The Vancouver Canucks nonetheless don’t have the strongest prospect pool total, however they do have some blue-chippers dotting the panorama, particularly Jonathan Lekkerimaki and Tom Willander – their two most up-to-date first-round picks. They are going to be a part of this record for some time until Lekkerimaki surprises and performs greater than 25 video games this season, which is unlikely.
With that stated, let’s check out the present top-15, lets?
15. Vilmer Alriksson, Left Wing/Centre – 2023, 107th Total
One of many extra intriguing tales in Canucks prospect information final season was the development of 2023 fourth-round decide Vilmer Alriksson. Coming over from Europe and the Swedish junior league, it will have been comprehensible if he struggled to provide and be an influence ahead on North American ice. However he did the alternative and thrived to the tune of 17 objectives and 33 factors in 67 video games, usurping the 12 objectives and 21 factors he put up in 2022-23 with Djurgardens. He was one of many leaders offensively for the Guelph Storm, and regardless of some slumps in the course of the season, he confirmed some promise as a future NHLer.
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Alriksson impressed on the latest Canucks growth camp, exhibiting off his velocity, stickhandling, and talent to guard the puck from defenders. At 6-foot-6, he’s constructed like an influence ahead, however isn’t recognized for his physicality or preventing expertise. He fought as soon as within the OHL and held his personal in opposition to 6-foot-5 Roman Schmidt, which appeared to discourage different gamers from getting within the ring with him. Combating isn’t one thing that’s required within the NHL anymore, however it’s good to see that he’s not afraid of that kind of factor. All in all, whereas he’s nonetheless a venture, the potential appears to be there for him to turn into one other late-round gem for the Canucks. They like his growth thus far, and together with his eagerness to study, he could possibly be in line for a fair higher season within the OHL in 2024-25.
14. Josh Bloom, Left Wing – Acquired From the Sabres in 2023
Josh Bloom had a tough begin to his first season within the skilled leagues, splitting his time between the American Hockey League (AHL) Abbotsford Canucks and the ECHL Kalamazoo Wings. Between the 2 franchises, he solely scored three factors in 22 video games and struggled to search out his footing on both crew. He was then despatched again to the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) the place he rejoined the Saginaw Spirit – the crew he used to captain again in 2022-23. As soon as there, he hit the bottom operating with 17 objectives and 40 factors in 34 video games and helped lead his crew to the Memorial Cup Remaining the place he scored the game-winner in additional time. Speak about a “began from the underside, now we’re right here” journey.
Regardless of the success he had with the Spirit, Bloom is aware of that he wants to enhance through the offseason to turn into a full-time AHLer this season.
“I obtained to know what it takes to play at that degree and going again to junior was large for my growth…Within the AHL, I discovered little errors find yourself behind your internet shortly. I had numerous work to do with the defensive zone and understanding assignments.”
Supply – “Canucks prospect Josh Bloom received his crew the Memorial Cup, however can he win an NHL spot?”, The Province, 6/5/24
Bloom was praised for his work alongside the partitions throughout his time within the AHL, however that he must develop a extra full sport to remain there. Together with his added expertise through the OHL Playoffs and Memorial Cup event enjoying large minutes, he’s hoping that he can impress new head coach Manny Malhotra and spend most of his season as an influence participant in Abbotsford slightly than Kalamazoo.
13. Lucas Forsell, Proper Wing – 2021, 201st Total
Lucas Forsell took a step again production-wise final season within the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) ending with solely 4 objectives and 7 factors in 46 video games. Coming off an 11-goal efficiency in 2022-23, that’s a big dropoff and could possibly be one thing to watch going ahead. Having stated that, he was enjoying on top-of-the-line groups within the SHL as a 20-year-old, which suggests he wasn’t given numerous ice time all through the season. Actually, he was primarily deployed on the fourth line and averaged solely 9:24 time on ice (TOI).
Trying past objectives and assists, Forsell had 22 hits and 18 blocked pictures, showcasing his skill to be greater than only a level producer. He performs each shift prefer it’s his final, highlighted by a powerful work ethic and forecheck that normally will get below the pores and skin of his opponents. One of these sport bodes properly for his future as these sorts of gamers – see Alex Burrows and Jannik Hansen – normally make a reputation for themselves within the NHL as efficient bottom-six gamers and even vitality guys that may complement elite top-liners.
