Ranking the Vancouver Canucks top 10 prospects at the start of the 2024 calendar year.
Ranking the Vancouver Canucks top 10 prospects at the start of the 2024 calendar year.
The Vancouver Canucks have started to build up a substantial 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. Without further ado, here are Vancouver's top 10 prospects at the start of 2024.
Note: In order to qualify for this list, players must be 23 or under and never have played a game at the NHL level. Players are ranked based on age, position, league and overall performance during the 2023-24 season.
Honourable Mention. Ty Young- Prince George Cougars, WHL
G- 6'3", 183 lbs- Round 5, 144th overall in 2022
Ty Young has had a decent season with the Prince George Cougars, posting a 14-7-0 record through 22 games. He has improved both his goals against average and save percentage compared to his final statistics in 2022-23 and is one off his career high for wins with half the season to go. Already signed by the Canucks, he should make the jump to the pro level at the start of the 2024-25 season.
10. Tristen Nielsen- Abbotsford Canucks, AHL
LW- 5'10", 192 lbs- Undrafted Free Agent
After signing with the Abbotsford Canucks as an undrafted free agent in 2020, Tristen Nielsen has worked hard and was rewarded with an entry-level contract this past offseason. The former Vancouver Giants forward has 13 points in 17 games and has developed into a key player in Abbotsford. On pace to set a new career high in goals and points, he could make his NHL debut sometime this year.
9. Danila Klimovich- Abbotsford Canucks, AHL
RW- 6'2", 205 lbs- Round 2, 41st overall in 2021
The 2023-24 season has been frustrating for Danila Klimovich, as he has played just six games and has been out of the lineup for over a month. Looking for his first goal of the season, it will be interesting to see his shape when he draws back into the lineup. A player who has the potential to be a bottom-six winger at the NHL level, the hope is he can get back on the ice sooner rather than later.
8. Sawyer Mynio- Seattle Thunderbirds, WHL
LD- 6'1", 181 lbs- Round 3, 89th overall in 2023
In Seattle, Sawyer Mynio is settling into his role on the Thunderbirds top pairing. He sits second on the team with 23 points in 27 games and should easily set new career highs by the end of the season. A smooth skating defender who isn't afraid to join the rush, he has taken a big step forward from a development perspective over the past few months.
7. Max Sasson- Abbotsford Canucks, AHL
C- 6'1", 185 lbs- Undrafted Free Agent
Max Sasson has been found money for the Canucks organization. In his first full season as a pro, the 23-year-old has 13 points in 21 games and has become a crucial part of Abbotsford's top six. Whether it is his ability to get shots on net or work in the defensive zone, he has become an intriguing prospect that fans should keep an eye on.
6. Kirill Kudryavtsev- Soo Greyhounds, OHL
LD- 6'0", 201 lbs- Round 7, 208th overall in 2022
Kirill Kudryavtsev is developing into a draft-day steal for the Canucks. The Soo Greyhounds' defender is up to 27 points in 36 games and sits 15th in OHL scoring among defenceman. Already signed by Vancouver, he could be an everyday player in Abbotsford as early as 2024-25.
5. Elias Pettersson- Västerås IK, HockeyAllsvenskan
LD- 6'4", 205 lbs- Round 3, 80th overall in 2022
Elias Pettersson, or D-Petey as he is known in Vancouver, is having a solid campaign in Sweden. Not only is he playing a pivotal role for Västerås IK, but he has been one of Sweden's most important defenders at this year's World Juniors. Whether it is throwing big hits or clearing the front of the net, he plays a physical game and understands how to use his size to his advantage.
4. Arshdeep Bains- Abbotsford Canucks, AHL
LW- 6'0", 184 lbs- Undrafted Free Agent
Arshdeep Bains has taken his game to another level this season. He leads Abbotsford with 26 points in 26 games and has a 60.6% goals-for percentage at five-on-five. The Surrey, B.C.-born forward has been a fan favourite since joining the Canucks organization in 2022 and should be considered for a call-up this season.
3. Hunter Brzustewicz- Kitchener Rangers, OHL
RD- 6'0", 190 lbs- Round 3, 75th overall in 2023
Hunter Brzustewicz is having a season to remember. The Kitchener Rangers defender leads all players in the OHL with 58 points in 37 games and is on the path to becoming just the 15th defender in OHL history to surpass the 100-point mark in a season. One of the CHL's most dynamic defencemen, he is the mid-season favourite to be named CHL Defenceman of the Year.
2. Tom Willander- Boston University, NCAA
RD- 6'1", 179 lbs- Round 1, 11th overall in 2023
Tom Willander is living up to expectations at Boston University. He continues to move up the depth chart and has eight points through his first 15 games at the NCAA level. Currently playing at the World Juniors, he has looked superb and has become one of Sweden's most used defenders as the tournament has progressed. If he can reach his potential, Canucks fans could be looking at Quinn Hughes' future partner once he makes the jump to the NHL.
1. Jonathan Lekkerimäki- Örebro HK, SHL
RW- 5'11", 172 lbs- Round 1, 15th overall in 2022
Jonathan Lekkerimäki is showing why Vancouver was exhilarated when he fell to them in the 2022 draft. He is already up to 10 goals in 24 games in the SHL and has been arguably Sweden's most dangerous player at this year's World Juniors with seven points in five games. A player who isn't afraid to fire the puck at will, he has only failed to record a shot in three SHL games this season. Based on general manager Patrick Allvin's comments, it shouldn't be long before fans in Vancouver get to see him in person, as the Canucks are hopeful he will join Abbotsford once his SHL season is complete.
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