Article content

Adam Gaudette likes to pattern his play after Jonathan Toews and Patrice Bergeron.

While that may seem like a stretch for the surprising Vancouver Canucks prospect to be compared with a pair of NHL stalwarts, who have been Selke Trophy winners four of the last five seasons, he does have an emerging game predicated on smarts, edge, finish and 200-foot awareness.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or Ben Kuzma: Gaudette's rapid NCAA scoring rise has Canucks mapping pro plan Back to video

Gaudette, a fifth-round 2015 draft choice, is first in NCAA power-play goals (14) and third in points (23-26-49) after 31 games, and his sensational season at Northeastern University has the centre on a fast development track.

The Canucks were so enamoured with the 6-foot-1, 185-pound centre that president of hockey operations Trevor Linden, general manager Jim Benning and director of player development Ryan Johnson saw the 20-year-old Braintree, Mass., native play during the NHL club’s recent eastern road trip.

They obviously liked what they saw.

“The details in his game are very good and he has a real motor to him in that he never stops,” said Linden. “He has a great shot, looks to shoot, can change his angles and plays in all situations. And the coach (Jim Madigan) puts him out in every conceivable situation.

“He’s still finding his way physically and he can get stronger, but it’s his willingness to work at his game, and with that his confidence continues to grow.”