-11-21 pts

NHL Central Scouting ranking: 3^rd among European skaters

The Slovakian split his season between AIK’s junior and second-division pro teams in Sweden. There is discussion about whether Dvorsky will be a winger or centre at the next level, but he has the frame, physicality and positional savvy to project as an NHL centre. Dvorsky has excellent hands and offensive skills and uses his size to protect the puck and make plays. His skating improved this season, but needs another level for him to play in the NHL.

Jason Bukala’s ranking for Sportsnet: 10

Bukala says: Competed in the trenches. Extended plays. Quick release. Ability to score from distance. Especially dangerous coming off the half wall or moving to the middle of the ice to make plays. Over 57 per cent in the face-off dot. Defensive detail ranges.

DAVID REINBACHER, D, 6-2 185

Kloten (Switzerland) GP 46 3-19-22

NHL Central Scouting ranking: 5^th among European skaters

The Austrian defenceman already plays an NHL-style, well-rounded game. He logged top-four minutes as an 18-year-old in the top Swiss League. He’s smart and competitive and will battle for pucks, using his stick and body to defend. He skates well. In a draft brimming with high-end forwards who have elite, offensive talent, there aren’t many top defencemen and Reinbacher could be the first blue-liner off the board. 

Jason Bukala’s ranking for Sportsnet: 8

Bukala says: Active taking away time and space with his reach and stature. Jumps to the half wall to kill plays on the PK. Gapping up with authority. Like any young player he has room to improve his angling and recoveries when pucks spill down the boards following a battle. On the PP he leans distributor more than shooter, but has a rocket from distance that he gets away quickly and accurately. Two-way top pairing NHL 'D' is possible.

NATE DANIELSON, C, 6-2 185

Brandon (WHL) GP 68 33-45-78

NHL Central Scouting ranking: 7^th among North American skaters

Danielson has a lot of NHL components in his two-way game, and also displays character and leadership as his junior team’s captain. The centre competes. He is smart, has good speed and a heavy shot. There’s debate about where Danielson slots in a draft loaded with talented and dynamic forwards, but his game should translate to the next level.

Jason Bukala’s ranking for Sportsnet: 17

Bukala says: Can make plays in tight quarters. Has shown an ability to absorb contact and extend plays. Sneaky physically and not shy about finishing his check as F1 on the forecheck. Skating stride is deceptive. There are times in the game he doesn't look like he's pushing himself, but he arrives on time. Defensive detail ranges.