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Canucks go back to the USHL with Tyler Madden in the third round

The Canucks have had some success scouting in the USHL over the past few years, drafting Brock Boeser, Adam Gaudette, and Will Lockwood.
Tyler Madden at the 2018 NHL Scouting Combine.

The Canucks have had some success scouting in the USHL over the past few years, drafting Brock Boeser, Adam Gaudette, and Will Lockwood. So, when the Canucks reached slightly to take a USHL centre in the third round of the draft, it was worth sitting up to take notice.

Tyler Madden, the son of former NHLer John Madden, went to the Canucks at 68th overall. Another more highly-ranked USHL centre, Jake Wise, went to the Chicago Blackhawks with the next pick, so that will be something to keep an eye on in the future.

Madden put up 34 points in 50 USHL games last season. That limited production might be a concern, but it’s similar to that of Gaudette, who had 30 points in 50 games in his draft year. Lockwood had even less production in the USHL, with just 6 points in 20 games, but stood out at the World Under-18 Championship.

On top of that, Madden is heading to Northeastern University, just like Gaudette.

The similarities end there, however, as Madden is more of a skilled offensive player than two-way player like Gaudette. His low point totals may not accurately reflect his offensive upside. A mid-season trade to a deep Tri-City Storm team gave him fewer offensive opportunities and his slight build likely didn’t help.

Ah yes, the slight build. Madden weighs in at just over 150 lbs and is 5’10”. That small size is certainly a concern, but he’ll have time to bulk up over the next few years in the NCAA. It will be intriguing to see if his offensive skills shine through as a freshman at Northeastern.

“Tyler has quick hands and feet with puck on his stick,” says his scouting report from Hockey Prospect. “He has the ability to beat defenders one on one with his skill by assessing his opponent’s body positioning and exposing the time and space they give.”

International Scouting Services calls Madden “a very skilled forward” with “high end puck skills,” and also describes him as a “complete 200-foot player.”

Some scouts praise his skating, while others identify it as an area of concern. A close viewing from CanucksArmy called him “speedy” and suggested his ability to control the puck at speed made him a player worth picking. The Hockey News, on the other hand, was more dismissive: "Quick stick and release make him an offensive threat. Skating not so quick."

An ISS scout called him a “buzzsaw of a player” with surprising grit and called him “feisty.” That fits with the Canucks’ desire for a high compete level out of their prospects. He has good character as well, as he has been praised for his leadership and other intangibles.

But even that is in question. Future Considerations suggests he has character issues, referring to a scout who saw him giving up on plays, coasting to the bench, and arguing with teammates. THat is an isolated report, however, so it should be taken with a grain of salt, as other reports had no issues with his character.

Madden will be a long-term project for the Canucks, as he needs to add strength and weight, but he has enough offensive creativity, puck skills, and two-way play that he holds some promise.