I’m not quite sure how it happened, but Cody Hodgson somehow dropped a place or two down the rankings in the draft and fell into the Canucks’ lap. Everyone was expecting them to draft Kyle Beach, a BC boy who is big and gritty and fights but who has had concussion problems and could be a bit of a risk due to his attitude and character. He could be brilliant in two years time, or he could have no NHL career at all.

The Canucks went with the seemingly safe option, but actually they did what they haven’t done in years – draft the best player available to them. Cody Hodgson appears to have the character and determination we need for our team in the future – he has captained the under-18 Canadian squad to a Gold medal while being the top scorer in the tournament, and is used on the power play and penalty kill. Although not huge and a fighter, he is a great all-round player and is described by many in the know to be the smartest player out of the OHL this year, and that includes the first overall selection Steve Stamkos (who Cody has been good friends and teammates with for years). If developed properly, he should easily become our no.2 center, if not our no.1 in the next 2-3 years. I don’t know why exactly, but I just have a great feeling about him and I think he will become a franchise player for years to come.

Welcome to the team, Cody!

“People with great gifts are easy to find, but symmetrical and balanced ones never.” Ralph Waldo Emerson.