Fun fact: the last player the Vancouver Canucks drafted in the first round that’s a lock to make the team in 2014-15 is...
Wait for it...
You might not believe this...
It’s a tie! Daniel Sedin and Henrik Sedin, drafted second and third overall, respectively, in 1999.
That’s right, a couple of 33-year-olds.
Hence, the spotlight on 2011 first-rounder (29th overall) Nicklas Jensen as Canucks training camp approaches.
As we’ve written before, Vancouver desperately needs a push from its prospects, and Jensen, 21, is one of the more NHL-ready of the candidates.
“He looks good,” said Canucks GM Jim Benning, per Metro News. “We’re going to see how he does.
“He comes to camp and it will be up to him to have a good camp and play well in exhibition games.”
Jensen showed flashes late last season after he was called up from AHL Utica; however, he finished with just three goals in 17 games.
“He’s a guy that can score,” said Benning.
“But his game, because he’s a big strong guy, is getting to the net and scoring. I want to see him produce.”
Canuck first-rounders since the Sedins, now with different teams:
--- Ryan Kesler
--- Cory Schneider
--- Cody Hodgson
--- Michael Grabner
--- R.J. Umberger
--- Jordan Schroeder