For a bottom-feeding, suffering organization, the future is the only light that provides hope amidst the dreary fog of indifference.
So say what you will about NHL draft picks’ success rates, let alone fifth rounders, but there can be treasure found late in the day.
Take for instance a grumpy Gus out of Bowling Green who packs a mean Superman punch. Or maybe a goofy 24 year old out of Brockville, Ontario who won some hearts with his loveable karaoke skills.
Sometimes it works out. Not always. But sometimes.
The 2015 NHL draft has provided us instant stars such as Connor McDavid and Jack Eichel, but it’s someone chosen nearly 150 spots lower that has me intrigued.
In the fifth round, 149th overall, the Vancouver Canucks chose a pretty standard sounding 6’1, 183 pound centre named Adam Gaudette out of Braintree, Massachusetts.
The Gaudette pick had yet to generate much buzz in the Canucks market. There are plenty other Canuck prospects attracting attention whether it be for better or worse.
But February 12 lit an auxiliary beacon of hope upon the dark Canucks’ horizon.
February 12 marked the final game of the annual Beanpot Hockey Tournament held in Boston between Boston College, Boston University, Harvard and Gaudette’s Northeastern.
This year, after 30 unsuccessful attempts, Northeastern finally managed to capture a Beanpot title – their fifth in total. And yet it was the fashion in which it all unfolded that sparked excitement for Canucks fans such as myself.
In a dramatic 5-2 win over Boston College, Canucks’ fifth-round pick Adam Gaudette netted his second career hat trick, burying an empty-netter to seal the deal and carry his team to a title.
That’s some big time hockey. That’s also some big time hockey that can’t get into a blue and green sweater quick enough.
Getty Images
This legendary performance is only icing on the proverbial cake for the Canucks. You see, Gaudette is also putting together a very remarkable season for himself and Northeastern. Thus far he has managed to rack up 29 goals in only 34 games and, oh by the way, he’s leading all Div 1 hockey in overall scoring with 56 points, too.
He’s also arguably the front runner for the Hobey Baker award, which is handed out to the most outstanding NCAA player each year.
For reference, the last four Hobey Baker winners are: Will Butcher, Jimmy Vesey, Jack Eichel and Johnny Gaudreau. That’s some heavy company.
But he’s just a fifth rounder.
He’ll be a third line centre at best in the NHL.
Maybe. Maybe that’s all Gaudette amounts to. The NHL is the best league in the world and nothing is ever guaranteed.
But remember this – the Canucks had a bonafide third line centre a few years ago. He seemed destined and groomed for such a role. Then he decided to put up consecutive 70+ point seasons including 41 goals in the second.
You know what else I love? The passion. From what I saw of Northeastern in the Beanpot, Gaudette plays with a fire that can’t be learned. A player either has it or doesn’t – and oh baby, Gaudette’s got it. It’s the kind of thing that carries a team in the post-season.
Finally, do yourself a favor a check out Northeastern’s Men’s Hockey twitter account (@GoNUmhockey) and see who’s out there 20 minutes after practice working on one-timers from the top left circle.
That’s right. This kid’s hungry.
And for a team like the Canucks who are in dire need of everything, this is a very good sign – fifth round or not.
Written by Chris Heavenor
gordonblogbay 