Basile Sansonnens was drafted by the Vancouver Canucks 221st in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft.

One of the more intriguing prospects at this year's Vancouver Canucks Development Camp is left-shot defenceman Basile Sansonnens. A seventh pick by Vancouver in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, Sansonnens is a bit of an unknown, with many sites not having scouting reports available. Now part of the Canucks organization, the Swiss defender is ready to show why Vancouver took a chance on him. 

On draft day, Sansonnes was at his house watching the NHL Draft on his phone, surrounded by family. He then saw his name pop up as the Canucks selected him 221st overall. As Sansonnes describes, it was "an amazing experience" and a moment that he and his family were very proud of. 

When asked about meetings with Vancouver before the draft, Sansonnes revealed an interesting strategy the organization used to get to know him better. Sansonnes said, "I had to fill out the questionnaire and also a Zoom meeting with a scout." Based on his answer, it is clear the Canucks saw something that most public scouts didn't, leading the organization to select the defender. 

Still 17, Sansonnes is listed at 6'2", 196 pounds, according to NHL Central Scouting. When asked to describe his game, Sansonnes said, "I would say it's pretty defensive, but good on the breakout. I tried to get more and more involved in the offensive game, but for now, it's more defensive and transition." He also said that the Swiss player he looked up to while growing up was New Jersey Devils defenceman Jonas Siegenthaler, who is currently entering his seventh NHL season. 

While Sansonnes spent most of the season at the U20 level in Switzerland, he did see some action at both the SL and NL levels. When asked about playing at the pro level, Sansonnes said, "It's a great experience because you play in front of 10,00 people, and so you have more pressure, but it's also on another level. So yeah, you learn from the best." Sansonnes also confirmed that he is moving from HC Fribourg-Gottéron's program to Lausanne HC, where he has signed a contract until the end of the 2027-28 season. As Sansonnes explains, the move is to his overall development as well as to give him more opportunities next season. 

This year, Sansonnes also competed with Switzerland at the U18s. During the tournament, he averaged over 18 minutes a game while surpassing the 20-minute mark multiple times. While Sansonnes doesn't know if he will be part of Switzerland's World Juniors team this December, he did say that the plan is to go to camp, which will take place in Finland in the next few weeks, and that his inclusion on the team could be a possibility. 

For now, Sansonnes is enjoying his time in Vancouver and trying to absorb as much information as he can from the Canucks development staff. So far, he hasn't looked out of place and has had a strong showing at Development Camp. Fans will want to keep an eye on him over the next couple of years as he continues to develop in Switzerland. 

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