As the Vancouver Canucks gear up to welcome eight fresh faces to their prospect pool, one of their previous top draft picks, Danila Klimovich, is making headlines by reportedly exploring free agency.
The Canucks initially picked Klimovich, a Belarusian winger, 41st overall in the 2021 NHL Draft. Standing at 6-foot-2, Klimovich was lauded for his impressive physical attributes and a sharp shot. However, questions lingered about his consistency and hockey intelligence.
Klimovich was the Canucks' first selection in 2021, a year when they traded away their ninth overall pick in a deal involving Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Conor Garland with the Arizona Coyotes. That ninth pick turned into Dylan Guenther, who has since become one of the NHL’s promising young scorers. Meanwhile, Logan Stankoven, a native of Kamloops, BC, was picked just six slots after Klimovich at 47th overall.
On Saturday, Rick Dhaliwal from CHEK reported that Klimovich’s agent, Dan Milstein, confirmed the winger's intention to test free agency, quashing rumors of a move to the KHL. Milstein stated, “KHL is not being considered at this time.”
This development is somewhat unexpected, given Klimovich's status as a restricted free agent. If the Canucks opt not to extend a qualifying offer, he will become an unrestricted free agent.
Klimovich made an unusual leap straight to the AHL at just 18, spending the past five seasons with the Abbotsford Canucks. The Pinsk native shares the franchise lead in goals with Linus Karlsson, each tallying 70, although Karlsson achieved this in significantly fewer games.
Klimovich's performance took a hit after a standout 2024-25 season where he netted 25 goals in 68 games, leading the team. However, his playoff contributions dwindled, managing only four goals without any assists in 16 games, as his role diminished.
Earlier rumors suggested Klimovich might head to the KHL, but Milstein was quick to dismiss those claims.
With Klimovich potentially leaving, it marks a disappointing chapter for the Canucks' draft efforts under Benning, leaving them without any NHL players from their 2020 or 2021 drafts.
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