Vancouver Canucks: 8 European Players Vancouver Could Target

Jan 2, 2016; Dusseldorf, Germany; Dusseldorfer EG goalie Mathias Niederberger (35) guards the net against the Straubing Tigers during the second period at the ISS Dome. Dusseldorfer EG won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Janik Beichler - NRW Hockey
Jan 2, 2016; Dusseldorf, Germany; Dusseldorfer EG goalie Mathias Niederberger (35) guards the net against the Straubing Tigers during the second period at the ISS Dome. Dusseldorfer EG won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Janik Beichler - NRW Hockey /
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C Fabio Pfohl

The final player on our list comes from Germany and plays for the Grizzlys Wolfsburg of the DEL. Pfohl was ranked as the 12th European skater by NHL Central Scouting for the 2014 NHL Entry Draft but went undrafted for two straight years.

At just 20 years old, Pfohl is already in his fourth professional season, but the 2015-16 campaign marks his first full year in the German elite league. Pfohl had eight goals and 30 points in 51 games this season and was named DEL rookie of the year.

In Wolfsburg, Pfohl moved up and down the lineup, getting ice time as a second-line winger, a fourth-line centre and everything in between. Furthermore, Pfohl is frequently used on the first power-play unit.

Pfohl combines good hockey sense, hard work, defensive awareness and offensive skill to form a well-rounded playmaker at the highest level. Despite being just 5-foot-11, 187 pounds, he does not shy away from getting physical. He is obviously not a big forward, but makes up for it with hard work and great hockey sense.

Pfohl might not be signed to an NHL entry-level contract this year, but I strongly believe he will end up there eventually. If Vancouver signed him this summer, he could develop in the American Hockey League and possibly make the jump to the NHL within the next three years.

Next: Outlook