The Vancouver Canucks continued to prioritize tenacity and two-way reliability in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, selecting forward Gabe Chiarot 175th overall in the sixth round. Chiarot, a late birthday prospect from the Brampton Steelheads of the OHL, is one of the oldest first-time eligible players in the draft—a detail that may raise some eyebrows, but also hints at untapped potential.
While Chiarot’s point totals don’t jump off the stat sheet—he posted 35 points in 66 games this past season—they tell only part of the story. Notably, 21 of those points were goals, showcasing a sharp finishing instinct, especially around the crease.
“A crafty off-puck mover with a quick release – and a particularly nasty backhand – Chiarot was difficult to stop on the doorstep,” reads a glowing profile from Elite Prospects. “He ducked in and out of coverage and outworked defenders to pucks.”
At 5’11”, Chiarot doesn’t overwhelm physically, but his gritty approach more than compensates. He thrives in high-traffic areas, battles hard along the boards, and embraces contact—traits reminiscent of the player he models his game after: Brady Tkachuk. Chiarot himself describes Tkachuk as “hard to play against in all three zones… a 200-foot player who gets gritty in the corners and knows how to put the puck in the net.”
What makes the pick intriguing isn’t just Chiarot’s goal-scoring touch, but his defensive reliability. He’s widely regarded as one of the OHL’s most consistent checkers, a relentless forechecker who applies heavy pressure and wins puck battles. That aligns with Vancouver’s apparent draft-day philosophy: betting on high-motor forwards who can contribute across all zones.
“There’s value in Chiarot’s motor, physicality, and checking style,” Elite Prospects added. “He’s a fast mover and a heavy player despite his frame.”
Chiarot’s offensive ceiling remains a question mark. His playmaking is still developing, and he’s yet to prove he can generate offense consistently at higher levels. But the Canucks clearly see enough in his finishing ability and tenacious style to roll the dice.
This pick echoes a broader draft trend for Vancouver—targeting forwards who don’t shy away from dirty work, with the upside to surprise offensively. Whether Chiarot can turn his combination of grit and flashes of skill into a pro career remains to be seen. But for a sixth-round pick, the Canucks appear to be gambling on a player with both heart and hints of hidden upside.
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