The Vancouver Canucks are still busy adding depth to their prospect pipeline, today announcing a three-year entry-level contract for Jonah Gadjovich. Gadjovich was selected in the second round this summer, 55th-overall and is back with the Owen Sound Attack, showing off his offensive skills once again.
When Aaron Ekblad was drafted in 2014, many analysts remarked how he was already physically mature enough to enter the NHL and play right away. The same could be said about Gadjovich, who often stands out as a “man playing against boys” in the CHL. The ability to use all of his 6’2″, 209-lbs frame led him to 46 goals last year, leading the powerhouse Attack. He’s off to a good start this year as well, with five goals and nine points in his first eight games.
Gadjovich compares his play style to David Backes, and the Canucks would be thrilled if he could find that level of success in the NHL. Though he’s not playing exclusively with top prospect and potential OHL scoring leader Nick Suzuki this year, he does have a good shot at the Canadian World Junior roster. He dressed as the 13th forward in the final game of the Summer Showcase, but that team has seemingly lost Pierre-Luc Dubois to the NHL (and perhaps Victor Mete and Samuel Girard as well). He’s a very interesting forward prospect to keep an eye on, especially during training camp next season.