LATEST | The scouting reports are in on Hirose and the Canucks have potentially hit a home-run
The Canucks came up big when they convinced one of the top NCAA free agents on the market Akito Hirose to come on board.
He's taken parts in a few practices ever since he joined the club and he may get his first look at NHL action tonight when the team faces the LA Kings. J.D. Burke, an EliteProspect scout, gave his scouting report on the defenseman and it's promising for his future.
''Intelligent, detailed, mobile defenceman who profiles as a modern defensive defenceman.''
Hirose, who will be turning 24 on the 9th, was listed amongst the top prospect of this year's graduating NCAA Class. Out of Minnesota State Univ. he collected 27 points in 38 games and is qualified as a modern defensive defenseman. In today's game, the ability to throw a strong first pass goes a long way.
There aren't that many defensive defensemen in today's game that managed such offensive prowess back in their Junior / Collegiate days.
Hirose is excited to be in Vancouver and work with two great former NHL defensemen in Adam Foote and Sergei Gonchar, we'll see where his development goes, but the Canucks may have hitted an home-run with this one.
''Take advantage of this opportunity...I'm happy to be here, happy to learn and grow under this great development staff.''
Perhaps he will grow into the defenseman the Canucks need to put on Filip Hronek's side next season!
POLL |
AVRIL 2 | 509 ANSWERS LATEST | The scouting reports are in on Hirose and the Canucks have potentially hit a home-run Do you believe Hirose can develop into a top4 defensemen in the NHL? |
Yes | 389 | 76.4 % |
No | 120 | 23.6 % |
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