One player looking to make the jump full-time to the NHL this season is Aatu Räty. Acquired from the New York Islanders in the Bo Horvat trade, the 21-year-old center is now entering his third season with the Vancouver Canucks. A talented prospect who put up 52 points in 72 games with the Abbotsford Canucks last season, Räty comes into this year’s Training Camp ready to impress Canucks management and the coaching staff.
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Räty spent a lot of time this offseason improving his overall game. One of the main areas he focused on was skating, which is one area he needs to improve to one day become a full-time NHLer. As Räty explains, he was able to improve during the summer and feels ready for whatever challenges he may face this season.
“I feel like I’m a better player now than I was then, which is obviously a good thing,” said Räty. “A lot of time to get better at this age. I think I’m more ready than ever.”
If it feels like Räty has been playing at the pro level for a long time, it is because he has. He made the jump to Liiga full-time during his draft year in 2021 and has played 126 AHL games, all before the age of 2022. Looking back on his journey, while Räty playing more junior hockey would have helped his development, he is happy with the choice he made going pro at such a young age.
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“Whether it was a good thing or not, to start playing pro at 16, you never know. If I would have played, junior a little bit longer, maybe some of the offensive stuff would have been a little bit better. Have more confidence and kind of play the game still as a kid for a little bit longer. I think it’s such a good thing to know how to play at a high level for a long time now. That experience already at 21, I think it’s a good thing.”
Before Training Camp, Räty had the opportunity to play in this year’s edition of the Young Stars Classic. He spent most of his time with Arshdeep Bains and Jonathan Lekkerimäki, which could be Abbotsford’s top line this coming season. Despite the team going 3-0 in the tournament, Räty felt he could have contributed more and was frustrated he and his line were unable to get on the scoresheet.
“I think all of us wanted to play better. I think we had some good chances, but at the same time, we didn’t score in the two games and gave up a goal. I think that no one’s probably too happy about that, but at the same time, we still were able to win the games, which obviously was what we were looking for there. First games of the year so a little bit sloppy here and there with some details, but I think we had some chemistry and had some good chances, but don’t think anybody was, like, super happy about their game.”
One of the benefits for Räty during Training Camp and the season will be working with experienced coaches and development staff who have been in situations similar to his own. Former players like Rick Tocchet, Daniel & Henrik Sedin, Mikael Samuelsson and Manny Malhotra all know what it takes not just to make the NHL but also to have long and successful careers. For Räty, working with these former NHLers on a daily basis is something he is looking forward to heading into the season.
“Yeah, it’s huge. One thing the Canucks have done a great job with is the development coaches and all the coaches. They do a great job, and I always have help. You’re never out there alone with questions that you don’t get answers to. I think that’s a great thing. Those coaches that have played, I think, have a little bit of a different way of looking at things, and I like that. They know what you’re going through.”
While the odds are that Räty will spend the season in the AHL, a strong preseason could change that narrative. Yes, Vancouver has a logjam at forward, but until the puck drops on opening night, spots are still up for grabs. As Räty explains, he is ready for the challenge and is focused on showcasing how far his development has come throughout the preseason.
“I think everything has to go right. I’ve got to play my best, and I think I can do that. I’m not really worried about it. Just doing everything I can every day, doing the best I can. That’s all I can do. That gives me the peace of mind that, if I just do my best and focus every day. That’s all I can do.”
Regardless of where Räty starts the season, he should get some opportunities to play NHL games this year. Not only is he skilled offensively, but he can also play a two-way game that fits Vancouver’s style of play. If he can keep developing and build off his success from 2023-24, Räty could become a mainstay at the NHL level sooner rather than later.
