Observations:

March 2018 – It was confirmed that the Canucks waived their rights to Abols last June and he re-entered the draft in 2017 without being selected. This pick has Canucks' fans up in arms as hometown boy and Vancouver legacy player, Ty Ronning was passed on at that spot. Ronning has gone on to be a prolific junior scorer and recently signed an ELC with the Rangers. Cam Robinson

June 2017 – Drafted in the seventh round back in 2016 as a third-year eligible player, Abols ended up playing in the QMJHL this past season because his Portland team had too many overage players. The 21-year-old performed well, recording 18 goals and 50 points in 52 contests while displaying good speed and a tenacious forecheck. The 6'4 winger has good speed but needs to engage more consistently. He will need a contract offer from Vancouver or Utica or else it's likely he returns home to Europe. The ECHL is a possibility as well. Cam Robinson

December 2016 – After being passed over in two consecutive drafts, the Canucks decided to take a flyer on the gritty centre. However, due to restrictions on imports and 20-year-old players, Abols was forced from the WHL where he played a season ago but has found a home in the QMJHL with Acadia-Bathurst.  He won’t ever be mistaken for an elite point producer but he does offer competent skills with and without the puck and quality skating skills. Cam Robinson

Fantasy Outlook: D

A hardworking and defensively responsible centre with an uphill battle to become an NHL player.

Footage: 

Rodrigo Abols Highlights

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