MAJOR | Elite level prospect just broke Auston Matthew's record for points and will be available for the Canucks

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Felip Gosselin
April 23, 2023 (7:38 PM)

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The US's National Development Program has grown into quite the entity for its ability to produce elite-level hockey players. From Patrick Kane to the Hughes brothers this year will be loaded with American talent within the First Round.

4 top forwards are currently occupying slots among the North-American top players, Will Smith (3rd), Ryan Leonard (5th), Oliver Moore (8th), and the one that seems to be forgotten, Gabe Perreault (10th).

Perreault, son of former NHLer Yannic Perreault, brother of Anaheim Ducks' top prospect Jacob Perreault (Also a 1st Round Selection), has been etiquette as one of the top offensive producers of his draft class. Especially since he just broke Auston Matthew's record for the most point in a single season.

Here's what his current coach at the USNDP and an NHL scout had to say about the 5'11'' and 165 pounds nifty forward:

''His hockey IQ is through the roof,» USA coach Dan Muse said. «His vision on the ice, combined with the skill and his ability to execute, there's a reason he's been able to have the type of season that he's had.»�

«He didn't put up over 120 points by accident,» a scout said. «Offensively, he's the real deal. There's a level of creativity there that he doesn't get enough love for. In close, under pressure, Perreault's game already looks NHL-ready. He'll have no issue scoring in the NHL.

Perrault now has 121 points in 58 games, which broke Auston Matthews' record of 117 and Jack Hughes' impressive 112 points. His teammates Will Smith (3rd among North American skaters) isn't far behind with 113 points.

Just a few days prior to the lottery, the Canucks hold the 11th seed to the best Connor Bedard odds (3%). At this point, the reasonable thing to do will be to look at other options and Gabe Perreault surely is one of them. TSN's Craig Button has Perreault standing on the stage at the 11th seed, could he be a good addition to the Canucks' prospect pool?