LATEST | The reason why the Canucks chose to trade away top prospect Hunter Brzustewicz revealed

Late Wednesday night, the Vancouver Canucks surprised the hockey world by acquiring star forward Elias Lindholm from the Calgary Flames in a blockbuster trade that saw 39-goal-scoring rookie Andrei Kuzmenko as part of the return. Also included in the return was highly-touted Canucks defense prospect Hunter Brzustewicz.

Brzustewicz leads all OHL defenders with an astounding 69 points in 47 games with the Kitchener Rangers, including 61 assists. He was notably snubbed of an invite to Team USA's World Junior camp. He has also drawn comparisons to Norris trophy winner and fellow American defender Adam Fox.

The 19-year-old and 2023 3rd-round pick skyrocketed towards the top of Vancouver's prospect list with his emergence this season. Still, according to some reports, there was concern about Brzustewicz not signing with the Canucks — similar to Adam Fox refusing to sign with the Calgary Flames. Oddly enough, Fox was part of the return package that sent Elias Lindholm to Calgary from Carolina.

Elliotte Friedman reported that there was some concern within the Vancouver organization that Brzustewicz was not going to sign with the team. The problem was enough to sell high on one of their top prospects for Lindholm's rental, 29, has just nine goals and 32 points through 49 games but is just two seasons removed from a 42-goal, 82-point campaign. He will take on a significant role with the Canucks.