12. Kirill Kudryavtsev, Left Defence – 2022, 208th Total
Coming off a career-high eight objectives and 50 factors in 2022-23, Kirill Kudryavtsev had increased expectations going into 2023-24. He largely delivered one other sturdy marketing campaign, ending with 5 objectives and 47 factors in his third season with the Soo Greyhounds within the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). Earlier than Hunter Brzustewicz was traded to the Calgary Flames within the Elias Lindholm blockbuster, he was enjoying second fiddle in Canucks followers’ minds as the previous was ripping up the league at a near-100-point tempo. However now, he’s again to being the first focus.
Essentially the most spectacular a part of Kudryavtsev’s junior season was his return to the constructive facet of the plus/minus ledger, climbing from a minus-15 end in 2022-23 to a formidable plus-29 final season. He was additionally one of many Greyhounds’ level leaders within the OHL Playoffs ending with a purpose and 9 factors in 11 video games as they had been eradicated within the second spherical by Josh Bloom and the eventual Memorial Cup winners, Saginaw Spirit.
11. Nikita Tolopilo, Goaltender – Undrafted
Since signing with the Canucks as an undrafted free agent out of Belarus, Nikita Tolopilo has was fairly the discover for the scouting employees. Splitting the web in Abbotsford with Arturs Silovs, he had a fairly good rookie season posting a 2.83 goals-against common (GAA) and a .905 save share (SV%) to associate with a stable 20-13-1 document. At a menacing 6-foot-6, 229 kilos, he’s one other goaltender who has “size” as goaltending guru Ian Clark likes to name it. In an interview after fellow prospect Aku Koskenvuo was drafted, Clark described this attribute:
“You may have a really tall goalie that may be very uncompetitive and subsequently, they’re not lengthy,” stated Clark. “You may have a shorter goalie, that’s extraordinarily aggressive, that has extra size. You may have a goaltender that’s very tall however has poor flexibility for instance and so they lack size as a result of the size should even be flush to the ice. When a goalie is extending their leg in the event that they don’t have the flexibleness to maintain their knee flush to the ice and actually seal all the pieces down, actually that size has no worth.”
Tolopilo showcased this all through the season together with his athleticism and talent to learn performs. He had a number of stretches the place he appeared like an AHL veteran slightly than a contemporary face coming over from the Swedish Hockey League (SHL). If he continues to develop, he might turn into a superb backup or 1B within the NHL down the street.
10. Sawyer Mynio, Left Defence – 2023, 89th Total
Heading into the highest 10, Sawyer Mynio, one of many Canucks’ third-round picks in 2023, has improved his inventory considerably since he was drafted. In his prospect profile, I recognized him as extra of a modern-day defensive defenceman that may put up some factors, however not blow the roof off the stats sheet. Nonetheless, after final season, I’m altering my tune a bit. Whereas he most likely received’t be within the realm of Quinn Hughes or Cale Makar, he may hit 40 factors within the NHL someday.
Talking of final season, Mynio placed on a present, hitting a career-high 16 objectives and 53 factors in 63 video games for the Seattle Thunderbirds. Taking on as the highest defender after Kevin Korchinski and Nolan Allan graduated to the professional degree with the Chicago Blackhawks, he and Jeremy Hanzel led a less-talented Thunderbirds crew in scoring, and displayed a extra two-way skillset than in earlier seasons.
9. Jett Woo, Proper Defence – 2018, thirty seventh Total
Now one of many older prospects on this record at 23 years outdated, Jett Woo remains to be ready to skate that first shift on NHL common season ice. He has performed in numerous preseason video games, however has but to go well with up past September and early October. He obtained the decision from Vancouver for just a few emergency callups final season, however by no means really performed a sport. He has now performed 200 video games within the AHL and has steadily improved every season, with this previous season hitting a career-high 31 factors.
Woo was once more a bodily drive in Abbotsford and continued his minute-munching methods because the Canucks had been ravaged by accidents on the blue line. He obtained one other vote of confidence from normal supervisor Patrik Allvin just a few weeks in the past, signing his second-straight one-year prove-it contract.
