Before you start sending me hate-mail and/or questioning if I even have a shred of knowledge about this game that “unites” us all, let it be known that the following is merely a statistical breakdown comparing the scouting of the “SHUD OF DRAFTD KOPITARZZ” Vancouver Canucks and the golden standard “we drafted Henrik Zetterberg in the 7th round” Detroit Red Wings over the past 5 seasons. No biases, no opinions, and certainly no feelings. I’ll just show you that “it is what it is” and if that doesn’t work for you, “I’ll drive you to the airport.” However, if you’re still with me, it might benefit you to brush up your math skills before you read any further.

Okay, now with that out of the way, let us begin.

First question: Is 468 bigger than 257?

Assuming you answered “yes,” consider this. The players that the Vancouver Canucks have selected over the past 5 National Hockey League Entry Drafts have played a grand total of 468 at the NHL level, whereas, the Detroit Red Wings’ players over the same time period have only played 257 NHL games. Now if you ask any NHL scout about how they rate their own performance in previous drafts, they’ll tell you that they rate success by “games played.” Therefore, 468 is not only bigger than 257, it is also better.

Second question: Is 129 bigger than 88?

This one is a little closer and it may require the use of one of those overpriced graphing calculators, but once again, assuming you answered “yes,” chew on this. The players that the Vancouver Canucks have selected over the past 5 National Hockey League Entry Drafts have recorded a grand total of 129 points at the NHL level, whereas, the Detroit Red Wings’ players over the same time period have only recorded 88 points. Now, last time I checked, looking at point totals are another way to rate the success of any player at any level (hopefully that doesn’t classify under the “opinion” category).

Third question: Is 2 bigger than 1?

Not only is 2 bigger than one, it is actually also the double of 1! Out of the players that the Vancouver Canucks have selected over the past 5 National Hockey League Entry Drafts, the ‘Nucks currently have 2 who can be considered “impact players” in their lineup: Ryan Kesler and Alexander Edler. While, out of the players that the Detroit Red Wings have selected over the past 5 National Hockey League Entry Drafts, the ‘Wings currently only have 1 who can be considered an “impact player” in their lineup: Johan Franzen. I realize this one may be pushing against the “biases” category, but I offer my sincere apologies that I don’t consider Darren Helm an impact player just yet, despite a fantastic playoff run as a “role player.”

Fourth question: Is 2 greater than or equal to 2?

With hope, I’m not coming off as presumptuous by assuming that you answered correctly. Over the past 5 National Hockey League Entry Drafts, the Vancouver Canucks have selected 2 late-round steals: Jannik Hansen and Dan Gendur. While, the Detroit Red Wings have done the same by selecting Darren Helm and Logan Pyett. Say what you want about Gendur not having proven anything outside of junior, but when you lead your team in scoring as a 7th round pick, I sure as hell consider you a late-round steal. Besides, Pyett hasn’t proven anything outside of junior either. Bias? I don’t think so.
Note: I consider anything after the 4th round a “late-round” pick. And I’m aware that “late-round steals” may still emerge from the past 5 drafts for both teams.

I’m having some trouble coming up with a closing sentence without any bias or opinion, so I’ll just bring up the million dollar question once again and with that, feel free to form your own biases and opinions: Is 468 bigger than 257?

Stay tuned for Farhan Devji’s extensive 2008 Vancouver Canucks NHL Entry Draft preview, which includes interviews with Colin Wilson, Zach Boychuk, Kyle Beach, and Cody Hodgson.

I get what you are saying in theory, but do have a few problems with it. Also, do not take this as an attack or me trying to be rude in any sort of way. I am not trying to take away from your post, I think it's great! Just getting out the "hidden" stats if you will. I hope that from my other posts you all know I am canuck-crazy until the end, but I have to give props to the Wings for consistently icing a contender.

468 bigger than 257? Yes, sure is. But if you look at injuries and the players that Detroit has compared to Vancouver the numbers don't matter at all. Because, when you have; Chelios, Cleary, Datsyuk, Draper, Franzen, Holmstrom, Hudler, Kronwall, Lidstrom, Lilja, Maltby, Rafalski, Samuelsson, Stuart and Zetterberg all on the same team, you really don't need to play your picks as much as other teams.

129 bigger than 88? Yes, it is, but not in percentage. Vancouver draft picks are averaging a points average of 27.6% while the Detroit picks are averaging a percentage of 34.2% over the span of their games played.

2 bigger than 1? Yes, again it is. But let me ask you this,
is 27-11-38 in 72 better than 21-16-37 in 82? Yes it is, Franzens stats versus Keslers.

2 greater than or equal to 2? Equal to if not greater than......for Detroit. Without time proven in the big leagues, this question is a bust. But considering Detroits track record, you'd almost have to lean their way.

I'm proud to be a Canuck Fan and I wish all the best for our boys in the following years. I have all the faith in the world that we will win the cup soon. But comparing Vancouver to Detroit at this point in time is just not fair. I'm hoping Gillis has shaken things up with his new "scouting" positions so we can have some draft gems like Detroit has seemed to stockpiled over the past years.

Thanks Joomla and Keep'em Coming!