Vancouver Canucks Prospect Danila Klimovich Heating Up in Abbotsford: A Breakout Year in the Making
Danila Klimovich is off to a stellar start in the 2024-25 AHL season, showing signs of fulfilling the potential that made him a second-round pick for the Vancouver Canucks in 2021.
The 21-year-old leads the Abbotsford Canucks in goals with seven and is tied for the team lead in points, racking up 11 through 16 games.
His hot start hints that Klimovich may finally be on the verge of a breakout season.
One key indicator of his growth is his increased confidence, visible in his shots-on-goal rate.
Klimovich is averaging an impressive 3.31 shots per game this season, far exceeding his previous career high of 1.87 from the 2022-23 campaign.
Remarkably, he has already recorded more total shots than he managed all of last season, despite playing eight fewer games.
The results are evident: his seven goals so far put him on pace for over 30-a number that would obliterate his career high of 17 set during the 2022-23 season.
If he continues at this rate, Klimovich could become just the fourth player in Abbotsford Canucks history to reach 20 goals in a season.
Klimovich's progression hasn't gone unnoticed. Head Coach Manny Malhotra has shown growing trust in the young winger, consistently deploying him in top-line situations and on the power play.
Even when NHL call-ups return to Abbotsford, it's likely that Klimovich will retain his spot in the top six, solidifying his role as a key offensive driver for the team.
Despite some growing pains in his development, it's important to remember that Klimovich is still just 21 years old.
His progress this season suggests a shift in his mindset and preparation over the summer, allowing him to make a significant leap in his game. While it's still early, Klimovich's strong start is a promising sign that he could soon factor into the Vancouver Canucks' future plans.
If he stays consistent, this could be the breakout year that sets the stage for an NHL opportunity.
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