8. Max Sasson, Heart – Undrafted
Max Sasson appeared snug within the AHL final season after coming over from Western Michigan College as an undrafted free agent. He additionally knocked off two firsts, his first AHL purpose within the common season and first within the Calder Cup Playoffs. Then, in his first full season with the Abbotsford Canucks, he broke out with 18 objectives and 42 factors and have become one in every of head coach Jeremy Colliton’s go-to centermen. Praised for his velocity, explosiveness, and a spotlight to element, his ceiling could possibly be a matchup middle within the mould of Teddy Blueger, dependable on each side of the puck and able to scoring 8-10 objectives a season.
“He’s fairly explosive,” stated Colliton. “He’s capable of get separation, win races, create transition probabilities. He’s obtained actually good instincts and hockey sense to reap the benefits of these conditions that his skating places him in…He’s doing extra offensively, being a difference-maker for us, however not shedding the main points away from the puck and managing the sport. That’s a part of his evolution. That’s a part of what we’re serving to him to get via. And I feel he’s making progress.”
Sasson’s work ethic and need to enhance his sport bodes properly for his future. He was typically seen after follow taking additional time with Henrik Sedin and Jeff Ulmer engaged on faceoffs – which he was excellent at in his rookie season. If he continues to progress in his sophomore season within the AHL, he might get just a few call-ups like Nils Aman, Linus Karlsson and Arshdeep Bains did in 2023-24. He undoubtedly has the instruments to be a 3rd/fourth-line middle within the NHL, and if he hits his ceiling, he can be one other undrafted success story in Canucks’ historical past.
7. Linus Karlsson, Proper Wing – Acquired From the Sharks in 2019
Talking of Karlsson, he had a sophomore surge within the AHL final season, leaping from 49 factors to 60 factors, ending at an ideal point-per-game with 23 objectives and 60 factors in 60 video games. He additionally made his common season and playoff debut within the NHL, enjoying 4 video games within the former and two within the latter. Whereas the one stat he recorded was two penalty minutes within the playoffs, he appeared snug within the large leagues and seems to be a professional menace to turn into a full-time NHLer within the close to future. He credit the teaching employees in Abbotsford for his growth and profitable transition to North America, as he has made a number of modifications to his playstyle from Sweden to the AHL.
“It was an enormous distinction, and I’m a special participant now…I used to be all the time a half-wall participant in Sweden and now I’m a net-front man and I prefer it extra. I wish to be there, and I need to be there as a result of that’s the place most objectives are from. I additionally needed to take large steps on the partitions and study to be higher at defending pucks. And defensively, you’ve obtained to win battles and shield the web as a result of it’s tighter right here.”
It stays to be seen what Karlsson’s ceiling can be within the NHL, however given his talent and manufacturing within the AHL, it’s most likely protected to say he’ll find yourself as no less than a middle-six contributor. He needs to turn into an NHL participant and is keen to do the work to get there. The Canucks appear invested as properly, giving him a one-year extension in June for his efforts.
6. Arshdeep Bains, Left Wing – Undrafted
One more undrafted free agent on this record, Arshdeep Bains made extra strides in his sport this previous season, hitting career-highs in objectives, assists and factors. After a profitable rookie marketing campaign in 2022-23 the place he put up 13 objectives and 38 factors in 66 video games, he improved on these numbers in 2023-24 by scoring 16 objectives and 55 factors in 59 video games. There was even a time when he was flirting with the highest of the AHL leaderboard. He additionally joined Karlsson within the NHL debut membership, taking his rookie lap on Feb. 20, 2024, in opposition to the Colorado Avalanche. He completed with three hits, two pictures on purpose, two penalty minutes, a blocked shot, and a minus-2 in 13:21 of ice time, because the Canucks misplaced 3-1. With Dakota Joshua injured, he additionally performed on the vaunted third line with Blueger and Conor Garland, not the everyday fourth line like most call-ups.
Though Bains was on the ice for 2 objectives in opposition to, he checked out residence within the NHL together with his physicality, playmaking and hockey IQ. He arrange his linemates just a few occasions with nice passes in entrance of the web, and was noticeable on nearly each shift. A lot so, that head coach Rick Tocchet saved him within the lineup for 5 straight video games and had very constructive issues to say after his first three video games.
