It appears the Canucks are set to let a trio of prospects go. Postmedia’s Ben Kuzma reports that Vancouver will not sign defenseman Cole Candella, winger Jakob Stukel, and center Brett McKenzie before their deadline to do so on June 1st. The trio were all selected out of the CHL in 2016 and players in that situation have two years to sign before the team relinquishes their rights.
Candella, the 140th overall selection that year, is coming off of a career season with the Sudbury Wolves of the OHL. After being dealt by Hamilton back in September, he went on to play in all 68 games while posting new bests in goals (five), assists (28), and points (33). Sudbury missed the postseason but Vancouver passed on bringing him to their AHL affiliate in Utica late in the year on an amateur tryout deal so this news isn’t too much of a surprise.
Meanwhile, the 21-year-old Stukel wrapped up his junior career with the Calgary Hitmen of the WHL where he led the team in both goals (37) and points (64). However, like Candella, the writing was on the wall regarding his future when he wasn’t invited to join Utica once his junior campaign came to an end.
As for McKenzie, his final junior campaign saw him take a step back offensively. After recording 67 points in as many games with North Bay in 2016-17, his numbers dropped to 49 in 64 contests split between them and Owen Sound, who acquired him for their playoff push. He did, however, have a strong postseason, tallying 16 points in 11 games which was good enough for a share of the team lead.
For a list of all players that need to be signed by next Friday, click here.