Latest Updates on Vancouver Canucks' Top Prospects

The Vancouver Canucks may have secured Henrik and Daniel Sedin for the next four years, but the future of the team still lies in the hands of the young prospects who have joined the franchise in the past few years. 

When we checked in last month, North American hockey leagues were just getting under way, and some of the stats didn't provide much insight into the prospects' performances. With over a month between, this update should provide more telling numbers. 

Enjoy. 

5. Nicklas Jensen

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If you feel like every time you hear Nicklas Jensen's name, the anticipation he brings lessens, you aren't alone. 

Nicklas Jensen, once a coveted prospect, has not developed as many believed he would. 

Last update, Jensen had yet to play a game with the Utica Comets of the AHL due to a shoulder injury. He has since recovered and returned to the ice, but his outlook is still bleak. 

Jensen has now appeared in seven of the team's 14 games, picking up just three assists during that time. If Jensen plans on suiting up for the Canucks again (or in the NHL, at all for that matter), he'll have to make a few improvements to his game. 

In Jensen's defense, it's hard to produce offensively as a member of the worst team in the league. The Comets have just six points this season with a 2-10-1-1 record and have averaged just 2.07 goals per game. 

4. Bo Horvat

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The young Bo Horvat is having quite an impressive season with the London Knights of the OHL, which should comfort Canucks fans who were displeased with what it cost to get him (Cory Schneider). 

Schneider has just one win in nine appearances with the New Jersey Devils this season, while Horvat continues to shine with 28 points in 19 games this season. 

3. Brendan Gaunce

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If there's one word to describe Brendan Gaunce's performance over the past few years with the Belleville Bulls, it's consistency. 

Gaunce had 68 points in 68 games two seasons ago, 60 in 60 last year and now has 22 in 19. His offensive success this season comes despite the Bulls' league-low five wins on the season. 

Canucks fans should be excited to see him bring his talents to Vancouver, which could come as early as next year. 

2. Hunter Shinkaruk

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Since being selected 24th overall in last summer's NHL entry draft, Hunter Shinkaruk has done nothing but impress. After coming so close to cracking the Canucks' lineup, Shinkaruk rejoined the Medicine Hat Tigers of the WHL, where he has played since 2010-11. 

When we last checked in, Shinkaruk had seven points in the first four games with the Tigers. After missing 14 games with a hip injury, Shinkaruk has recently returned to the lineup and now has 11 points in nine games on the season. 

Shinkaruk returned to Vancouver November 15 when the Tigers faced the Vancouver Giants. Following the final buzzer, he squared off with Dalton Thrower during a line brawl. It's safe to say Thrower got the best of Hunter this time. 

1. Frank Corrado

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Lastly, we have Frank Corrado, who's been playing in Utica. Corrado looked strong during the preseason, and I wouldn't be surprised to see him join the Canucks at some point this season. 

Despite being on the worst team in the league, Corrado has picked up two goals and two assists while maintaining a zero plus/minus in nine games since the last update on October 17. 

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