Vancouver Canucks: Top 8 prospects worth getting excited about

2. Jack Rathbone

As you can see, the Canucks have quite the future in terms of blueliners. Along with rookie sensation Quinn Hughes, they also have the three other defenceman listed here. However, their best prospect on the back end is Harvard University’s Jack Rathbone. The 21-year-old was selected in the 4th round (95 overall) of the 2017 NHL Entry Draft and has improved massively every season since.

While his 22 points in 33 games as a rookie with Harvard was impressive, it was nothing compared to the 31 points he posted in 28 games this season. The big year has shot him way up the Canucks top prospects list, to the point where many think he may have a shot at cracking the opening day lineup for Vancouver. Time will tell on that, but there is no doubt they found a gem in the 4th round.

1. Vasili Podkolzin

At the top of this list is Vancouver’s 1st round (10 overall) pick from the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, Vasili Podkolzin. The 19-year-old Russian forward is an incredible talent who has many different aspects in his game, including speed, a great shot, and the ability to throw his body around on the forecheck. While his two goals and eight points in 30 games don’t look very impressive, he received little ice time with St. Petersburg in the KHL as he was just 18-years-old.

Related: Calgary Flames: Top 8 prospects worth getting excited about

When matched up against players closer to his age, Podkolzin proved what he can do. At the 2020 World Junior Tournament, he was extremely noticeable for Team Russia, seeming to create chances nearly every time he was on the ice. He finished the tournament with one goal and four assists in seven games. While he is likely still a few years away, there is no denying how truly talented this kid is.