This year’s NHL draft class is going to be loaded and the Canucks would be wise to secure as many draft picks, let alone first-round picks, as possible. The Kelowna Rockets star winger, Andrew Cristall, should be on that list.

So far, the Canucks have one guaranteed first rounder and it’s likely going to be in the top five BUT if they can secure another top-10 pick and a defenseman isn’t available, Cristall might be a great option.

Connor Bedard is getting all the love this season and rightfully so, but his childhood buddy from Vancouver is having a pretty impressive season himself.

Despite missing a handful of games to injury, Cristall has put up a noteworthy draft year. As of Wednesday night, he sits tied for fifth in the WHL with 34 goals, four of which he scored Wednesday in his first game back in almost six weeks. He’s showing a more complete vision on the ice and utilizing his linemates more than he has in the past two seasons.

Andrew is no stranger to the “Michigan” having scored a few and attempted a few more. Whoever snatches him up this summer will be getting a smart playmaking winger with a lot of promise.

That being said, the Rockets have produced a winger like this before in Kole Lind and the jury is still out if he’ll pan out in the NHL.

Here’s what Cristall was up to on Wednesday as a little teaser to what you’ll be seeing in the NHL very soon:

📽️ HIGHLIGHT OF THE NIGHT 📽️

All part of a four-goal performance in Andrew Cristall's first game in nearly six weeks.@Kelowna_Rockets | #WHLHoN pic.twitter.com/RAR3uoLuJE

— The WHL (@TheWHL) February 16, 2023

Andrew Cristall marked his return to the lineup in style! (he even added a fourth goal into the empty net).@Kelowna_Rockets | #WHLHatTricks pic.twitter.com/goqHMhouWA

— The WHL (@TheWHL) February 16, 2023

Andrew Cristall hasn't played a game in 39 days, but there are definitely no cobwebs on that release. @AndrewCristall x #nhldraft pic.twitter.com/8uAqJWgw1q

— Kelowna Rockets (@Kelowna_Rockets) February 16, 2023

He isn’t going to be the best player in the draft, and definitely not the best winger but with talent like Cristall’s, he sure looks like a can’t-miss prospect. I’ll be flapping my gums about this guy on this week’s PP1 Podcast on Crier Media.