Canucks’ GM Benning: Danila Klimovich “most likely to play in QMJHL next season”

The Vancouver Canucks’ first selection of the 2021 NHL Entry Draft will most likely play in the QMJHL next season, according to general manager Jim Benning.

“I think the plan’s gonna be for him to go to Rouyn’s camp and then come to our training camp and we’ll see where he’s at,” Benning told The Athletic. “It’d probably be best right now playing in the Q.”

The Canucks selected Klimovich with the 41st overall pick in this year’s draft, and signed him to an entry-level contract shortly after.

The Belarussian forward has plenty of upside and really burst onto the scene at this year’s U18s, where he scored six goals in five games.

You can read a deep-dive into Klimovich’s game here.