Gabe Smith is a prospect to keep an eye on when the Vancouver Canucks select 189th at the 2024 NHL Draft.

With the 2024 NHL Draft approaching, it's time to look at some prospects that may be available to the Vancouver Canucks. While the Canucks do not have a first or second-round pick, this a deep class that will have talented players available throughout. Today's prospect is forward Gabe Smith, who Vancouver could select with the 189th overall pick.

If the Canucks want to add physicality up the middle, Smith may be their guy. Listed at 6'4", 208 pounds, Smith is a nightmare to play against, thanks to his size. A player who isn't afraid to throw hits every chance he gets, the 17-year-old has plenty of time to develop into a solid power forward. 

Physicality is Smith's best attribute. When he plants himself in front of the net, he is almost immovable and can read the play well enough to create valuable screens and deflection opportunities. Smith's size also comes in handy when he is battling for loose pucks, as he consistently can win battles and make short passes to open teammates. 

Ultimately, Smith has potential but needs to improve a few aspects of his game. He isn't the best skater and needs to start driving play more if he wants to have a successful pro career. These aspects of his game should begin to improve with more minutes next year as Smith looks to build off a 23-point campaign in 2023-24. 

Adding a player like Smith in the sixth is the type of gamble Vancouver should be taking. He is a strong defender and has the one thing you can't, size. With the right development plan, he has the potential to be an impact player at the pro. 

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