We are back with the 2025 summer edition of our CanucksArmy top 20 Vancouver Canucks prospect rankings.

We are well underway, having already covered our Honourable Mentions list and our first two ranked prospects. Today, we present to you our 18th-ranked player in the system, a smooth-skating right-shot defender who has maintained his position from our mid-season rankings.

Our previously ranked prospects:

If you’re curious about our ranking criteria, you can find them in our HM installment.

Like the 2025 mid-season edition of our Canucks prospect rankings, the 18-year-old defenceman with the Edmonton Oil Kings holds steady at 18.

Selected in the sixth round, 189th overall, in the 2024 NHL Draft, Alcos continues to show promise as a tall, mobile, right-shot blueliner with a knack for defensive play and a promising transition game.

At 6-foot-3, he brings a compelling mix of size and skating to the ice. Judging by his second half of 2024-25, along with his performance at this year’s Development Camp, his game is steadily growing. While still very much a raw talent, Alcos’ steady improvements in the Western Hockey League keep him firmly in the conversation as a prospect to follow closely.

Alcos has made notable strides in his third WHL season with the Oil Kings, cementing his role as a reliable top-four defenceman. After starting 2024-25 on the third pairing, he earned the trust of his coaches, eventually landing close to 20 minutes per game with several games eclipsing that mark.

His expanded role included significant time on the penalty kill and was even tasked to run the power play on occasion. Heading into his third official season in the Western League, Alcos is expected to continue that same deployment within the Oil Kings’ top four.

What we like about Alcos’ game is his ability to combine a tall frame with smooth, efficient skating. He moves effortlessly across the ice, allowing him to keep up with faster forwards and transition the puck effectively. Showing a calm demeanour, his thoughtful and clean outlet passes are somewhat of a staple to his game.

This head-up style of play is particularly encouraging for a young defenceman, as it reduces mistakes and keeps the game flowing.

In the defensive zone, he effectively shuts down plays, utilizing his long reach to break up passes and close gaps on rushing opponents. Despite a lean build, his willingness to engage physically adds another layer to his game, as he battles hard along the boards and in front of the net.

Despite his strengths, Alcos’ game is still developing and raw. While he shows promise on the power play and has confident hands, his shot lacks the velocity to consistently challenge goalkeepers. At this point, we consider him a two-way defender, with more emphasis on the defensive aspects of the game.

Adding strength to his tall, but slight 181-pound frame will be crucial as he climbs the ranks. Luckily, his focus remains on doing just that, and various staff members have alluded to his dedication to hitting the gym to add muscle.

Ceiling: Looking toward his NHL future, Alcos projects as a potential 5-6 defenceman, capable of anchoring a shutdown pair and contributing on the penalty kill. His size, mobility, and defensive instincts give him a solid foundation to become a dependable two-way blueliner.

Floor: While still early, Alcos still feels like he carries the projectable tools to nail down a role as a dependable defender further down an AHL defensive corps.

ETA: As an 18-year-old sixth-round pick, Alcos faces a long road to the NHL. He’s expected to play at least one more season in the WHL to hone his craft and build physical maturity. With the new hockey landscape, he could be a candidate to head over to the NCAA for a season or two before making his transition to the AHL. Regardless, don’t expect to see him knocking on the NHL door before the age of 22.

That’s our #18 spot. Stay tuned for another installment later today here at CanucksArmy.

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