Saturday night, the NHL held the 2018 Draft Lottery in Toronto.
Each of the 15 clubs that did not qualify for the postseason (or the teams that acquired the first-round picks of those non-playoff clubs) each had to send a representative for the live telecast.
Per Elliotte Friedman, Vancouver’s creative idea for a rep was ultimately rejected by the league.
VAN GM Jim Benning on @Sportsnet650 says the Canucks wanted to send mascot Fin to represent them at the lottery, but the league said no. While I understand the NHL's position, I have huge respect for the ask
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) April 29, 2018
Oh man, imagine how fun that would have been!
Watch out @FriedgeHNIC I am looking for you 😉 pic.twitter.com/a3y8HL8pK8
— FIN (@CanucksFIN) March 6, 2018
Benning, the team’s general manager, instead represented the club.
Jim Benning will represent the #Canucks at the Draft Lottery April 28th instead of the usual Trevor Linden pic.twitter.com/etiZtdzJqd
— Nucks Trade Central (@nuckstradecen) April 17, 2018
The Canucks ultimately fell from sixth to seventh in the draft order.
There was a 38.9% chance the #Canucks would fall to seventh in the NHL #DraftLottery. That's what happened. Here’s how we go into the 2018 #NHLDraft. pic.twitter.com/h0F9lQy6J8
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) April 28, 2018
Now here are some Fin’s favorite things.
Favourite Food: B.C. Salmon
Favourite Books: Moby Dick and Fin’s Friends books
Favourite Movies: Orca and Free Willy
Favourite Charity: Canucks For Kids Fund
Favourite Websites: Canucks.com, Canucks Kids Club
Least Favorite Team: Hartford Whalers
Hangouts: Rogers Arena, Canuck Place, Aquarium, Sea Wall
Special Skills: Shooting mist from his blowhole, playing goal (“Flops Like a Whale” style), signature head-bite, cheering on the Canucks!
