Our writers pick players Canucks should take at No. 23

Anthony Beauvillier, C/LW Size: 5-foot-10, 176 pounds

Stats: 42-52-94 in 67 games for Shawinigan of the QMJHL.

What got me was that his ageadjusted points-per-game was 1.34, trailing only Connor McDavid, Ryan Strome and Mitch Marner among CHL players. He led all players in the QMJHL born in 1997 with 94 points in 64 games, and outscored most of the forwards who are ranked in the top 15. Yet he’s a player who many think will go in the second round. Sure, he’s small. But he could be Brendan Gallagher with better hands. He has that kind of long-ball upside. What he could be is a great complement to the defensive-minded centre prospects the Canucks have built up in the past few drafts. If I’m the Canucks, I probably go for the highest-ceiling forward in the first round and get a defenceman in the second, after making a trade to acquire picks.

Jason Botchford Oliver Kylington, D Size: 6-foot, 180 pounds

Stats: 4-3-7 in 17 games for Farjestad of the Swedish Elite League.

I’m already on record as liking Thomas Chabot as my top choice, but likely he won’t still be there at No. 23. My next choice would be Kylington, who possesses high-end skating and rushing ability but had an up-and-down season in Sweden. He is rated all over the map, so also may not be there when the Canucks pick. The safest bet may be Vince Dunn, a blur on skates who’s slated to go late in the first or early in the second round. Dunn, a bit undersized at 6-foot and 185 pounds, put up 18 goals and 38 assists for Niagara of the OHL and can move the puck Thomas Chabot, D Size: 6-foot-2, 180 pounds

Stats: 12-29-41 in 41 games for Saint John of the QMJHL.

Chabot got a wake-up call when benched in the Sea Dogs’ home opener, but responded in the proper manner to improve his defensive game with dedication and good mobility. A smooth stride and quick thinking allowed him to easily get pucks out of his own zone — he can out of his zone with a pass or carrying it himself.

Jim Jamieson go end-to-end with rushes — and then smartly manage the offensive game. He excelled when teammate and projected first-round pick Jakub Zboril was injured. Progression and confidence were apparent. He might not be there at No. 23 because Boston (picking 14th), Calgary (15th) and Edmonton (16th) have backend needs.

Ben Kuzma

Ben Kuzma will report from the NHL draft Friday and Saturday on provincesports.com. Jason Botchford will weigh in at thewhitetowel.ca.