Photo credit: Sun Devils Athletics.
Vancouver Canucks General Manager Patrik Allvin is keeping tabs on a 22-year-old free agent who has been lighting up the NCAA with Arizona State University.
The Vancouver Canucks’ rebuild is in full swing and this week, the organization is going to add several more assets, whether it be prospects, draft picks or both, that’ll hopefully help them turn things around and become competitive again in the coming years.
Last month, NHL insider Rick Dhaliwal first reported about the Vancouver Canucks’ pursuit of college free agents, saying while on Halford & Brough that Patrik Allvin and the front office have a list of players that they’re monitoring and could sign potentially in the coming weeks.
Vancouver Canucks’ Patrik Allvin keeping tabs on 22-year-old NCAA free agent
Among the names suggested by Hall include Arizona State University forward Bennett Schimek, who turns 23 next month and has taken his game to a whole new level after switching schools through the transfer portal in 2024.
Schimek began his collegiate career with Providence College in 2022 and after registering 37 points in 71 games, he decided it was time for a new challenge and ended up joining Arizona State University, which has put him on the radar of many NHL clubs.
In his first year with ASU, the Mendota Heights, Minnesota native matched his total in points from the previous two seasons combined and so far during the 2025-26 campaign, he’s put up 43 points (13 goals, 30 assists) in 35 contests.
While his offensive numbers are eye-opening, in a good way, Hall notes that Schimek’s work rate is something he really likes and has even been utilized in all situations for ASU, including on the penalty kill, and with that combination of a strong two-way game, there’s no doubt NHL teams will come calling.
“Like the others on this list, we like Schimek because of his work rate and willingness to go to all areas. He’s fifth among NCHC forwards with 28 blocks, to go along with his impressive point totals and is the Sun Devils’ most utilized forward and is even their go-to penalty killer.” Hall said.
With Arizona’s loss to Denver on Saturday, the Sun Devils’ season has concluded, meaning that Schimek is free to sign with any National Hockey League club, and the Vancouver Canucks are hoping that it’ll be them who will land his services.
Previously on Vancouver Hockey Daily
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Vancouver Canucks’ Patrik Allvin keeping close tabs on 22-year-old free agent lighting up the NCAA
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