Former Canucks 2016 Draft Pick Gets Another Shot At The NHL
The Vancouver Canucks drafted Rodrigo Abols 184th overall in 2016.
Photo by David Kirouac-USA TODAY Sports - Former Canucks 2016 Draft Pick Gets Another Shot At The NHLAfter a few years in the SHL, Rodrigo Abols has signed a contract with the Philadelphia Flyers. Abols was drafted by the Vancouver Canucks 184th overall in 2016 but was never signed by Jim Benning. This is Abols' second NHL contract, as he did earn an entry-level contract with the Florida Panthers in 2019 before having it terminated in January 2021.
Since leaving the NHL, Abols has had a successful career at both the SHL level and for Latvia. The former Canucks draft pick has also had run-ins with current prospects in the organization, playing with defenceman Elias Pettersson for two seasons with Örebro HK while also winning a Bronze Medal with Artūrs Šilovs at the 2023 World Championship. Now 28, Abols has been named a Top 3 Player for Latvia at each of the last two World Championships and represented his country at the 2022 Winter Olympics.
When Abols makes his debut with the Flyers, he will become the third of six players from Vancouver's 2016 draft class to play an NHL game. The other two that have played games are Olli Juolevi, who the Canucks drafted fifth overall and Will Lockwood, who was a third-round pick. The other three from the draft class who have yet to play games at the NHL level are Cole Candella, Jakob Stukel and Brett McKenzie.
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