Kamloops-Born Sawyer Mynio: Canucks Prospect on the Rise
Kamloops native Sawyer Mynio was picked by the Vancouver Canucks in the third round of the 2023 NHL Draft after helping the Seattle Thunderbirds win the WHL's Ed Chynoweth Cup. The championship team was stacked, with 16 players eventually drafted to the NHL. But junior hockey is ever-changing, and Seattle's dominance was short-lived.
As the roster underwent a major overhaul, Mynio was thrust into a leadership role. Kevin Korchinski, a fellow defenseman and first-round pick, made the Chicago Blackhawks roster, leaving Mynio and Nashville Predators prospect Jeremy Hanzel to anchor the blue line. With Seattle missing the playoffs during this transition year, Mynio took on more minutes and responsibilities. He has been highly productive, notching a point-per-game pace over his last 64 games, including 11 points in just 10 games this season.
Mynio's defensive game remains his calling card. He's known for his ability to read plays, disrupt passing lanes, and outmuscle opponents at the net front. His physicality is noticeable, often aggressive, and sometimes borderline-he's not afraid to make opponents feel his presence. His rush defense has also evolved from guiding opponents wide to cutting off plays earlier with hard hits and lunging poke checks.
His offensive game is also developing, particularly his booming shot. Mynio is a power-play threat, thanks to his accurate one-timer from the point. He's confident in puck handling, often driving the rush with strong skating and lateral movement. While his offensive consistency still needs work, the intent and effort are there.
Looking ahead, Mynio's workload in Seattle provides crucial context. Averaging over 26 minutes per game, he's managing both offensive and defensive duties on an undermanned team. While this has led to some mistakes, it's unlikely he'll face such heavy minutes at the NHL level. Invited to Team Canada's Summer Showcase, he remains a contender for the 2025 World Junior Championship. Whether staying in Seattle or being moved to a contender, Mynio's future with the Canucks looks promising as he aims to make the leap to professional hockey.
