'I feel confident in my game. I can play with different players, up and down the lineup, and wherever they need me' — Drew O'Connor

Drew O’Connor is a self-professed late bloomer. Article content

The Vancouver Canucks left winger wasn’t always an imposing figure on or off the ice. However, a huge growth spurt from 5-foot-10 in high school to 6-foot-4 in college eventually put the New Jersey native on the NHL radar with his combination of size, skating, playmaking and grit. Article content Article content

And that’s why preparation, persistence and opportunity may measure up this season for the undrafted O’Connor.

He could blossom as a replacement for Nils Hoglander , who had ankle surgery Monday and is sidelined from eight to 10 weeks. Much like the loss of Dakota Joshua to a

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