“I’m an enormous fan, I like him lots. I feel there’s one other degree. And that’s when enjoying within the NHL…I do know guys get pleasure from enjoying with him. I’ve had a few gamers come as much as me individually and say, hey, don’t be afraid to throw him on my line. So I feel that’s the last word praise for that child. You recognize, that’s numerous gamers that need to play with him. However he’s additionally doing the little issues. And that I really like actually good within the forecheck and deal with the puck and he’s not scared. He will get inside.”
Exterior of his NHL success, Bains was named to the AHL All-Star Recreation and spent many of the season within the prime six and prime energy play unit with Vasily Podkolzin, John Stevens, Tristen Nielsen, Sasson, and Karlsson. He was a pacesetter all season lengthy and could possibly be poised for a fair greater soar this season particularly if he reveals properly in coaching camp and forces his approach onto the roster.
Shifting into the highest 5, we now have the opposite Elias Pettersson, aka “D-Petey”. The 2022 third-round decide made the trek from Sweden to North America on the finish of the 2023-24 season and debuted within the AHL the place he performed eight video games and recorded two assists. He additionally performed in his second World Juniors event and was one in every of Staff Sweden’s key defenders of their journey to a silver medal. Whereas he didn’t spend numerous time within the SHL (solely 4 video games actually), he had a productive last season within the HockeyAllsvenskan scoring three objectives and 14 factors in 34 video games.
Pettersson possible received’t ever be a defenceman that places up numerous factors within the skilled leagues, however he can be a precious piece of the Canucks’ blue line sooner or later. At 6-foot-4, 209 kilos, he has good measurement and mobility each together with his toes and stick. He additionally isn’t afraid to throw the physique round, as evidenced by his physicality on the World Juniors and restricted time within the AHL. In his first sport enjoying for Abbotsford, he obtained into the faces of the Colorado Eagles instantly, throwing a late hit on ahead Jason Polin within the second interval, which sparked one in every of many after-the-whistle scrums. He additionally used his measurement successfully on just a few different shifts, and stood up for fellow Swede and prime prospect Jonathan Lekkerimaki after he was pushed into the bench.
All in all, that is most likely what followers will see from Pettersson within the NHL someday, and that’s one thing that can be welcomed by each the trustworthy and the teaching employees.
4. Aatu Raty, Heart – Acquired From the Islanders in 2023
The Bo Horvat commerce retains wanting higher by the day. Sure, the Canucks don’t have Anthony Beauvillier anymore. Nonetheless, the first-round decide that introduced Filip Hronek into the fray and the development seen from Aatu Raty this previous season has actually made up for it. In his first full season within the AHL (earlier than 2023-24, he had solely performed a complete of 52 video games unfold throughout two seasons), he had a career-high 18 objectives and 52 factors in 72 video games together with two objectives and 4 factors within the playoffs. Inconsistency appeared to be a theme for him all through the season, placing up factors in bunches, after which happening a stretch of zeroes.
Regardless of the matches and begins, Raty was dominant at occasions final season, exhibiting everybody why he was as soon as thought of a top-five decide within the draft. As everybody most likely is aware of, that’s not remotely the place he was chosen as he fell to the second spherical (52nd total). Since then, he has made strides in his sport and is wanting an increasing number of like a middle who may lead a top-six line someday. Coupled together with his measurement (6-foot-2, 187 kilos), he has an NHL-ready shot (each wrist and one-timer) and is comparatively good defensively. It is going to be fascinating to see how coaching camp goes for him as he fights for a fourth-line middle function in a crowded roster that was made much more crowded with the addition of Daniel Sprong.
3. Tom Willander, Proper Defence – 2023, eleventh Total
Willander’s draft-plus-one season and freshman 12 months at Boston College was successful because the 6-foot-1 right-handed defender put up 4 objectives and 25 factors in 38 video games together with a team-leading plus-28 within the plus/minus column. Beginning the marketing campaign on the underside pairing with fellow 2023 draft decide Aiden Celebrini, he ultimately rose to the highest pairing with Montreal Canadiens star prospect Lane Hutson. He even garnered some reward from the now-NHLer:
“Actually dependable on his personal finish,” Hutson stated. “Untapped offensive skill he’s determining. I’m excited for what the long run holds.”
