Prospect Profiles: Sawyer Mynio

Local Connection

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Vancouver Canucks prospect Sawyer Mynio may not generate headlines the way flashier offensive prospects do, but his development trajectory suggests he could become an important piece of the organization’s future. Drafted in the third round, 89th overall, of the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, Mynio has steadily progressed at every level and is already making an impression as a young professional.

Now 20 years old, Mynio is playing his first full season with the Abbotsford Canucks, and the early results have been encouraging. Through 31 games, the left-shot defenseman has recorded 3 goals and 10 assists, production that stands out for a player adjusting to the pace and physicality of the AHL at such a young age. At the time of writing, Mynio ranks third on Abbotsford in scoring, underscoring both his impact and the team’s offensive struggles this season, largely due to injuries at both the NHL and AHL levels. More importantly, he’s earning trust in meaningful situations, particularly on the penalty kill, while holding his own defensively against older, more experienced competition.

Mynio is already ahead of the curve defensively. He’s reliable in his own zone, reads the play well, and excels on the penalty kill, using strong positioning and an active stick to disrupt opposing attacks. While not an overly physical defender, his skating and awareness allow him to close gaps and recover efficiently. Offensively, he offers more than the raw numbers suggest, with an underrated shot, efficient puck movement, and the mobility to activate when opportunities arise. Based on his skill set and progression, Mynio draws comparisons to Elias Pettersson (D-Petey), with a case to be made that his offensive ceiling could be even higher.

Mynio’s foundation was built over five seasons in the WHL, where he logged an impressive 227 games, totalling 39 goals, 101 assists, and 140 points. His final WHL season was particularly strong, as he posted 45 points in 49 games (14 goals, 31 assists), showcasing steady offensive growth without sacrificing his defence. A feature that has defined his game for a long time. Mynio also gained valuable experience on the international stage. He represented Canada at the 2024–25 World Junior Championship, appearing in three games and recording an assist. While he wasn’t a focal point of the roster, the opportunity to play in a high-pressure environment against elite peers added another layer to his development.

Considering his draft position, Mynio’s progress has been notable. Third-round picks often come with long development timelines and uncertain outcomes, especially for defensemen. The fact that he is already contributing at the AHL level at 20 years old speaks volumes about his hockey IQ and adaptability. While he may not project as a true top-pair defenseman, Mynio is trending toward becoming a reliable NHL contributor, at least in a depth capacity.

The cherry on top is that there is also a local connection that makes Mynio easy to root for. A native of Kamloops, British Columbia, he’s a homegrown talent developing within the Canucks’ system... things we love to see!