Jack Rathbone

October 2023- Rathbone was traded alongside prospect Karel Plasek to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for Ty Glover and Mark Friedman. Cedrick Blais-Turcotte

March 2023 – With an impressive AHL rookie season in the rearview, and a fresh new contract in hand, many had hoped that the 2022-23 season would lead to him tapping into the NHL potential he has been associated with. Unfortunately, thanks to a second concussion in less than a year and a step back in statical output, that potential has taken a step back – or at the very least, remained stagnant. So far, the now 23-year-old rearguard has posted just 12 points (4G + 8A) through 31 games, while his defensive capability continues to lie as an area of concern. For the first time since being drafted in 2017, Rathbone’s name had come up in trade deadline talks, and while nothing came to fruition, the idea of a change of scenery may be just what the doctor ordered to unlock his undeniable puck-moving, offensive potential. For now, look for him to compete for a roster spot (In Vancouver) next year, but given the current depth chart, do not be shocked with yet another minor-league stint as the baby Canucks’ go-to quarterback. Dave Hall

July 2022 – Rathbone has officially signed a new one-way contract with the Vancouver Canucks. While it may not guarantee him a spot on the opening night roster, it is a strong indication that he will be given his full shot going forward. Fantasy owners can finally rest easy and enjoy watching him develop at the NHL level. Dave Hall

March 2022 – Rathbone, Abbosford’s top-producing defender, is close to returning after missing some time following a frightening hit from behind in mid-February. Despite a nine-game stint in Vancouver to kickstart his 2021-22 season, the 22-year-old has spent the remainder down with the baby Canucks’, where he has enjoyed an integral role as the club’s go-to defender. With no surprise, he’s producing at over a point-per-game pace (21 points) and continues to show extremely impressive statistics – both in point totals and underlying numbers. It is business as usual with regards to his development, while he continues to be one of the club’s top future prospects. He should find himself as a mainstay on the big club for the 2022-23 campaign. Dave Hall

May 2021 – The Canucks’ newest defensive standout has transitioned into the pro circuit rather seamlessly. After spending the first few weeks of his professional career tied to the club’s Taxi Squad, Rathbone was sent down to Utica to gain necessary reps and test out his ability to compete amongst higher competition. With nine points (2G-7A) through eight games, which included a three-point debut, it’s safe to say that he passed with flying colors. His inept ability to transition the puck, navigate his way around the ice, and quarterback a powerplay have all come along for the ride. Confident in his audition, the Canucks have since promoted him to deploy within their six-man rotation and it did not take long for him to make an impact. He picked up the first goal of his NHL career in game two and has come as advertised playing bottom-pairing minutes. His offensive potential continues to offer excitement, and although his minutes may be sheltered as they wrap up the 2020-21 campaign, he has surely established himself as an important piece to their future. Dave Hall

July 2020 – The Canucks were fortunate enough to ink this kid to an entry-level contract. The COVID situation surely helped get the 21-year-old to leave Harvard as the NCAA club had already cancelled their fall schedule. The offer to burn a year off of the ELC without playing NHL games this summer turned out to be the sweetener needed to get it done. The 5’11 190 lefty is the club’s top asset on the blueline and could conceivably step into the NHL lineup to begin 2020-21. Rathbone led all college defenders in shots-per-game (3.36) and was third in points-per-game (1.11). The left-side on the third-pairing is wide open for next season. He’ll have as good a chance to take it as Olli Juolevi or Jordie Benn. Long term, think Samuel Girard playing behind Cale Makar. Quinn Hughes will eat up the prime power-play ice, but Rathbone could and should be effective in a secondary role. Cam Robinson

December 2019 – The 20-year-old has been silencing the questions whether he could handle the load on the Crimson blueline now that former partner Adam Fox has turned pro. Rathbone is a splendid skater who loves to shoot the puck at high volumes. He’s been creating offense regularly and posing as a formidable transition option. The Canucks have found a good one in the middle rounds. Cam Robinson

March 2019 – With 21 points (16+5) in 31 NCAA contests, defenseman Jack Rathbone has been named to the ECAC All-Rookie Team. The 19-year-old found instant chemistry with high-flying, right-shot defender, Adam Fox on the Harvard blue line and rode it for the duration of the campaign. It will be interesting to see if Rathbone gets his partner back next season or if Fox will sign with Carolina. That will certainly play into Rathbone’s production levels as a sophomore in 2019-2020. Cam Robinson

November 2018 – Rathbone has long been the mystery man in the Canucks’ prospect system. He’s no longer that. It took all of half of a game for the 19-year-old to join the top pairing with Harvard of the NCAA. He’s found instant chemistry with Hurricanes’ prospect, Adam Fox. The two both love to wheel and make quick outlets. They appear to have a sixth sense for when to push and when to sit back and hold the fort for their partner to run. Rathbone currently sits with two goals and seven points in five NCAA contests. His 1.4 points-per-game sits third in the nation for blueliners, trailing Fox and Cale Makar. It’s been a terrific start to a college career and one that surely has the National Junior team staff taking notice. Rathbone remains a long shot to play at the WJC but continued play like this could certainly land him an invite to camp. Once there, anything can happen. Cam Robinson

April 2018 – Footage and information regarding the Canucks’ 2017 fourth-round selection have been difficult to come by. Playing high school hockey in the New England prep circuit, Rathbone has clearly been a dominant force, recording 10 goals and 29 points in just 16 games with Dexter Academy at the last check-in. Rathbone is a tremendous skater who brings a big shot and some feistiness to the ice. The soon-to-be 19-year-old will head to Harvard in the fall where his development will be easier to track. He remains a long-term prospect but one that exhibits NHL potential. Cam Robinson

June 2017 – Rathbone isn’t taking your usual path towards the NHL. The swift-skating defender will stay one more season at the Dexter School – a prep school academy in Massachusetts before joining the Harvard Crimson of the NCAA in 2018-19. This extra year of high-school hockey will afford the Canucks’ organization an extra year of owning his rights and will likely allow him to fully develop before leaving school.

Rathbone owns great awareness on the ice, can skate and pass the puck with enough precision that you can excuse him being slightly undersized. His style of play is becoming more and more effective in the NHL and with proper development, he could become a solid offensive producer. Cam Robinson