Melvin Fernström was the first player drafted by the Vancouver Canucks during the 2024 NHL Entry Draft.

After not having picks in either the first or second round, the Vancouver Canucks used the 93rd overall pick to select Swedish right winger Melvin Fernström. A dynamic offensive winger who dominated in the J20 Nationell during the 2023-24 season, Fernström has the potential to be the steal of this year's draft. Projected to play at both the J20 Nationell and SHL level next season, Fernström will also be on Team Sweden's radar ahead of the 2025 World Juniors. 

It didn't take long for Fernström to leave his mark on the organization as he was one of the top players at Vancouver 2024 Development Camp. He was one of the best players during the scrimmage and was able to showcase his playmaking and puckhandling abilities. Fernström was also noticeable in the defensive zone, hounding the opposition and stealing the puck a few times through stick lifts. 

The 2024-25 season will provide Fernström with plenty of opportunities to continue his development. Set to begin his third season with Örebro HK, he will most likely once again split time between the SHL and J20 teams. While a spot on the SHL team needs to be earned, if Fernström can generate offensive chances on a consistent basis as well as play a solid defensive game, he could find himself spending more time at the pro level than in the J20 Nationell.

As mentioned, there is also a chance that Fernström will be part of Sweden's World Juniors Team this year. He will be part of Team Sweden's entry at the upcoming World Junior Summer Showcase and already has a history of delivering for his home country internationally, having won Bronze at the last U18s. With a strong performance at the WJSS as well as a hot start to the season, Fernström could join fellow Canucks prospect Tom Willander in Ottawa later on this year. 

The biggest question surrounding Fernström is when he will be NHL-ready. While he is an exciting prospect, there are still areas of his game he needs to round out before having a shot at a roster spot. If everything goes to plan and he makes the move to AHL before the start of the 2026-27 season, he could become an option for Vancouver during the 2028-29 campaign. 

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