Matthew Perkins

June 2023 – Despite a lacklustre point production and low draft rankings, the Vancouver Canucks took a gamble on Perkins in the fourth round (119) due to his intelligence and strong play away from the puck. While his skating and size present challenges, his hockey IQ and versatility make him an intriguing prospect. Perkins’ ability to read the game and contribute offensively through playmaking and finding open ice, combined with his defensive awareness and penalty-killing skills, showcase his potential as a well-rounded player. However, his skating mechanics need significant improvement to fully leverage his intelligence on the ice. Joining the University of Minnesota-Duluth allows Perkins an extended development period, providing the Canucks with time to assess if his intelligence will overcome his current limitations. It remains uncertain if the Canucks could have chosen a higher-upside prospect in the fourth round, but Perkins’ coachability, drive, and potential suggest a chance for success in the future. Dave Hall