Vancouver Canucks: NHL Projections for Top 10 Prospects

Apr 7, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Boston College Eagles goalie Thatcher Demko (30) makes a save against the Quinnipiac Bobcats during the second period of the semifinals of the 2016 Frozen Four college ice hockey tournament at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 7, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Boston College Eagles goalie Thatcher Demko (30) makes a save against the Quinnipiac Bobcats during the second period of the semifinals of the 2016 Frozen Four college ice hockey tournament at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
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vancouver canucks
Sep 23, 2014; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks defenseman Jordan Subban (67) skates against the San Jose Sharks during the first period at Rogers Arena. The Vancouver Canucks won 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sport

9. D Jordan Subban

Acquired: Drafted 115th overall, 2013
NHL: 2018-19

Jordan Subban ranked surprisingly low in our prospect ranking. With an average rank of 8.6, he fell from fourth in our March ranking to ninth in the post-draft version. The reason for that is probably the fear of him becoming the next Yannick Weber — or something worse, i.e. a good offensive player who doesn’t make the NHL at all, thanks to defensive deficiencies.

Subban improved a lot over the past season and is no liability defensively. But yet, the fear is always there. There aren’t many 5-foot-9 players in the NHL, especially not defensemen.

Read More: Top 25 Under 25 — #14 Jordan Subban

In 2015-16, Subban recorded 11 goals and 36 points, ranking fifth in Comets scoring as a rookie defenseman. That’s impressive. If he continues that development, it shouldn’t be long before Subban gets to make his NHL debut. Subban is certainly an exciting prospect.

Still, we shouldn’t expect him to be a full-time NHL player before 2018-19. Even that seems a little early.

Next: Michael Garteig