The Vancouver Canucks are starting to build a strong prospect pool. Whether through the draft, trade or free agency, there are quite a few prospects who could make an impact at the NHL level sooner rather than later. With the 2024-25 season scheduled to start in less than a month, here is a look at the top ten prospects in Vancouver’s system.
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Note: To qualify for this list, players must be 23 or under and have played fewer than 25 NHL games. Players are ranked based on age, position, league, and overall performance during the 2023-24 season.
Related: Vancouver Canucks Top 10 Prospects: Pre-2024 NHL Entry Draft Edition
Honourable Mention. Josh Bloom- Abbotsford Canucks, AHL
LW, 6’2″, 185 lbs- Trade with the Buffalo Sabres
After winning the Memorial Cup in June, Josh Bloom looks ready to make the jump to the pro game. While he may spend some time in the ECHL based on the logjam with the Abbotsford Canucks, what is most important is that he gets consistent minutes and time on special teams. With the right development, Bloom has the potential to be a bottom-six forward at the NHL level who can also contribute to the penalty kill.
10. Kirill Kudryavtsev- Abbotsford Canucks, AHL
LD, 6’0″, 201 lbs- Round 7, 208th Overall in 2022
Kirill Kudryavtsev is slowly turning into the steal of the 2022 NHL Draft. After averaging over 24 and a half minutes per game with the Soo Greyhounds, the 20-year-old defender is expected to make the jump to the pro level and spend the season in both the AHL and ECHL. Voted the OHL’s Western Conference Most Underrated Player in the 2023-24 coaches poll, Kudryavtsev’s combination of playmaking and ability to win puck battles makes him a very intriguing prospect moving forward.
Related: “I Know That You Just Never Give Up”: Kirill Kudryavtsev Discusses His Development In The OHL This Season And How He Is Ready To Do Whatever It Takes To One Day Make The NHL
9. Arshdeep Bains- Abbotsford Canucks, AHL
LW, 6’0″, 183 lbs- Undrafted Free Agent
Arshdeep Bains has been found money for the Canucks ever since he signed with the team in 2022. Not only did he make his NHL debut last season, but he was also named MVP of the AHL All-Star Classic. While he is projected to start the year in the AHL, Bains should be one of the first players to receive a call-up this season if injuries hit Vancouver.
8. Sawyer Mynio- Seattle Thunderbirds, WHL
LD, 6’1″, 181 lbs- Round 3, 89th Overall in 2023
After taking another step forward in his development last year, Sawyer Mynio is projected to be one of the top defensemen in the WHL this season. He most likely will see a bump up in ice time from 27 minutes a night to over 30 and will be in consideration for a spot on Team Canada at this year’s World Juniors. A leader for the Seattle Thunderbirds, he should be over a point per game at the end of the 2024-25 season.
Related: Sawyer Mynio & Team Red Take Down Anthony Romani & Team White at Team Canada’s 2024 National Junior Team Summer Showcase
7. Cole McWard- Abbotsford Canucks, AHL
RD, 6’1″, 192 lbs- Undrafted Free Agent
Cole McWard is another player who should be high on the call-up list this season. Entering his second professional season, the 23-year-old is projected to play a crucial role in Abbotsford’s top four this year, which should also include time on special teams. If given the opportunity, McWard should be able to thrive, which may lead to a full-time spot on the NHL roster in 2025-26.
6. Melvin Fernström- Örebro HK Jr., J20 Nationell
RW, 6’2″, 187 lbs- Round 3, 93rd Overall in 2024
With their first pick at the 2024 NHL Draft, the Canucks selected highly skilled winger Melvin Fernström, who lit up the J20 Nationell last season. While he has only been part of the organization for a few months, Fernström has already delivered some impressive performances, including at Development Camp as well as in his first few games of the J20 Nationell season. A prospect who will be in consideration for Team Sweden’s World Junior team, Fernström should be able to produce plenty of highlights for fans in Vancouver to watch throughout the year.
Related: Canucks 2024 NHL Draft Spotlight, Brought To You By Upper Deck: Melvin Fernström
5. Elias Pettersson- Abbotsford Canucks, AHL
LD, 6’4″, 209 lbs- Round 3, 80th Overall in 2022
One of the many full-time additions to Abbotsford’s roster this year will be defenceman Elias Pettersson. The 20-year-old has developed into a physical defender who, as a teenager, was often averaging over 17 minutes a night at the HockeyAllsvenskan level last season. While there is a logjam on the blue line in the AHL, Pettersson is projected to be given plenty of opportunities to show why he is one of the top prospects in the organization.
“Everybody’s dream is to play in the NHL, and that is my dream. I am going to work hard every season, and then when my time comes, we’ll see if I’m ready for that. I’m going to do everything I can to play for Vancouver.”
-Elias Pettersson (D-Petey) on coming to North America pic.twitter.com/XDFRSCdPx4
— Canucks Insider (@CanucksInsider) August 14, 2024
4. Aatu Räty- Abbotsford Canucks, AHL
C, 6’2″, 194 lbs- Trade with the New York Islanders
The 2024-25 campaign is a massive one for Aatu Räty. The 21-year-old must not only show he is ready to make the jump to the NHL but also that he can be a center at the pro level. Expect Räty once again to be one of Abbotsford’s top point producers while also receiving at least one call-up during the season.
Related: Why Canucks Prospect Aatu Räty Playing Another Year In The AHL Is Not A Bad Thing
3. Artūrs Šilovs- Vancouver Canucks, NHL
G, 6’4″, 216 lbs- Round 6, 156th Overall in 2019
After a remarkable playoff performance, Artūrs Šilovs has solidified himself as Vancouver’s backup this season. The 23-year-old will be called on a fair bit this year, especially if Thatcher Demko is not 100% at the start of the campaign. One of the best young goaltenders in the NHL, Šilovs has already developed into one of the steals of the 2019 NHL Draft.
2. Tom Willander- Boston University, NCAA
RD, 6’1″, 179 lbs- Round 1, 11th Overall in 2023
Tom Willander remains the Canucks best defensive prospect. The 19-year-old is returning to Boston University in 2024-25 and should be one of the top defensemen in the NCAA this season. Projected to play a significant role for Team Sweden at the World Juniors, the big question is whether Willander will opt to spend an additional year in the NCAA or sign his ELC at the end of the season.
Related: Tom Willander Discusses Canucks Development Camp, Friendship With Aiden Celebrini & More
1. Jonathan Lekkerimäki- Abbotsford Canucks, AHL
RW, 5’11”, 172 lbs- Round 1, 15th Overall in 2022
The number one prospect in Vancouver’s system is an easy choice, especially after the season Jonathan Lekkerimäki put together. His 19 goals were the 11th most by a U20 player in SHL history, while his trophy case was filled with multiple awards ranging from World Juniors MVP to SHL Rookie of the Year. While he may start the season in the AHL, Lekkerimäki has the potential not just to receive a call-up but be part of the Canucks lineup at the start of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
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