There's been lots of heat around Hunter Brzustewicz, who may be the hottest defenceman in every Canadian Junior Circuit. Currently, on a 14-game-point streak, the most recent Canucks 3rd Round Selection was asked if he had learned or connected with a specific Canucks player, and his response told a way more significant story.
The youngster mentioned that he was glad he had the opportunity to meet the veteran Christian Wolanin during his time in Vancouver. The vet was present to show him the ropes, and the fact that leadership is coming from every level of the organization says a lot about building culture within the group:
The American defenceman is in a league of his own; he currently has 27 points through 15 games with a 22 assists league-high total. His current pace would have him collecting 100 assists and 123 points over an entire season. However, with how he plays, it'd be a surprise if he wasn't called upon to represent his country at the upcoming World Juniors.
For his part, Wolanin picked up where he left off. The Abbotsford Canucks are also having a terrific season debut, and Wolanin leads the AHL's defensemen with 13 points through the first nine games. To see him occupy a leadership role despite not being in the NHL on a full-time basis sure says a lot about the type of person he is, and that's definitely what the Canucks should be looking to add moving forward.
