Jacob Truscott

January 2025 – Following a promising junior season at the University of Michigan before a season-ending injury, Truscott’s senior season left something to be desired. His graduate season, however, has seen Truscott regain some of the success he had seen pre-injury. He has 13 points in 26 games and is the powerplay of Michigan’s powerplay, generating seven points with the man advantage. The biggest thing so far for Truscott to build upon is his health. He’s appeared in every game for Michigan, giving him ample opportunity to return to his familiar ways. However, whenever he makes the jump, Truscott will have an adjustment period to the speed of professional hockey. Maintaining strong, consistent play for the rest of this season will be crucial for his confidence. Nick Orr

May 2023 – Suiting up in his Junior year, Truscott was on pace to set career highs before suffering a season-ending injury in January. Before the injury, he earned top-line minutes alongside standout defenceman Luke Hughes, one of the club’s go-to penalty killers. Furthermore, he has added physicality to his game, using his size and leverage to create turnovers and slow down play in his zone. As mentioned, the Michigan native has excelled as a penalty killer, displaying an active stick and strong positioning to disrupt passing lanes. On the offensive side, he has seen an increase in production and has shown prowess on the power play. In 23 games, he posted four goals and 16 points. To reach his goal as an NHL player, Truscott must adjust to the speed and strength of professional hockey while further improving his skating and shooting. Overall, he has the foundation to become a valuable depth defenseman for the Canucks. He will return for his Senior year at Michigan, where the team will look to take down a National Championship, after which you can expect a jump to the AHL. Dave Hall

May 2022 – In his sophomore season with a heavy-set Michigan squad, Truscott took serious strides in his overall game. He was in a top-four role, skating alongside top-rated New Jersey prospect Luke Hughes. With that, he was forced to focus on the defensive side of his game, staying back and manning the backend while Hughes took chances in the offensive. On top of that, he took a heavier role on the penalty kill, an area which he can now add to his already growing repertoire. The 20-year-old looks poised to take on an even more significant role in 2022-23. Truscott should upgrade to the top pair with heavy hitters such as Owen Power and Nick Blankenburg graduating. With that in mind, expect him to enjoy a longer offensive leash while continuing his two-way play. His Junior year is shaping up to be big, and he will have the option to turn pro come the season’s end. Dave Hall

March 2021 – It’s been quite the year for Truscott’s development. Not only was he taken in the fifth round of this year’s NHL draft, but he also began his collegiate career with the highflying Michigan Wolverines. As is expected from a freshman defender, his minutes were often kept to the third-pairing. Yet, his five points were still enough for a 10th-place finish among U19 defenders nationwide. He carries a good toolkit with various skills to rely upon – notably on the offensive side. There is work to be had in the defensive end, but as an 18-year-old defenceman enrolled in a tremendous NCAA program, he will be given all the tools to grow as a player. Regarding fantasy, he should be considered a long-term project on the backend. Dave Hall