Maple Leafs add former Canucks draft pick after breakout season in Vancouver's system

The Toronto Marlies added former Canucks draft pick Jackson Kunz after a 22-point campaign with Kalamazoo in the ECHL.

Kunz, 24, recently had his draft rights lost by the Canucks after the Aug. 15 deadline passed, leaving him as a free agent. Spending last season with both the Abbotsford Canucks and Kalamazoo Wings, Kunz had a combined 25 points in 58 games. Drafted 113th overall in 2020, Kunz is also a heavy physical presence standing 6-foot-3, and weighing nearly 230 pounds.

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Kunz found his scoring touch when Abbotsford sent him to Kalamazoo

But the Marlies added a bit more firepower to their lineup as they look to defend their Calder Cup, and Kunz now gets a fresh organization and another chance to prove that the production he found in the ECHL can translate into a more permanent AHL role.

Everything seemed to click though once he went from the AHL to the ECHL. Although some would look at that as a step down, he was able to get a lot more comfortable playing against pros and not collegiate-level players, and proved he can be an effective contributor.

He's a crash-and-bang style of player who likes to get in front of the net, create havoc, get second-chance opportunities and be a screener in front of goalies. While his 16.7% shot percentage isn't exactly feasible for an extended stretch, with time and chances he can help.

Toronto is betting a former fourth-round pick still has another development level

There's hope that Kunz can give the Marlies the depth they need up front, and add another big body to their mix. But they are also hoping he can build off that 22-point stretch in Kalamazoo and translate that into things at the AHL level.

Abbotsford threw him into the mix right away after college and he needed time to acclimate. With that now behind him, he understands the difference and can prepare accordingly which will give him more confidence and success in the future.

There's no real harm in adding Kunz, as it doesn't affect the Maple Leafs' contract crunch and it gives them another player to take a look at while also insuring themselves against injury or any unforeseen circumstances.

It's not a signing that was made to make the Maple Leafs better now, but instead give a player who proved himself a bigger opportunity to build off of. He's still a few years from his prime and is just now getting into the pro style of hockey - but he's got lots of room to develop still.

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