Willander was stable all season lengthy, not solely within the NCAA, however on the World Juniors too as he performed large minutes on Staff Sweden’s blue line. Going into the 2023 Draft, he was touted for his skating, first move, hockey IQ and competitiveness. Coming over from Europe and transitioning from the bigger ice floor is typically a battle for gamers, however he seemingly took it in stride. Whereas there was an adjustment interval firstly of the season, he appeared like a seasoned veteran by the top of it, strolling away with a good level complete and a spot on the Hockey East Second All-Star Staff.
After impressing everybody together with his maturity at his first growth camp, Willander did it once more in his second look and appears poised to have a fair higher sophomore season within the NCAA. With Hutson now within the NHL with the Canadiens, he’ll possible take over “prime canine” standing and be a minute-muncher for BU in 2024-25. Projected to someday line up alongside Quinn Hughes, his growth will as soon as once more be watched carefully by Canucks Nation this season.
2. Arturs Silovs, Goaltender – 2019, 156th Total
It will most likely be the final time you will notice Arturs Silovs’ title on this record as he’s poised to take over the backup function within the NHL behind Thatcher Demko. However for now, he has risen to No. 2 within the prospect pool largely on account of his efficiency within the NHL Playoffs when each Demko and Casey DeSmith went down with accidents. He stepped into the beginning function with relative ease and by no means as soon as appeared like a rookie who was enjoying in his first postseason. He was calm, cool, and picked up within the crease, making saves that in the event you didn’t know any higher you’d assume got here from a veteran with 100 video games within the playoffs.
Silovs had many nice moments all through, however his two finest performances arguably got here in Recreation 6 of the primary spherical in opposition to the Nashville Predators when he made 28 saves in a 1-0 shutout and in Recreation 3 of the second spherical in opposition to the Edmonton Oilers the place he pissed off Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl with 42 saves on 45 pictures. His numbers on the finish didn’t look all that fairly with a 2.91 GAA and a .898 SV%, however he was not the explanation why the Canucks in the end obtained eradicated by the Oilers in Recreation 7. With a bundle of measurement, athleticism and a powerful psychological sport, he could possibly be the right complement to Demko this season as probably a 1A that may give him loads of relaxation in order that accidents don’t derail his season once more.
1. Jonathan Lekkerimaki, Proper Wing – 2022, fifteenth Total
Lastly, returning to the throne and taking on from Willander who had a one-season reign, Lekkerimaki is the Canucks’ prime prospect as soon as once more. Rightfully so, too, as he had a marketing campaign for the ages, scoring a career-high 19 objectives and 31 factors in 46 video games with Orebro HK within the SHL, and main Staff Sweden to a silver medal on the World Juniors on the again of seven objectives and 10 factors in seven video games. In fact, awards went with these numbers as he received the WJC Most Beneficial Participant, the Swedish Junior Hockey Participant of the 12 months, the SHL Rookie of the 12 months, and Elite Prospects’ SHL Greatest Junior award. What a haul for the trophy case, proper?
Then, to place a bow on the season, Lekkerimaki came to visit from Sweden and made his debut with the Abbotsford Canucks and scored his first AHL purpose and help. I feel it’s protected to say that the concerns from 2022-23 about his growth are formally within the rearview mirror as he stayed wholesome and appeared extra just like the high-end prospect that was chosen fifteenth total in 2022. His deadly NHL-ready shot was on show all through the season, alongside together with his tender palms and dynamic creativity. He was even harmful within the AHL in a restricted pattern measurement. Whereas he possible received’t play a full season within the NHL in 2024-25, he ought to see some call-ups and get loads of alternatives in Abbotsford to play top-six minutes and first-unit energy play time. Total, everybody ought to really feel assured that he’s on monitor to changing into a top-line winger able to scoring 30 or extra objectives.
Simply Missed…
- Cole McWard – Proper Defence
- Danila Klimovich – Proper Wing
- Tristan Nielsen – Heart
- Anthony Romani – Proper Wing
As talked about off the highest, the Canucks aren’t within the realm of the Anaheim Geese, Buffalo Sabres and San Jose Sharks by way of prospect swimming pools, however they do have some intriguing names within the prime 15. It ought to be one other fascinating journey in 2024-25 because the prospect stories get going subsequent month. Keep tuned!
