Photo credit: Reid Glenn / USA TODAY NETWORK
A top NCAA free agent forward has emerged as a potential signing for Vancouver Canucks General Manager Patrik Allvin to consider in the weeks to come.
As the Vancouver Canucks continue to navigate the early stages of their rebuild, the team’s front office is evaluating potential targets, both trade-wise leading up to the deadline as well as some free agents too.
“We are transitioning into a rebuild here, acquiring younger players through the draft. Obviously, the draft is really important for us. Since Jim and I got [here] three years ago, we’ve definitely always emphasized on getting younger.” GM Patrik Allvin said.
Top NCAA free agent emerges as potential signing for the Vancouver Canucks
This year there are a ton of intriguing free agents out of the NCAA that will garner interest from NHL clubs, among them being TJ Hughes of the University of Michigan, who has 43 points in 30 games, Jack Stockfish of Holy Cross College and Christian Fitzgerald, also of the University of Michigan.
In a post on social media this week, Dave Hall, a prospects analyst for Canucks Army, mentioned a name that Vancouver Canucks fans should keep their eyes on over the next little while – Tyson Gross of St. Cloud State University.
Gross, 23, is in his third year with St. Cloud State University and each season he’s gotten a lot better, with NHL scouts watching to see if he could be a contributor to their club right off the bat or if he’ll need some seasoning in the American Hockey League first.
This season in particular, Gross has taken his game to a whole new level, doubling his previous career high in goals and currently leads his team in points as St. Cloud State University sits fifth in the NCHC standings with a 16-16-0 record through 32 games.
“There are some intriguing undrafted NCAA targets this year, but Tyson Gross may be the most compelling.
The St. Cloud State captain is a 6’3, 195-lb right-shot centre with a heavy release and a willingness to get to the net. He ranks sixth in the nation with 39 points (18G, 21A).
He also kills penalties and leads the NCAA in faceoff wins with 439, operating above 60%.” Dave Hall shared.
In 32 games this season, the Calgary, Alberta native has registered 39 points (18 goals, 21 assists), 26 penalty minutes and is a minus-three.
If the Vancouver Canucks are going to sign any NCAA free agents this spring, they seriously need to consider Tyson Gross and they could have a leg up on other teams as Patrik Allvin can guarantee him opportunities due to their rebuild where other clubs might not be able to make those same promises.
Previously on Vancouver Hockey Daily
POLL
1 HOUR AGO|49 ANSWERS
Top NCAA free agent emerges as potential signing for Vancouver Canucks GM Patrik Allvin
Should the Vancouver Canucks consider signing Tyson Gross at the end of the 2025-26 season?