In just a few days, Vancouver Canucks prospects will gather in Penticton, B.C., for the annual Young Stars Classic. Like in 2023, the Canucks prospects will face off against the Winnipeg Jets, Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames, with all games taking place at the South Okanagan Events Centre. Before focusing on this year’s roster, which should be released soon, here is a look back at last year’s tournament and which prospects impressed that are still with the organization.
View the original article to see embedded media.
Akito Hirose
Akito Hirose was arguably Vancouver’s best player at the 2023 Young Stars Classic. The defenceman led the event with five points in three games, with all of his points coming on the power play. Now 25, Hirose will be a name to watch during Training Camp as he shows why he should be one of the first players called up from the AHL this season.
Cole McWard
Another defenceman who had a strong tournament was Cole McWard. Now 23, McWard finished with four points in three games while also recording zero penalty minutes. Just like Hirose, McWard should play a significant role with the Abbotsford Canucks this year and should be high on Vancouver’s list when it comes to call-ups.
Aatu Räty
The top forward for the Canucks at last year’s tournament was arguably Aatu Räty. He was tied for second in tournament scoring with four points in three games, with 75% of his points coming away at even strength. Expected to start the season in the AHL, the 21-year-old winger will be one to watch as he could find himself playing games with the NHL team this year.
Related: Why Canucks Prospect Aatu Räty Playing Another Year In The AHL Is Not A Bad Thing
Nikita Tolopilo
As for goaltenders, Nikita Tolopilo was excellent in his almost 100 minutes of game action. He stopped 12 of 13 in a 7-1 victory over the Calgary Flames while making 14 saves on 16 shots in two periods of a 5-2 win over the Edmonton Oilers. The projected started for Abbotsford this season; the 24-year-old has the potential to be one of the top goaltenders in the AHL during the 2024-25 campaign.
Make sure you bookmark THN’s Vancouver Canucks site for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more.
Could 2024-25 Be The Year Henrik Sedin’s Canucks Points In A Season Record Is Finally Broken?
Canucks Prospects Fernström & Forsell Each Score Game-Winners In 2024-25 Season Debuts
Canucks’ Thatcher Demko Must Learn To Play Through Injury
How the Canucks’ Wings Stack Up Against the Rest of the Pacific Division (Part 2)
Canucks’ Rick Tocchet Ranked As 10th Best Head Coach In NHL Despite Jack Adams Award
Jonathan Lekkerimäki Could Become Next Great Swedish Player To Wear #23 For The Canucks
How the Canucks’ Wings Stack Up Against the Rest of the Pacific Division (Part 1)
Vancouver Canucks KHLers Kick Off 2024-25 Season
