Vancouver Canucks
· 2026-06-27
The Vancouver Canucks are set to lose former top draft pick Danila Klimovich to free agency, as reported by CHEK's Rick Dhaliwal.
Klimovich's agent, Dan Milstein, confirmed the news, stating that the 23-year-old will test the market.
The Vancouver Canucks selected Klimovich 41st overall in the 2021 draft, with high-end physical tools and a good shot.
This move comes as a surprise, given Klimovich's restricted free agent status, but if the Canucks choose not to qualify him, he will become an unrestricted free agent.
The team is currently standing 16th in the Western Conference with a 25-49 record, on a L1 streak.
Klimovich spent the last five seasons in Abbotsford, tied for the franchise lead in goals with 70 alongside Linus Karlsson.
The report comes after a dip in Klimovich's production, following a 2024-25 campaign where he scored 25 goals in 68 games, leading the Abbotsford Canucks.
His role was marginalized in the playoffs, with just four goals and no assists in 16 games.
Earlier in the offseason, a report suggested Klimovich was headed to the KHL, but Milstein quickly shot down that report.
The Vancouver Canucks will have no players from the 2020 or 2021 draft to play NHL games if Klimovich leaves.
And with the team's current standing, this loss could have significant implications for their future.
But for now, the focus is on Klimovich's impending departure and what it means for the team.
So what's next for the Vancouver Canucks and their former top draft pick?
Klimovich's decision to test free agency will undoubtedly be closely watched by the team and their fans.
The Vancouver Canucks' draft era under Benning is coming to a close, with no players from the 2020 or 2021 draft remaining.