MAJOR | An interesting comparison is drawn with Akito Hirose and it reflects his true potential

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Felip Gosselin
April 12, 2023 (6:57 PM)

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The Vancouver Canucks came up big when they won the Akito Hirose derby, beating over 10 teams in that race. He came in from Minnesota State Univ. (Mankato) and he's been a standout since joining the big league.

The Canucks' new number 36 has got everyone charmed in Vancouver as of now and the way he's been playing since he joined may confirm his spot on the team's defensive top6 next year. Journalist, Jeff Patterson, gave his thoughts on the Canucks' latest additions:

''I do think he has entered the conversation about possibly being a full-timer here next season..

The 24-year-old has already managed 3 assists since his professional debut. When the Canucks signed him the early reports stated that they had signed a ''modern'' defensive defenseman and yet his offensive apport has been nothing short of great as he's been taking reps on the team's second power-play unit.

A TSN analyst drew an extremely interesting comparison to a former Canuck as he described Hirose to be a poised defenseman with an elevated hockey IQ that resembled a young Chris Tanev:

''When you can make a clean outlet pass that turns into a three-zone breakaway assist, the early comps to Chris Tanev are legit. Akito Hirose has been really solid so far. Poise, smarts, defending, and passing ability resembles a young Tanev. Still, a ways to go, though.''

While Tanev is a bit bigger but the comparisons between both scouting reports sheets are undeniable:

''A two-way defenceman at the top of his class in intellect, composure, and decision-making. Elite-level hockey IQ pairs seamlessly with smooth skating and quick puck movement. Defensively assertive and diligent; keeps the opposition to the outside and along the boards, ..., Chris Tanev is the total package defenceman that can offer positives in all three zones due to his calm disposition and superb poise.''

To think that the Canucks may have acquired a defenseman of that caliber would absolutely wound up being a steal for them. If he keeps improving his game, he'll come up huge for the Canucks ''retooling''. From what we've seen so far, do you think he can develop into a full-time NHLer?