John Whipple is a prospect to keep an eye on when the Vancouver Canucks select 162nd 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 defenceman John Whipple, who Vancouver could select with the 162nd overall pick.

The best way to describe Whipple is a no-nonsense defensive defenceman. He understands where he needs to be positionally in his own zone and has a tendency to throw massive hits when given the opportunity. While he may not be the most exciting prospect, players like Whipple are essential to every organization as they can provide crucial minutes at both even strength and on the penalty kill. 

When watching Whipple play, one area that stands out is his defence against the rush. He has good gap control and can use his reach to knock the puck off the opponent's stick. Whipple is also a strong skater, which helps with puck retrievals as well as angling puck carriers towards the wall and away from the middle of the ice.

As mentioned, Whipple is also a physical player who loves to throw hits. He makes life difficult for any forward who tries to crash the net and uses his physicality to separate the opposition from the puck along the boards. Listed at 6'0", 192 pounds, according to NHL Central Scouting, Whipple understands how to use his size to his advantage, which should help him next season at the NCAA level. 

Scheduled to join the University of Minnesota next season, Whipple will be given every opportunity to grow his game on what should be a stacked Gophers team. While he may not see a ton of ice time to start the season, he could end the campaign as one of the team's top penalty killers. Overall, he is a good value pick at 162nd and, if developed properly, could become a late-round steal.

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