Fan In Van

Draft Countdown: Mikkel Boedker

Danish-born forward Mikkel Boedker can be described in one word: Explosive. Boedker’s skating and speed are among the best in this year’s crop of NHL prospects and that will surely garner him a top ten selection by the time June 21st rolls around. Most recently he led his OHL Kitchener Rangers to the Memorial Cup final, compiling impressive numbers in the process. And while countryman Lars Eller holds the best draft position by a Danish player at 13 last year, he won’t hold that honour for long.

The Skinny: Since Boedker is the first European to be considered for the Vancouver Canucks selection, the first question you’re probably thinking is if he can play physical. And beyond a shadow of a doubt, Boedker demonstrated this season that he can handle the physical intensity of the North American game when he finished second in points in OHL playoff scoring and had nine game winners during the regular season. But Boedker’s ability to get from Point A to B in a flash is what makes him an elusive and coveted option. And given the success of today’s speed and skill players, Boedker could find himself in NHL superstar status.

The Statistics: (Courtesy of nhlentrydraft2008.com)

Ranked third overall among rookies in points with 73 (29-44-73) and tied for second overall in the league with nine game-winning goals in 2007-08.

Participated in the 2008 World Junior Championships for Denmark alongside his older brother, Mads. He finished second in team scoring with six points (2-4-6) in six games.

Finished tied for second with 26 assists and second overall with 35 points in 20 playoff games helping Kitchener win the OHL championship in 2008.

They Said It: (Courtesy of nhlentrydraft2008.com)

“Mikkel, although he is 5′11″, plays low to the ice and as a result is a real solid player. This Team Denmark product is currently a versatile player for the Kitchener Rangers and I think that is what he is going to be for his NHL team. Right now, he quarterbacks the power-play as a forward from the point for the Rangers and does an effective job.

I think he has adjusted well to the North American game and needs to continue to drive to the net and use his shot at effective times. There are times when he passes the puck when he should shoot and shoots when he should pass, but that’s the type of second-guessing that comes from me being a scout. — NHL Director of Central Scouting, E.J. McGuire

Mikkel has world class speed and skill. He has adjusted to the North American game very well and will be an impact player at the NHL level one day.” — Peter DeBoer, Kitchener Rangers Head Coach

He always uses great body position to protect the puck, he is very strong on the wall, has a rocket for a shot and is also a great penalty killer.” — Mike Torchia, Rangers colour analyst

The Knock: Boedker is a phenomenal player who has a great shot, but he tends to think pass first and shoot second. He has the uncanny ability to drive to the net with disregard but the fact is if he fired the puck on net a handful more times his numbers would greatly improve. At 5′11”, Boedker could stand to fill out a little bit more to better himself for the NHL game.

The Video:

The Verdict: To me, this is a no-brainer. If the Vancouver Canucks have the chance to take Mikkel Boedker at number ten, it will be a heist. Although he is a left winger and the Canucks could use more depth down the middle, Boedker is too much of a skilled player to pass up. His unparalleled speed has drawn several comparisons to Marian Gaborik, another player who poses a wonderful blend of speed and skill. Put this Danish forward with the Canucks’ other Dane Jannik Hansen and chemistry could be made.