All indications point toward the Vancouver Canucks organization taking a hard look at this year’s NCAA free-agent class.

We are just days into this year’s window, and they have already targeted two players to sign and bring into the system. Sure, both players were brought in as AHL options, but they still factor into future considerations.

With the NCAA playoffs just ramping up, there are still several highly ranked names remaining to target. If you missed our initial list, we covered eight forwards to be on the lookout for, with some becoming available as early as this week. Oddly enough, Bennett Schimek, one of the two players brought in from Abbotsford, was on that list.

Today, we continue to highlight a few names for Canucks Nation to keep their eyes peeled for. Today, we target a few folks with intriguing ties to British Columbia who could make an impact at the next level.

It wouldn’t be an NCAA free agents list without a little homegrown connection. Brandon Buhr, a 23-year-old Burnaby native, has built a compelling case for a real NHL look this spring. Split between the Coquitlam Express, West Kelowna Warriors, and Alberni Valley Bulldogs, he racked up five seasons in the BCHL, contributing a combined 94 points in 91 games.

Oftentimes, NCAA players lack one major trait, and skating is typically at the forefront. But that’s not the case with Buhr, who moves well for his size and brings the type of north-south game teams look for in larger forwards. Standing 6-foot-4 and over 200 pounds, he uses his frame effectively while also contributing offensively. Buhr currently sits second on Union College in scoring with 35 points (19 goals, 16 assists).

There’s a real chance his game could translate as a checking-line contributor at the professional level.

Fans familiar with the BCHL may also recognize this name.

Before arriving at Dartmouth, Hayden Stavroff spent two seasons split between the Alberni Valley Bulldogs and Salmon Arm Silverbacks. Since making the jump to the NCAA, he’s emerged as one of the more exciting offensive players in this free-agent class.

Currently sitting second among NCAA free agents with 44 points, Stavroff is well above a point-per-game pace through his first two collegiate seasons. He uses a wicked release to feast on netminders, getting it off quickly and accurately.

Off puck, Stavroff plays the game the right way, bumping and grinding to get to the dirty areas for his wins. At the NCAA level, he plays with the type of sparkplug mentality that can shift momentum as he battles for 50/50 pucks. The big question will be projection. Can his 5-foot-11, 190-pound frame translate that same style to the professional level?

At just 21 years old, he still has room to grow, both in skill and physical development. Whether he develops into a top-six AHL producer or a bottom-six energy player remains to be seen, but the tools are intriguing.

Playing alongside Stavroff at Dartmouth is Hank Cleaves, another player with BCHL ties.

Although originally from Connecticut, Cleaves spent two seasons in Vernon with the Vipers before committing to Dartmouth. After a respectable freshman campaign, he has taken a significant step forward this season, sitting second on the team — behind Stavroff — with 35 points (14 goals, 21 assists) as a sophomore.

Cleaves checks a number of boxes that NHL teams look for in college free agents. He carries an enticing 6-foot-4 frame, skates well for his size, and plays a responsible two-way game. As a left-shot centre, he also shows playmaking ability while possessing a solid release when given time and space. In Hayden Stavroff’s highlight package above, he’s typically the player providing the connection.

He recently turned 22, making him the perfect age to work with and continue his development at the professional level. Given the combination of size, skating, and offensive growth, Cleaves feels like a strong candidate to receive interest in the coming weeks.

Grant Slukynsky is our lone player who fails to bring ties to British Columbia, but he brings several elements that typically draw attention from NHL teams. Standing 6-foot-1 and 200 pounds, he carries a pro-ready frame and plays a structured two-way game. He’s also one of the more reliable faceoff men in the NCHC, sitting at a 52.8 percent win rate. He plays in all situations and is looked at as a leader.

Now wearing an “A”, he leads Western Michigan with 40 points (10 goals, 30 assists), putting him at a 0.76 points-per-game after a slow freshman year in 2023-24. He’s also won at this stage, contributing to a National Winning Western Michigan last season. The one limiting factor is age. Slukynsky turns 25 on March 12, which means the developmental runway is shorter than most NCAA prospects targeted.

Even so, his mature, reliable style of play makes him a logical candidate to receive professional interest.

Admittedly, we don’t necessarily see the Vancouver Canucks targeting a defender from this group.

However, the Abbotsford Canucks could certainly use reinforcements — particularly on the right side. While the defensive free agent class isn’t overly deep, one name stands out.

A 6-foot-6 right-shot defenceman will always draw attention.

Minnesota native Isaiah Norlin — who previously played for the BCHL’s West Kelowna Warriors — has quickly become a notable name following a breakout sophomore season at Colgate.

Before arriving in the NCAA, Norlin captured BCHL Defenceman of the Year honours after posting a league-high 48 points (12 goals, 36 assists) in his final junior season. He plays in all situations and is one of Colgate’s most utilized players.

Originally committed to the University of Nebraska-Omaha, Norlin ultimately transferred to Colgate and has thrived in a larger role. He currently ranks among the top-scoring defenders in the conference with 26 points (eight goals, 18 assists) in 35 games, sitting second on his team in overall scoring. He also ranks fourth on the roster with 34 blocked shots.

Will that level of offence translate to the professional level? Who knows. But when you’re talking about a 22-year-old, 6-foot-6 right-shot defender, the intrigue is obvious. If he can continue improving his skating and footwork, there could be a legitimate project worth investing in.

As is the case every year, this year’s NCAA Free Agent crop boasts a wide range of names. While there are always names that the Canucks tend to target off the beaten path — Austin Brimmer being the perfect example — the list of 15 names we’ve provided is certainly names you should be keeping tabs on. The Canucks haven’t always landed the big fish in the pond, but they have a ton to offer in terms of organizational opportunity this time around.