The Vancouver Canucks have started to build up a deep prospect pool with players thriving in leagues around the world. While there is still work to be done, there is plenty of talent within the group that should make an impact at the NHL level one day. Here is a look at the top ten prospects in the organization heading into the 2024 NHL Entry Draft.
Note: In order to qualify for this list, players must be 23 or under and played fewer than 25 NHL games. Players are ranked based on age, position, league and overall performance during the 2023-24 season.
Honourable Mention. Sawyer Mynio- Seattle Thunderbirds, WHL
LD- 6'1", 181 lbs- Round 3, 89th overall in 2023
Sawyer Mynio had an impressive season in the WHL. The left-shot defenceman recorded 53 points in 63 games while averaging 27 minutes a night, according to InStat Hockey. Mynio also had first pro opportunity, playing one game with the Abbotsford Canucks late in the season. Expected to head back to the Seattle Thunderbirds next season, he could be named captain and will be on Team Canada's radar ahead of the World Juniors.
10. Jett Woo- Abbotsford Canucks, AHL
RD- 6'0", 205 lbs- Round 2, 37th overall in 2018
In his fourth AHL season, Jett Woo established a new career high with 31 points in 62 games. He led all Abbotsford defencemen with 12 primary assists while surpassing the 100-shot mark for the second straight season. This year's training camp will be massive for Woo as the soon-to-be 24-year-old looks to make the jump full-time to the NHL.
9. Kirill Kudryavtsev- Abbotsford Canucks, AHL
LD- 6'0", 201 lbs- Round 7, 208th overall in 2022
Kirill Kudryavtsev has gone from seventh-round pick to draft-day steal. The 20-year-old averaged over 24 minutes a night last season with the Soo Greyhounds and was named the OHL's Western Conference Most Underrated Player according to the year's coaches poll. Expected to make the jump to pro in 2024-25, he should provide the AHL Canucks with solid depth on the blueline next season.
8. Max Sasson- Abbotsford Canucks, AHL
C- 6'1", 185 lbs- Undrafted Free Agent
Max Sasson had a season to remember. In his first AHL season, he recorded 32 points in 42 points in 56 games and proved he can be a reliable top-six forward for Abbotsford. If Sasson can carry his success into next season, he could be one of the first players called up when injuries hit.
7. Cole McWard- Abbotsford Canucks, AHL
RD- 6'1", 192 lbs- Undrafted Free Agent
Another player fighting for a spot on next year's NHL roster will be Cole McWard. In his first AHL season, he recorded 17 points in 57 games while also playing one game in the NHL. Recently given a one-year, two-extension by the Canucks, McWard could be a player that is called up multiple times throughout the season.
6. Arshdeep Bains- Abbotsford Canucks, AHL
LW- 6'0", 184 lbs- Undrafted Free Agent
What a season it was for Arshdeep Bains. Not only was Bains invited to his first AHL All-Star Game, but he was named the MVP of the event after scoring the game-winning goal for Team Pacific. Now, with eight games of NHL experience under his belt, Bains knows what to expect as he fights for a spot in Vancouver's opening night lineup.
5. Elias Pettersson- Abbotsford Canucks, AHL
LD- 6'4", 205 lbs- Round 3, 80th overall in 2022
After a successful season in the HockeyAllsvenskan, defenceman Elias Pettersson is set to play in the AHL next season. He did get nine games of experience with Abbotsford this year, which included one game during the Calder Cup Playoffs. While it may take some time for Pettersson to get up to speed in the AHL, he should play an important role on the blue line during the 2024-25 campaign.
4. Aatu Räty - Abbotsford Canucks, AHL
C- 6'2", 187 lbs- Trade with New York Islanders
After recording 52 points in 72 games, Aatu Räty will be a player to keep an eye on during training camp. He has the skill to be an NHLer, but needs to show the organization that he can handle playing a bottom-six role in Vancouver. Whether it is at center or on the wing, Räty should play games in the NHL for the Canucks next season.
3. Artūrs Šilovs- Vancouver Canucks, NHL
G- 6'4", 216 lbs- Round 6, 156th overall in 2019
After an incredible performance in the playoffs, Artūrs Šilovs has all but wrapped up the backup job in Vancouver. Known as "The Arty Patry," the recently turned 23-year-old should provide the Canucks with a solid 25-30 games next year. A player Rick Tocchet trusts, his addition to the lineup makes Vancouver's goaltending tandem one of the best in the NHL.
2. Tom Willander- Boston University, NCAA
RD- 6'1", 179 lbs- Round 1, 11th overall in 2023
After a solid first year at Boston University, Tom Willander is expected to take another step forward in 2024-25. The right-shot defender is going to be given more opportunities at the NCAA level and is expected to play a crucial role for Sweden at the 2025 World Juniors. If Willander can build off his first season, which saw him record 25 points in 38 games, he could be in the conversation for some year-end NCAA awards.
1. Jonathan Lekkerimäki- Abbotsford Canucks, AHL
RW- 5'11", 172 lbs- Round 1, 15th overall in 2022
Without a doubt, the Canucks number one prospect at the moment is Jonathan Lekkerimäki. After a year that saw him win World Juniors MVP, Swedish Junior Hockey Player of the Year as well as SHL Best Junior, Lekkerimäki is making the move to North America and is expected to challenge for an NHL roster spot out of training camp. While he may start the season at the AHL level, fans should not be surprised if he ends the year in Vancouver and is a contributor during the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
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