Former Canucks Prospect Continues to Prove Vancouver Made A Big Mistake Not Signing Him

The Vancouver Canucks parted ways with numerous players players over the summer in free agency, most notably Elias Lindholm and Nikita Zadorov, who both signed with the Boston Bruins.

One player that left the organization that want sort of under the radar was 24-year-old forward Aidan McDonough, who signed an AHL contract with the Charlotte Checkers, affiliate of the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers.

As his second professional season got underway, it wasn't too clear where Aidan McDonough was going to slot in among the forward group in Charlotte. A middle-six role would've likely been the best spot for him, but after hot start, he's exceeding expectations and deserves to be a first line player for the Checkers.

During the first weekend of the AHL season, McDonough lit the league on fire, scoring four goals in under 24 hours. His strong performance over the first week of the season earned American Hockey League Player of the Week honours and since then, he hasn't looked back.

As of Tuesday morning, McDonough currently sits 15th in the entire American Hockey League in points with nine in eight games. He also is tied for third in the league in goals (7) along with Joshua Roy of Laval and Cleveland's Roman Ahcan, and is two back of Ethen Frank and Rory Kerins for the league-lead.

The Milton, Massachusetts native is continuing to prove that the Vancouver Canucks made the wrong decision by not issuing him a qualifying offer and allowing him to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1st. The Canucks knew they had to make room for other prospects in Abbotsford and while Aidan McDonough played well in his first professional season last year, he likely would've seen a reduced role.

If Aidan McDonough continues to be consistent throughout the season, it wouldn't be a shock if an NHL team comes calling next summer when he becomes an unrestricted free agent again.