Panning for gold

A lot of focus is placed on the first round selections of the NHL Entry Draft, and rightfully so, as that's where teams generally get their best prospects. But the real work is done by the scouting staffs in the later round.

Look no further than the Canucks adding Kole Lind, Jonah Gadjovich, and Michael DiPietro last year in the second and third rounds. All three are not at the same level as first round pick Elias Pettersson, but they all had good seasons that has seen them earn entry-level contracts.
At this time, the Canucks own the 37th overall pick and they will look to compliment whoever they grab with the 7th overall selection. It can be hard to determine who will be available in that early second round because at that point, draft lists from team to team vary drastically. This year, there is even more uncertainty about where players will go.
With that in mind, let's take a look at four defencemen and four forwards who could be there.

Defence

Nils Lundkvist (RHD) - The 5'11" and 175 lbs defender saw his stock rise throughout the season. He is a skilled offensive defenceman who can skate extremely well and loves to join the rush. He is aggressive on the attack, willing to jump with his own rushes or distribute the puck after gaining the zone. Despite only playing half the year in the Swedish junior league this season, he was named the best defenceman. He also appeared in 26 games in the Swedish Hockey League, where he posted two goals and three assists.
Jett Woo (RHD) - The Moose Jaw Warriors defender had an up and down season but presents a complete game as a two-way defender. He started the season hot with some impressive point totals before suffering an injury. Upon his return, his role was adjusted to be the safety net for some other defenders that the Warriors had added. He took that role head on and excelled. Despite not having balanced production throughout the season, Woo is a great skater with a puck possession game who exits his own zone and enters the offensive zone with regularity and ease.
Matthias Samuelsson (LHD) - Measuring in at 6'4" and 218 lbs, the US National Team Development Program defender is a big bodied and physical defenceman who does everything to help his team win. He ended the 2017-18 season with 11 goals and 20 assists in 58 games for the program. He'll block shots, make a big hit, skate the puck out, or unleash his heavy shot - Samuelsson has a well-rounded game. He is very strong in his own zone using all those physical tools and size to punish opponents and has an underrated offensive game that showcases his puck skills. He is committed to the University of Western Michigan for next season.
Calen Addison (RHD) - Another smooth-skating defenceman who can create offence as he sees fit. Addison is a fantastic puck mover and power play quarterback who puts the puck on the stick of his teammates in high danger locations. The 5'10" and 180 lbs defender is agile on his feet with excellent lateral movement and speed. He ended the 2017-18 season with 11 goals and 54 assists in 68 games with the Lethbridge Hurricanes.
Other defenders who could be there: Rasmus Sandin (OHL), Ryan Merkley (OHL), Alexander Alexeyev (WHL), and Jonny Tychonick (BCHL).

Forward

Ty Dellandrea (C) - Dellandra is another player to see his stock rise as the season went along. Despite his team, the Flint Firebirds struggling. Dellandra was an effective player who made everyone around him better. After posting 59 points (27-32-59) in 67 OHL games, the 6'1" and 190 lbs centre went on to represent Canada at the U18 World Juniors. He posted two goals and three assists in five games at that tournament, showcasing his well-balanced offensive game that relies on his hockey IQ and anticipation.
Jacob Olofsson (C) - Olofsson played this season with Canucks prospect Jonathan Dahlen for Timra IK, and posted 10 goals and 11 assists in 43 games. He is an effective two-way centre who takes his play in the defensive zone very seriously. On the offensive size of the game, he shows that he possesses a quick and accurate wrist shot but can distribute the puck extremely well. Olofsson plays a mature game that will allow him to see success in the SHL next season as Timra IK makes the move to the top league. There aren't many glaring holes to his game.
Jesse Ylonen (RW) - The American born winger played his draft season in the second division of Finnish hockey. He is a player with boundless amounts of energy, quick feet, and relentless work ethic. He uses those attributes to his advantage as he just doesn't leave his opponent a moment to breath. When Ylonen does have the puck, he has a wicked shot that can beat goalies clean and is willing to go to the dirty areas. Ylonen will make the move to the top division in Finland next season.
David Gustafsson (C) - The left handed centre spent his entire season in the SHL as a 17-year-old player. He performed well in a depth role that was focused on keeping the puck out of his net. Despite that, he still put up 6 goals and 6 assists in 45 games. That number doesn't jump off the page but was still 5th in scoring among U19 players in the SHL. He showed more offensive chops at the U18 World Juniors and Ivan Hlinka Memorial tournament against his peers.
Other forwards who could be there: Liam Foudy (OHL), Jack McBain (OJHL), and Niklas Nordgren (Liiga).
With the 2018 NHL Entry Draft this Friday, there will be plenty of speculation of where players will end up going. It's impossible to predict who will be there for the Canucks with the 37th overall pick on Saturday morning, but without a doubt, there is a depth of talent that means the Canucks will walk away with a player that fans will be excited about.