Vancouver Canucks‘ rookie left wing Yan-Pavel Laplante(25) spent most of his first pro season on reassignment to Alaska Aces, where he skated 38 ECHL games scoring a modest 9 goals and 11 assists with a -7 rating on a non-playoff squad.
He also played 13 AHL games with affiliate Utica Comets but only managed one assist with a -7.
Originally an Arizona Coyotes‘ 3rd round pick in the 2013 draft (#62 overall) he was not signed and put back into the pool as he was ready to start a fifth, overage campaign in the QMJHL with his 4th team, Gatineau Olympiques.
In 2015/2016, he put up point-per-game numbers (34-31-65 in 63), then signed a very handsome 3-year entry level deal.
The 6′ 185 lbs. forward may be a bit inconsistent on the score sheet but puts in a full effort every time out on the ice.
This type of performance earned him a look in the big league with an NHL recall at the end of the season to practice with the team and potential feel the energy of being up in the show for a short stint to put some more energy in his sails.
At 22-years old with his contract running through 2019, he still definitely has some time but needs to prove his game sooner than later before he starts being overlooked.