The 21-year-old Vancouver Canucks prospect needs to find a way to bounce back after a disappointing 2023-24 season.

One of the more polarizing prospects in the Vancouver Canucks system is Danila Klimovich. Drafted 41st overall in 2021, Klimovich is coming off a disappointing season, which saw him produce just four points in 24 games. Now entering his fourth AHL season, he needs to start producing at a consistent rate; otherwise, his time in the Canucks organization could be coming to a close. 

Klimovich's 2023-24 season was one to forget. It featured a mixture of injuries and healthy scratches, which kept him out for the majority of the season, plus the playoffs. That being said, when he did get in the lineup, Klimovich continually struggled, which is why he wasn't given many opportunities in the top six or on the power play. 

The frustrating part of Klimovich's season is that he has shown that he can be successful at the AHL level. He posted 29 points in 67 games during the 2022-23 season and was a contributor on the power play with three goals and five points. Klimovich was also on the ice for 35 even-strength goals compared to 19 against, showing that he can be an impact player at both ends of the ice. 

Part of Klimovich's issue is that he was drafted way too high. This is compounded by the fact that players like Logan Stankoven, Matthew Knives, and Janis Moser, who were selected after him, have already become key contributors at the NHL level. While Klimovich can't control how well players drafted after him develop, it does add a layer of frustration, especially as the pick was seen as a reach even on draft day. 

Ultimately, there is a silver lining that should provide some hope for fans when it comes to Klimovich. As mentioned, he is only 21 years old and could still get back on the rails in terms of his development. The question now is, will this management group continue to be patient with a prospect that they didn't draft and who has seemingly taken a step back in his overall development?

While Vancouver holds Klimovich's until 2026, he can't afford another poor season. The Canucks are building a solid prospect pool which has caused the former second-rounder to drop significantly when it comes to prospect rankings. The hope is that with a new coaching staff led by Manny Malhotra, Klimovich will be able to find his form and once again become a contributor in the top six. If not, Klimoch could find himself on the move from Vancouver and possibly back in Europe once his contract expires. 

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