Article content continued

The mind wanders. But that’s a story for another day.

Late last week, the Canucks officially signed Dahlen to a three-year deal, reportedly giving him the same out-clause Tryamkin had when it comes to the AHL.

For now, it seems unlikely because both the Canucks and Dahlen’s camp are prepared for him to get some seasoning in Utica this fall if he doesn’t make the NHL team, to help in his transition to North American-sized rinks.

Benning, by the way, doesn’t believe this is going to be a problem for the prolific goal-scorer. In fact, the Canucks have a hunch he’s going to look even better on smaller ice.

“His game is coming out of corners and living in and around the net,” Benning said. “On the big European ice, the corners are so deep, so he’ll be better on North American ice.”

Well, that’s something to be excited about.

Of course, the Canucks think Dahlen needs to “get stronger,” which is often the case with teenaged prospects. Benning did describe the player, who is listed at 5-foot-11 and 180 pounds, as “thick.”

“His ability to score in and around the net is already good,” Benning said.

Photo by Minas Panagiotakis / PNG

Dahlen compares favourably with Alex Nylander, the Buffalo Sabres winger drafted eighth overall last year who was second on TSN’s recent top 50 NHL-affiliated prospects list.

The only thing that has muted the universal praise Dahlen gets among scouts is his skating.

“Yeah, that would be the thing he needs to continue to get better at,” Benning said. “But I think from his draft year to this season, his skating has really picked up.

“As he gets physically stronger, it will just get better.”

Benning said Dahlen will be at the team’s summer development camp.

“Then he’s going to come to training camp,” Benning said. “Ulf, his father, played in the NHL a long time, so he has a pretty good understanding of what he needs to do and where he’s at.

“He’s worked with Jonathan in his development and he still thinks he needs to get stronger.

“He’ll come to camp and we’ll see where he’s at. Whether he’s playing in Utica, or we loan him back to the Swedish league for one year, we’ll do what’s best for his development.”