In a move that could quietly reshape his development path, Vancouver Canucks prospect Parker Alcos is heading to the NCAA. The 19-year-old defenseman announced via Instagram that he’ll suit up for Quinnipiac University next season, marking another notable shift in the evolving landscape of player development since CHL players were cleared to compete in college hockey.
Alcos, a sixth-round pick by the Canucks in 2024 (189th overall), has been trending upward this season. Splitting time between WHL Edmonton and Kelowna, he’s already put up five goals and 18 assists across 47 games-more than he managed in the previous two seasons combined. That kind of offensive growth from the back end is exactly what NHL teams hope to see from late-round picks, and now Vancouver gets to see how his game translates to the NCAA level, where the pace and structure offer a different kind of challenge.
With Alcos committing to Quinnipiac, the Canucks will have a pair of prospects skating for the Bobcats in 2026-27. He’ll join fellow draftee Matthew Lansing, a seventh-rounder from 2025, who’s currently in his freshman campaign.
It’s also worth noting that Alcos isn’t the only NHL-drafted player making the jump to Quinnipiac-San Jose Sharks goaltending prospect Christian Kirsch is also heading there for the 2026-27 season. That kind of NHL-affiliated talent influx should make the Bobcats a team to watch in the college ranks.
From Vancouver’s perspective, this move is more than just a development story-it’s a strategic win. Had Alcos stayed in the WHL, the Canucks would’ve faced a June 1 deadline to sign him or lose his rights.
But by moving to the NCAA, the timeline extends, giving the organization more runway to evaluate his progress before committing to an entry-level deal. For a sixth-round pick still finding his ceiling, that’s valuable breathing room.
Alcos’ decision reflects a broader trend we’re seeing more of: CHL players using the NCAA route to extend their development window and give NHL clubs more time to make informed decisions. For the Canucks, it’s another piece of the puzzle as they look to build depth on the blue line. For Alcos, it’s a chance to keep growing his game in a new environment-one that could bring him closer to an NHL opportunity down the line.