We are back with our 2025 mid-season edition of our CanucksArmy top 20 Vancouver Canucks prospect rankings.

If you are curious about our ranking criteria, check them out in our Honourable Mentions installment.

Number 6 is…

Team: Abbotsford Canucks | Age: 22 | Position: Defence | Height: 6’3″ | Weight: 229 lbs | Shoots: Right | Drafted: Fifth round, 159 overall, 2022| Last year’s rank: Unranked

Brought in through the JT Miller trade, Victor Mancini is the Vancouver Canucks’ newest shiny toy prospect.

It’s no secret that the Canucks and New York Rangers had been in serious trade talks for several weeks, with the missing piece lying in the prospect defender coming the other way. The fact that it was Mancini added shouldn’t be overlooked and underappreciated as a simple “throw-in” for the trade.

Spending his NCAA days in Nebraska-Omaha, he was teammates with Canucks draftee Ty Mueller. The organization tracked this kid and liked what they’d seen for some time. As such, the Canucks were no stranger to his game and felt that he was a worthy addition to their right-side defence.

“We wanted to continue to build with younger players. Mancini was a first-year pro – played in Omaha-Nebraska – he’s a guy we have been following.” Patrik Allvin told Canucks’ Rink side reporter Olivia McDonald. “Our staff were excited about the upside there, and it was important to get a young right-shot defenceman in our system.”

Drafted in the fifth round (2022), Mancini has proven to be one of those late-bloomer stories with an interesting development path.

With the complications of the COVID-19 environment, the American defender crossed the pond to take his talents to Sweden. There, he played for two seasons (57 games) and even served as captain for Frölunda of the J20 Nationell.

After his stint in Sweden, he spent three seasons navigating the collegiate ranks, where he posted 23 points (four goals, 19 assists) across 110 games alongside Ty Mueller. He signed with the Rangers following his Junior season (April 2024).

Despite his subpar production throughout his NCAA career, his stock shot out of a cannon when he made the Rangers out of training camp this fall with just 17 professional games (seven regular-season, 10 post-season) from 2023-24 under his belt.

Suiting up for 15 NHL games through a few call-ups and demotions, Mancini ultimately landed with the AHL’s Hartford Wolf Pack in December, where he’s shown to be a strong asset from the backend.

Now playing among the Vancouver organization, he’s finally made his debut. With the NHL’s 4 Nations’ Face-Off on the go, Mancini he’s begun his tenure with the Abbotsford Canucks.

With four games completed, he transitioned seamlessly to this Abbotsford lineup. He already leads the team in ice time, averaging around 18 minutes, forming a nasty and aggressive pair with fellow rookie and brute Elias Pettersson.

He’s been a key member of the team’s penalty kill, which has gone 11/12 since joining the unit.

He’s shown to be an effective force at the net front, using his 6-foot-3, 229-pound frame to push opponents around and box out like a true pro. He rarely gets beat physically and has not shown any restraint in putting his body in front of shots to get the job done.

Despite that considerable frame, he’s also showcased his ability to kick his legs into high gear and burst up the ice to start the play. Mancini has also recorded his first point with the club, finding Jonathan Lekkerimäki with a stretch pass.

He’s made a few mistakes, including some giveaways and untimed hits, but overall, it’s been a positive start to his tenure – at least with the affiliated club.

He may not be destined for a top-four deployment, but rest assured that he leapfrogs over a line of fringe NHlers such as Cole McWard, Jett Woo, and perhaps even Noah Juulsen overnight.

Ceiling: We love the story, but we’re not fully convinced that he blossoms into anything more than a prototypical third-pairing defender – but a solid one. That said, he does carry intangibles, which could elevate those minutes. He’s big, he can skate, he’ll be a prime penalty killer, and he can even chip in on the scoresheet from time to time.

Floor: Standard, bruising AHL defender.

ETA: Victor Mancini should factor into the Vancouver picture almost immediately. While he may slide in and out as Carson Soucy (left shot), Derek Forbort (left shot) and Noah Juulsen (right shot) battle for that third pair role, he should be on the shortlist for immediate deployment. The eventual addition of defensive prospect Tom Willander will complicate things, but for now, he’s an immediate factor of potential.

That’s our #6 spot. Stay tuned for another installment later today here at CanucksArmy.