The Vancouver Canucks organization has made a move to strengthen its AHL affiliate, the Abbotsford Canucks, by signing North Dakota forward Jackson Kunz to a one-year contract. While the NHL club may need to wait longer for some of their top college prospects, this addition brings immediate depth to their minor league squad as they gear up for a crucial playoff push.
Abbotsford Canucks Secure Jackson Kunz on AHL Deal
The Abbotsford Canucks announced on Monday that they have signed 22-year-old Jackson Kunz to a one-year AHL contract set to begin in the 2025-26 season. However, Kunz won’t have to wait until then to make his mark with the team. He will join Abbotsford immediately on a professional tryout (PTO) contract, allowing him to compete for the remainder of the current season.
Ryan Johnson, Abbotsford’s General Manager, shared the news of the signing, emphasizing that Kunz brings valuable size and experience to the team. The Grand Forks, North Dakota native has spent the last four years playing collegiate hockey at the University of North Dakota, where he steadily improved his offensive production.
Kunz was originally selected by the Vancouver Canucks in the fourth round of the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, going 113th overall. At 6-foot-3 and 230 pounds, he possesses an imposing frame, making him a physical presence on the ice. Though he wasn’t a standout offensive performer during his time in college, he showed significant improvement over his four-year career, particularly in his last two seasons.
Over the course of 128 NCAA games with the North Dakota Fighting Hawks, Kunz recorded 45 total points, consisting of 24 goals and 21 assists. He also racked up 66 penalty minutes, showcasing a willingness to play with an edge. His contributions helped North Dakota secure the National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC) championship in the 2023-24 season, an achievement that undoubtedly boosted his stock as a professional prospect.
While Vancouver fans may be more focused on the NHL team’s current roster and their battle for postseason positioning, Abbotsford is in the midst of an intense playoff race of its own. The team currently sits third in the AHL’s Pacific Division, with just 11 games left in the regular season. Every addition matters at this stage, and Kunz’s signing could provide the club with some much-needed reinforcement as they push for a deep playoff run.
A Calculated Move for Depth and Development
Kunz’s signing aligns with the Canucks organization’s broader strategy of developing talent within their AHL affiliate. While he may not have the high-end scoring numbers of some other prospects, his steady improvement throughout college suggests he has potential for further growth at the professional level. The Abbotsford Canucks have built a strong reputation for developing young players and preparing them for potential NHL opportunities, and Kunz could benefit from that environment as he transitions to pro hockey.
For the Vancouver Canucks, the signing also represents a relatively low-risk investment. Since Kunz is joining on an AHL contract rather than an NHL deal, there’s no immediate impact on Vancouver’s salary cap situation. This allows the organization to evaluate his progress in the AHL before making any long-term commitments. If Kunz thrives in Abbotsford, he could earn a call-up to the NHL in the future or be considered for a full-time contract with Vancouver.
Additionally, Kunz’s size and physicality could prove valuable in the AHL, where games often feature a heavier style of play compared to the NHL. His ability to battle along the boards, protect the puck, and contribute in a bottom-six role could make him a useful asset for Abbotsford, particularly as the intensity ramps up during the playoffs.
Kunz’s College Career and NHL Potential
Looking at his college career, Kunz’s development trajectory has been promising. Though he wasn’t a prolific scorer early on, he made noticeable strides in his final two seasons. His ability to adjust and improve at the collegiate level bodes well for his transition to professional hockey.
At North Dakota, Kunz played a crucial role in helping his team capture the NCHC title in 2023-24. That championship experience could prove valuable as he steps into an AHL environment where playoff intensity is high. While his offensive production may not jump off the page, his well-rounded game and work ethic could make him a solid contributor at the pro level.
It remains to be seen whether Kunz will eventually crack the Vancouver Canucks roster. His path to the NHL will likely depend on how he performs in Abbotsford and whether he can continue to elevate his game against stronger competition. Given his size, physical play, and improving offensive skills, he has the potential to carve out a role as a bottom-six forward if he continues to develop.
Canucks’ Depth and Future Plans
While Vancouver’s NHL team is focused on securing a playoff spot, moves like this highlight the organization’s commitment to strengthening its overall depth. Signing Kunz ensures that the AHL squad remains competitive while also providing a pipeline of talent that could benefit the big club down the road.
The Canucks have faced challenges with injuries and roster management this season, particularly with key players like Elias Pettersson dealing with setbacks. Adding depth in the AHL allows them to have more flexibility should they need reinforcements. If Kunz performs well in Abbotsford, he could become a viable call-up option in the future, particularly if Vancouver experiences injuries or needs a fresh body in the lineup.
Final Thoughts
Jackson Kunz’s signing may not be a blockbuster move, but it’s a smart, strategic decision that strengthens Abbotsford’s roster while giving Vancouver a chance to evaluate a promising prospect. His size, physicality, and steady offensive growth make him an intriguing addition to the Canucks’ system.
For now, Kunz will have the opportunity to prove himself on a professional tryout with Abbotsford for the remainder of the 2024-25 season. If he performs well, he’ll enter the 2025-26 season with momentum, potentially positioning himself for a larger role within the organization.
As Abbotsford battles for playoff positioning, Kunz’s presence could provide an extra boost to the team’s forward group. Meanwhile, Vancouver will be keeping a close eye on his progress, hoping that he can take the next step in his development and eventually contribute at the NHL level.
While it’s too early to determine what kind of pro career Kunz will have, this signing represents another example of how the Canucks organization is methodically building its depth and planning for the future.
