Akito Hirose

May 2023 – The Canucks, and nearly the entire NHL, were highly interested in the (now) 24-year-old defenseman due to his exceptional puck-moving abilities and potential to step right into a contributing role. Despite his undersized stature (6-foot-0, 170 pounds), Hirose showcased his skills at the NCAA level with Minnesota State University, recording 27 points in his Junior college season (68 combined). His precise passing and hockey sense compensates for his lack of blazing speed or exceptional stickhandling, allowing him to create scoring opportunities at a productive rate. Defensively, Hirose leverages his skating and stick work to disrupt opponents, particularly during rushes and in the defensive zone. The Canucks recognized his potential and signed him to a one-year entry-level contract. However, given his size, his ability to defend effectively will rely on his mobility, maintaining proper gaps, and utilizing his stick. Hirose’s trajectory suggests he could become a valuable depth option for the Canucks, contributing at both ends of the ice. Dave Hall