Steven Ellis talks new Canuck Bennett Schimek and provides context on Stenberg and Verhoeff’s cold streaks: Canucks Conversation
On Wednesday’s episode of Canucks Conversation, Quads and Harm were joined by Daily Faceoff prospect analyst Steven Ellis to discuss the Canucks’ newest college signing, Bennett Schimek, while also providing some broader context on two highly discussed draft prospects: Ivar Stenberg and Keaton Verhoeff.
Ellis began by explaining that the race at the top of the upcoming NHL Draft is far from settled.
“The discussion is more open than it’s ever been,” Ellis said, noting that there isn’t a slam-dunk number one prospect separating himself from the rest of the field.
That uncertainty has kept several names in the mix for the top of the draft board, with the leaders right now being Gavin McKenna and Ivar Stenberg.
“There’s arguments for and against both Stenberg and McKenna, but the floor for Stenberg is definitely significantly higher,” Ellis explained. “He’s more of a ‘I can do everything myself’ type of guy.”
Stenberg’s ability to generate offence independently has long been one of the most appealing parts of his profile. Looking specifically at his production in a professional league, Ellis pointed out that the numbers still compare well historically.
“Looking at Stenberg, the fact he’s been able to do everything against pro hockey players is also impressive. At the end of the year we’ll probably be talking about him finishing with 35 points, which is still in the ballpark of the Nylanders, Zetterbergs and those type of players in the NHL – it’s very impressive.”
“He’s on an absolute hot streak right now. He was at just over a point per game before the World Juniors and all of a sudden, if Penn State goes deep, he could get 60 points this year and his season would be seen as remarkable,” Ellis said. “On the power play in particular, he’s unstoppable.”
While Stenberg’s floor may be higher, Ellis still leans toward the pure upside of McKenna when it comes to selecting first overall.
“Right now, I’m leaning McKenna,” Ellis said. “If I’m the Canucks and picking number one, I’m picking McKenna because you have to bet high on talent. I’d hate to be the team that doesn’t pick Gavin McKenna first overall.”
Another prospect drawing attention in Vancouver circles is defenceman Keaton Verhoeff, particularly because the Canucks could find themselves in a position to draft a high-end right-shot defender with imposing physical traits.
Ellis highlighted that Verhoeff’s development curve is somewhat unique compared to most defensive prospects.
“Verhoeff moves well for his size; he’s not the greatest skater in the world, but he’s 6’4″, skates quite well, and you have to mention he’s still very raw as a defenceman,” Ellis explained. “He’s only been playing as a skater for about five years – he was a goalie up until he was 12 years old.”
Because of that late transition from goaltender to skater, Ellis believes there’s still significant room for growth in Verhoeff’s overall game.
“There’s still a long runway for Verhoeff to develop into a very effective defenceman. When you look at his game now compared to two years ago, you’re watching a guy who’s come a long way. Verhoeff, I see as an Aaron Ekblad meets Alex Pietrangelo, type player.”
Later in the conversation, Ellis also shared his thoughts on Bennett Schimek, the college free agent the Canucks recently added out of Arizona State.
“I remember hearing his name a lot around the 2023 NHL Draft and it was if he could figure out how to be a more dangerous skater, he’d be a nice pickup,” Ellis said. “It seems like that’s something he’s been able to improve and he’s a bit quicker. His numbers at ASU this year have been really good, and he’s 22 years old so there’s a bit more of a runway for him.”
Even so, Ellis cautioned that expectations should remain modest when evaluating college free-agent signings at this stage of the season.
“That being said; not the strongest player in the world. I don’t know what type of offence he’ll be able to bring at the next level – he’s a good playmaker, but you’re just hoping maybe he’s a guy they can call up and see play some NHL games. That’s what you’re getting this time of year. You’re not getting real difference makers from college free agents, but he was one of those players that I know a lot of scouts were excited about as maybe a long-term project.”
You can watch the full replay of the show below!
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