Aidan McDonough has elected not to sign with the Canucks and go back for his senior year instead

Vancouver Canucks prospect Aidan McDonough has decided to go back to Northeastern for his senior year of NCAA hockey, according to multiple sources, but first reported by Rick Dhaliwal.

The Canucks pushed to sign McDonough to an entry-level contract this season, but ultimately, their top forward prospect has elected to return for his senior year.

“First off, the Canucks have been awesome throughout this process and have been supportive of me,” McDonough told Postmedia’s Patrick Johnston. “I feel it will be best for my development to continue to work on the things I need to work on in order to have more of an impact on my professional career.

“Another year to improve my skating and get physically ready for a professional season. We will also have a very good team next year and compete for championships. My education is also important so being able to graduate is a big deal for myself and my family. The Canucks have been there for me since they drafted me and I hope to play for them one day.”

As our very own Chris Faber has shared with readers, McDonough has taken massive strides — no pun intended — in his game this year after working with a skating coach last offseason.

The 22-year-old left-shot winger scored 25 goals through 38 games for Northeastern this season, adding 14 assists in the process.

The Canucks have until August 23rd, 2023 to get McDonough signed, or they risk losing him to unrestricted free agency — a route we’ve seen a number of college players take in the past.