Vancouver Canucks Add Undrafted QMJHL Standout to Development Camp Roster—Boston University Commit Zachary Morin Joins Prospect Pool After Going Unselected in 2025 NHL Draft
Just days after wrapping up a successful 2025 NHL Entry Draft weekend, the Vancouver Canucks have added another name to their expanding prospect pipeline—this time outside of the draft process.
The organization has extended a Development Camp invitation to Zachary Morin, an 18-year-old winger currently playing for the Saint John Sea Dogs in the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). Morin, despite being eligible and ranked for the 2025 NHL Draft, was not selected over the two-day event. That didn’t stop Vancouver from acting swiftly, moving to bring the undrafted talent into their fold—at least temporarily—for a closer look during their upcoming prospect development camp in British Columbia.
An Unexpected Snub at the Draft
Morin’s name had been mentioned in pre-draft scouting circles. He was ranked 103rd among North American skaters by the NHL’s Central Scouting Bureau—high enough to suggest he’d be taken in the mid-to-late rounds. But draft day didn’t go his way. Despite the pre-season buzz and promising skill set, teams passed him up, likely due in part to what many evaluators called a “down year.”
Analyst Daniel Gee from Elite Prospects and Canucks Army offered insight into why Morin may have slid: “He’s a 6-foot-2 wing we ranked 105th. There was hype before the season that he’d be a pick, but he had a down year. He’s a low-paced creator, but his tools are pretty strong.”
The down year Gee references was Morin’s rookie campaign in the QMJHL. After joining the Sea Dogs a few weeks into the 2024-25 season—following changes to the CHL-NCAA agreement—Morin produced 36 points (16 goals, 20 assists) in 56 games. While those numbers are solid for a first-year player, his minus-15 rating and relatively quiet impact in terms of pace and pressure may have cooled interest among scouts and executives.
Strong NCAA Commitment Keeps Contract Options Off the Table
While Vancouver’s Development Camp invitation is a vote of confidence in Morin’s potential, fans hoping for a surprise signing should temper expectations. Morin is committed to Boston University, one of the NCAA’s top hockey programs, but not until the 2026–27 season. That means he’ll return to Saint John this fall for another QMJHL season before heading to college the following year.
Because of his NCAA trajectory, Morin cannot sign an NHL contract at this time without forfeiting his college eligibility. As such, even a standout showing in Development Camp this week won’t result in a pro deal—at least not yet. However, this doesn’t mean he’s off the Canucks’ radar.
On the contrary, Vancouver may view this camp as an early audition. If Morin impresses coaches and staff with his size, skill set, and work ethic, he could re-enter the conversation at next year’s draft. Should he make big strides with the Sea Dogs in 2025–26, the Canucks would already have an inside track and firsthand familiarity with him.
A Broader Look at Vancouver’s 2025 Draft Weekend
Morin’s camp invitation came right on the heels of a productive 2025 draft for the Canucks. With the 15th overall pick, Vancouver selected Braeden Cootes, a highly-regarded two-way forward. Later, in the second round, the Canucks picked up Aleksei Medvedev, a goaltender fresh off winning the Memorial Cup—solidifying two key areas of organizational depth.
Those draftees will now join a wide range of Vancouver prospects at the Development Camp, where the focus will be on skill-building, systems integration, and off-ice growth. For Morin, the invite is a golden opportunity to make an impression and recalibrate his trajectory after going undrafted.
A Player with Untapped Upside?
Despite being overlooked during the draft, Morin remains a compelling prospect. His frame (6-foot-2), right-shot, and offensive instincts still provide an appealing toolkit for development. The fact that he’s heading to a high-level NCAA program in the near future suggests he has the mental and athletic capacity to develop further over the next couple of years.
It’s also worth noting that Morin made his way to the QMJHL under unique circumstances. His arrival in Saint John was influenced by evolving rules in the CHL-NCAA agreement, possibly leading to some instability early in his season. Nonetheless, he adapted quickly and turned in a respectable rookie year under the circumstances.
With additional seasoning, particularly in improving his pace and defensive awareness, Morin could easily become a more dynamic and complete player. The Canucks’ early involvement shows they believe in that potential—and want a head start evaluating it.
Looking Ahead
While no contracts are being handed out this week, and no roster spots are truly up for grabs, Zachary Morin’s appearance at Vancouver’s Development Camp is far from insignificant. For a player passed over at the draft, these invitations serve as crucial second chances. They offer structure, guidance, exposure to professional-level coaching, and sometimes, a path to redemption.
For the Canucks, it’s a low-risk, high-upside move. They get to take a closer look at a player who was projected to be drafted just days ago and gather intel that could help guide future decisions. For Morin, it’s an opportunity to show that his talent wasn’t lost—only delayed in its emergence.
In the ever-fluid world of NHL prospect development, this kind of story is becoming increasingly common. Draft day doesn’t always define a player’s fate. With the right mindset and growth, someone like Zachary Morin could still forge his way into a future NHL lineup—and it might just begin with a few days at Development Camp in Vancouver.
