Top 25 Under 25: #8 Hunter Shinkaruk

#8: Hunter Shinkaruk

Position: C/F

Age: 21

Team: Calgary Flames

Drafted: 2013 #24 (Round 1, Vancouver)

Hunter Shinkaruk made his way to Calgary by way of the Vancouver Canucks. The Flames traded struggling Markus Granlund to Vancouver and gained the Calgary product in return. Shinkaruk was a little bit of everywhere last season spending time with Vancouver, the Utica Comets, the Flames and the Stockton Heat.

Shinkaruk is a 5’11, 181 lb wing with good speed. He made the most of his time with the Flames last season nabbing his first NHL point in his first game with the Flames on March 28th. He would spend 7 games with Calgary scoring 2 goals before the season ended. His 17 game stint with the Heat was productive as well, where he scored 6 goals and added 6 assists.

It would appear that Shinkaruk’s minor league hockey days could very well be close to being in the rear view mirror. This off-season and training camp will be a good window into where he stands with the organization. If he continues to show like he did in his brief time up last year, it won’t be long before Shinkaruk could be a fixture with the Calgary Flames.

Hunter Shinkaruk has 2 years left on an ELC he signed with Vancouver back in 2013. He will be a RFA when his contract expires. This should give the Flames plenty of time to assess what they have in the home town product.

Here’s what Elite Prospects has to say:

“A speedy winger, Shinkaruk is an offense-minded with the silky hands and excellent vision to keep up with his legs. He isn't the fastest skater around but has a good skating technique. Despite Shinkaruk's small size, he is not afraid to get into battles or crash the crease. He also works hard and plays with a great attitude. He has improved his play without the puck but still needs to work on his all round game.”

by Mark Parkinson