6th overall 2014 vs 10th overall 2013

[nucksfan8888]

With the Canucks taking Jake Virtanen with the 6th overall I can't help but see the similarities between him and Valeri Nichushkin. Both big guys with skating ability who can shoot. That's the poll in a vacuum.

But it also gets me thinking about the possibilities. Considering we took a player comparable to Horvat in McCann with our second 1st round pick this year in hindsight would Nichushkin, Ehlers/Nylander, McCann have been a better use of picks vs Horvat, Virtanen, McCann? This is just for discussion, the poll it's self is Virtanen vs Nichushkin as players.

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[Kirk Mclean]

Virtanen doesn't have Nichushkin's skill, it's really not even close.

 

[Bure All Day]

With the Canucks taking Jake Virtanen with the 6th overall I can't help but see the similarities between him and Valeri Nichushkin. Both big guys with skating ability who can shoot. That's the poll in a vacuum.

But it also gets me thinking about the possibilities. Considering we took a player comparable to Horvat in McCann with our second 1st round pick this year in hindsight would Nichushkin, Ehlers/Nylander, McCann have been a better use of picks vs Horvat, Virtanen, McCann? This is just for discussion, the poll it's self is Virtanen vs Nichushkin as players.

I like the way our team has made picks the last couple of years. Nichushkin is kind of a go big or go home type of player, whereas Horvat will be a serviceable NHL guy for many years, even if he doesn't become a good top 6 guy.

 

[fancouver]

Who's the better prospect?

Horvat or Virtanen?

 

[Nalyd Psycho]

Are you trying to hurt us? Nichushkin is better but Virtanen could close the gap being so young. But any reasonable combination, heck, I'd include taking Fabri over Virtanen, is better than Horvat over Nichushkin.

 

[Nalyd Psycho]

Who's the better prospect?

Horvat or Virtanen?

Virtanen's finishing skills are so far beyond Horvat's that things like defensive ability dont even enter the picture.

 

[nucksfan8888]

Virtanen's finishing skills are so far beyond Horvat's that things like defensive ability dont even enter the picture.

So you're saying Nichushkin<Virtanen<Horvat?

 

[Nalyd Psycho]

So you're saying Nichushkin<Virtanen<Horvat?

Absolutly. Personally I'd throw McCann between Virtanen and Horvat.

 

[banme*]

Absolutly. Personally I'd throw McCann between Virtanen and Horvat.

Holy hate.

 

[Baby Pettersson]

Voted Virtanen to make everyone feel better.

 

[member 202355]

Take off the homer glasses people.

Nichushkin > Virtanen AINEC.

EDIT: My god, why can't people ever spell Nichushkin's name correctly?! There's an 'H' in it damn it!

 

[fancouver]

Nichuskin does not have the release and speed Virtanen does, but definitely better hockey vision.

 

[CherryToke]

Absolutly. Personally I'd throw McCann between Virtanen and Horvat.

looks about right from what I've seen from all of them.

 

[Nalyd Psycho]

Holy hate.

Not really. Horvat will be a fantastic 3rd liner. McCann has a bit more upside right now. Imo the year after the draft is the most important. So I cant really compare until next year.

 

[LeftCoast]

Nichzzdlasldkj (sp?) is/was more NHL ready when drafted, and has had an outstanding start to his career, but Virtanen's skill set is at least equal, so compare them in 5 years.

Horvat has a competely different skill set and will play a completely different role.

 

[Addison Rae]

Contrary to popular belief they have similar skill sets. Nichushkin gets overrated on here, but it's probably him. That being said suggesting that it isn't even close is laughable.

 

[Iridescent*]

Contrary to popular belief they have similar skill sets. Nichushkin gets overrated on here, but it's probably him. That being said suggesting that it isn't even close is laughable.

It's not really. Virtanen has a brick for a brain, but all the tools. Where to brickheads with wheels, tenacity, and a good shot usually end up in the NHL?

 

[CanaFan]

It's not really. Virtanen has a brick for a brain, but all the tools. Where to brickheads with wheels, tenacity, and a good shot usually end up in the NHL?

Playing on the top line with Seguin and Benn?

 

[monster_bertuzzi]

Who's the better prospect?

Horvat or Virtanen?

Virty easily for me. I think we're talking 1st line upside VS secondary two-way upside.

 

[Tiranis]

It's not really. Virtanen has a brick for a brain, but all the tools. Where to brickheads with wheels, tenacity, and a good shot usually end up in the NHL?

I don't think the hockey IQ disparity between Nichushkin and Virtanen is particularly large. I also think that Virtanen has more one-on-one moves than Nichushkin. Where I would give Nichushkin some advantage is creativity and size. While Virtanen is heavy, Nichushkin just has a massive frame which really helps him to protect the puck.

I don't think the gap is big, either way. Horvat is more valuable than both.

 

[Pip]

Playing on the top line with Seguin and Benn?

Or as a great player with the Jets

 

[Canucks LB]

Holy hate.

Virtanen > Shinkaruk > Mccann > Horvat > Gaunce > Cassels.

Imo

 

[Addison Rae]

It's not really. Virtanen has a brick for a brain, but all the tools. Where to brickheads with wheels, tenacity, and a good shot usually end up in the NHL?

Ryan Kesler seems to be doing okay.

 

[CanaFan]

Btw way to find a creative way to pit yet another Canuck pick against the always-fun-to-talk-about Valerie Nichushkin. Not even same draft year or any real reason to bring him up and yet here we are again.

I salute your Machiavellian mind good sir.

 

[Pip]

Not really. Horvat will be a fantastic 3rd liner. McCann has a bit more upside right now. Imo the year after the draft is the most important. So I cant really compare until next year.

Shiny new prospects get the higher upside?