It’s time for another run around the leagues, highlighting a few Vancouver Canucks prospects that have impressed over recent weeks. In this edition, we will focus on the American Hockey League (AHL), Ontario Hockey League (OHL) and ECHL where Danila Klimovich and Linus Karlsson have starred for the Abbotsford Canucks, Anthony Romani has made an impact on his new team, and Josh Bloom is making a case to get promoted back to the AHL. Let’s dive in!
Danila Klimovich, Abbotsford Canucks (AHL)
Klimovich might be the AHL’s bounceback player of the year. Last season, he only put up two goals in 24 games, all while battling inconsistency, healthy scratches, and injuries. This season has been a different story, as he already has a career-high 21 goals in 50 games, eclipsing the 17 he had in 2022-23 in 67 games. He has also gained the trust of new head coach Manny Malhotra, something he didn’t have with former bench boss Jeremy Colliton, which he says has made a huge difference in his game this season.
“When you have trust with the coach, it’s easy because I know that if I keep doing what he wants me to be doing, I am going to be getting ice time. That makes me more calm. I know now when coach sees you block a shot or win a board battle and help the team, it builds confidence [from him] to you,” said Klimovich.
“When I feel like the coach trusts me, I feel so much better. The last couple of years have been up and down. Now, I feel more consistent, but I just need to keep going because I like this. It feels good because I am working hard. I can’t be upset about anything, but I just need to stay at a steady level. The Sedins tell me that every year I just need to be more consistent and that will give me a chance.”
Klimovich has become one of the Canucks’ go-to players offensively, and is now tied for the team lead in goals after passing Jonathan Lekkerimaki on Tuesday (March 11) against the Bakersfield Condors. He has showcased his lethal wrist shot many times this season, further solidifying his nickname, the “Klim Reaper.” With his performance lately, which includes an impressive six goals in eight games and goals in all but three games in March, he should be in line for his NHL debut in no time.
Linus Karlsson, Abbotsford Canucks (AHL)
Another player on fire lately, and thus creating a formidable one-two…
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