It's a good time to be a Vegas Golden Knights prospect. You're part of a winning organization taking over the hockey landscape. It doesn't matter if it's at the NHL level or even the ECHL level (we don't talk about the Henderson Silver Knights around here. They're like Bruno). You have it good, especially if your name's Abram Wiebe.
The North Dakota Fighting Hawks defenseman received a nice honor in men's college hockey. The honor? That would be the Hobey Baker Award, where he's battling Sacha Boisvert and Jake Livanavage for the prestigious trophy. Essentially, the award is the college equivalent of the Hart Memorial Trophy, honoring the NCAA's top hockey player.
Jack Eichel was a 2015 winner for the Boston University Terriers. That year, he scored 26 goals and 45 assists in 40 games before being selected second overall in the 2015 NHL Draft by the Buffalo Sabres. For Wiebe, he'd be in some elite (and we do mean elite) if he wins the award.
The University of North Dakota defenseman has four goals and 13 assists in 23 games this season as a sophomore. It's easy to see why he's nominated for the NCAA's best male hockey player. It's also easy to see why the Golden Knights got another solid offensive-minded defenseman in the wings. So let's get to know Mr. Wiebe a little better and see what he brings to the table.
Getting to know Abram Wiebe
Abram Wiebe was selected in the seventh round (209th overall) by the Vegas Golden Knights in the 2022 NHL Draft. The defenseman stands at 6'2" and weighs 187 lbs. He has a left-handed shot and is a native of Mission, British Columbia.
Last season, the 21-year-old had only one goal and nine assists in 40 games with the North Dakota Fighting Hawks. However, elevated play and a hungry drive led to an increased workload... and a Hobey Baker Award nomination. While he might not be a flashy goal-scorer, Wiebe makes his living as a puck-moving defenseman, setting his teammates up for prime scoring opportunities.
He's also made his living with the Chilliwack Chiefs of the BCHL. Here, the defenseman played four seasons with the amateur club, scoring 17 goals and 78 assists in 131 games. Part of his offensive acumen comes from reading defenses, where he knows how to set up the next play. Wiebe is also fairly fast, making him great as a running mate.
Defensively, he's talented on the blue line. Here, the 21-year-old blocks shots effortlessly and reads offensive plays well, intercepting passes and shots. Wiebe can become a similar player to Alex Pietrangelo, making timely blocked shots and disrupting the opposing team's offensive flow. Considering he has the size to do so, that could make him an easier fit.
If there wasn't enough reason to get excited about Golden Knights prospects, there is now. For every star named Sloan Stanick or Carl Lindbom, Abram Wiebe or Trevor Connelly is waiting at the collegiate level. It's enough to pry the Stanley Cup contention window wide open, making the heads of NHL fans everywhere explode.