Vince Dunn: The Rise of a Talented NHL Defenseman

Vince Dunn, a 27-year-old Canadian professional ice hockey defenseman, has been making waves in the National Hockey League (NHL) with his impressive skills and dedication. Born on October 29, 1996, in Mississauga, Ontario, Dunn began his minor hockey career with the Central Ontario Wolves and his hometown club, the Peterborough Petes.

Dunn's journey to the NHL was marked by significant milestones. He was drafted by the Niagara IceDogs in the 2012 Ontario Hockey League (OHL) Priority Selection Draft and spent three seasons with the team. During his tenure in the OHL, Dunn earned the IceDogs Top Defenceman of the Year Award in two consecutive seasons.

In 2015, Dunn was drafted by the St. Louis Blues in the second round, 56th overall, in the NHL Entry Draft. He made his NHL debut with the Blues on October 4, 2017, against the Pittsburgh Penguins and quickly established himself as a valuable member of the team.

Dunn's time with the St. Louis Blues was marked by several notable achievements. He became the first Blues rookie to record four points in one game since Rik Wilson on March 18, 2018. Dunn also played a crucial role in the Blues' Stanley Cup win in 2019, showcasing his growth and adaptability as a player.

After five seasons with the Blues, Dunn was selected by the Seattle Kraken in the 2021 NHL Expansion Draft. He signed a two-year, $8 million contract with the Kraken on August 6, 2021, to avoid arbitration.

In his first season with the Kraken, Dunn faced some challenges due to an undisclosed injury that kept him out of two consecutive games. However, he quickly returned to form and scored the first goal in the history of Climate Pledge Arena for the Kraken in a 42 loss to the Vancouver Canucks.

Dunn's breakout season came in 2022-23 when he set career highs with 14 goals and 64 points. He continued his successful partnership with Adam Larsson on the Kraken's top pair, helping the team make the playoffs for the first time. The Kraken defeated the Colorado Avalanche in seven games before falling to the Dallas Stars in the next round.

On July 21, 2023, Dunn and the Kraken avoided arbitration for a second time with a four-year, $29.4 million contract extension. This deal solidifies Dunn's position as a key player for the Seattle Kraken and reflects his continued growth and contributions to the team.

Dunn's skills on the ice are well-documented. He is known for his mobility, poise with the puck, and ability to actively join the rush. His good shot and seamless tape-to-tape passes make him an offensive defenceman who thrives in systems emphasizing puck possession.

As of the 2023-24 season, Dunn has played 59 games for the Seattle Kraken, recording 11 goals and 35 assists. His average ice time is 23:05 minutes per game, showcasing his consistency and importance to the team's defense.

Berube, the coach of the Seattle Kraken, has praised Dunn for his ability to 'make something from nothing' on offense. This ability to create scoring opportunities from unexpected situations highlights Dunn's versatility and skillset as a defenseman.

In conclusion, Vince Dunn's journey from minor hockey to becoming a key player in the NHL is a testament to his hard work and dedication. His impressive career milestones and continued success with the Seattle Kraken make him a standout figure in modern hockey.

Learn More at Direct Post