With summer dragging on (from a hockey fans perspective) we here at Two Pad Stack want to keep you focused on the upcoming season. As such, we have started a series detailing different teams and their upcoming top prospects!
As I cover the Vancouver Canucks, I want to give you the dirty details on the prospect that I am most excited about – Hunter Shinkaruk. The Canucks haven’t always been known for drafting “winners”, but over the past couple seasons I believe they have brought in some good, young talent that they will be able to shape their future around. Does it start with Shinkaruk? Read on and find out!
How We Got Him:
Drafted 24th overall in the 2013 Entry Draft, Shinkaruk (according to some analysts) was an absolute steal at that spot. The Canucks identified the need to start stockpiling forwards, as their core is starting to get older, and Shinkaruk was drafted for his natural goal scoring abilities and willingness to be ferocious on the forecheck.
Comparable Players:
Based on the limited action I’ve seen him in while he is in a Canucks uniform, I would compare him to a sort of Dustin Brown type player. Although he still has quite a bit of growing to do, his hard work on the forecheck as well as a knack for scoring goals may have him slotting into a top 6 role by the time he is ready to enter the league.
Why He May Be Awesome:
Generally, players who are gifted goal scorers tend to do well. I feel like Shinkaruk will shine if he is paired with players who can compliment his natural goal scoring ability, and who work as hard as he does while on the ice. The Canucks desperately need players who are able to produce, and Shinkaruk just might be one of those types of players on a consistent basis. A speedy forward with a knack for scoring goals.
Why He May Not Be So Great:
2014 was a tough season for Shinkaruk, only playing 18 games for the Medicine Hat Tigers before going down with a torn labrum in his hip. This could prove costly for the young forward, as losing a year of playing time at such a young age may put him way back in terms of development. Until he can prove otherwise, this will hang over his head. His size is also a concern (5’11”, 179 pounds) but at 19 years old, he should still grow somewhat. If he can hit 6 feet and get up to around 190-200 pounds, that should help.
Ceiling:
High, but with tempered excitement. If he can stay healthy and get past his leg injury, I can see Shinkaruk becoming a main stay on the Canucks top 6. Paired with a player like Bo Horvat, this could be the line of the future for the Canucks.
General Excitement Level:
High. The Canucks are looking forward to seeing what Shinkaruk can do. It was rumored that he was a part of the potential Evander Kane deal with the Canucks, but it fell through. Personally, I can’t wait to see this kid during preseason, and I hope both him and Horvat crack the lineup this year.
What To Expect:
Another year in junior won’t help, so as long as he stays healthy, expect Shinkaruk to play with the big boys this year. There are roster spots ready to be claimed, and I think if he can play to his potential we will be seeing him on the 3rd or 4th line to start the regular season.
You can follow James on Twitter: @hashtagswag604
