The 2023 fourth-round pick has 25 points in 53 games with the Guelph Storm this year.
The 2023 fourth-round pick has 25 points in 53 games with the Guelph Storm this year.
Vilmer Alriksson is an intriguing prospect currently developing the OHL. Drafted 107th overall in the 2023 NHL Draft, the Vancouver Canucks prospect sits seventh on the Guelph Storm with 27 points in 54 games this season. Listed at 6'6"and 230 pounds, the versatile forward continues to develop his game while adjusting to life in North America.
Alrkisson's dreams of being drafted into the NHL came true last June when the Canucks selected him in the fourth round. At the time, he was in Sweden and had the opportunity to celebrate the moment with his family. Next thing he knew, he was on a plane bound for Vancouver and participating in the annual development camp alongside other Canucks prospects.
"With my family, said Alrkisson. "We were watching the draft. My name came up, and we were just so excited. Then I got a call from Vancouver, and they asked me if I wanted to go to development camp. Of course, I wanted to do that, so they booked me a flight, and then the next day, I went to Vancouver."
Being drafted by Vancouver is extra special, as the Canucks have such a proud history with Swedish players. It also meant that Patrik Allvin, the only Swedish general manager in the NHL, drafted Alrkisson. As Alrkisson explains, being a part of an organization with such heavy ties to Sweden, both in the past and present, is a unique opportunity he is grateful for.
"Yeah, it's fantastic. They've had a lot of players that were Swedish. Just to be a part of it, It's awesome."
This season, Alrkisson decided to make the move from the J20 Nationell in Sweden to the OHL. Drafted 34th overall by the Guelph Storm in the 2023 CHL Import Draft, he made an immediate impact, scoring in both his second and third-career OHL games. As he details, the move was to help his development as he works to adjust his skill set to the smaller North American ice surface.
"I wanted to play in North America because I wanted to develop more as a player. I think it's a really good league for me to develop and reach my full potential. With the OHL, that's a really good place to be where and learn the North American style of play. I think it's faster, less time with the puck. You gotta make your decisions quicker, and it's a lot more physical, so I really like it."
Moving to a new country at 18 is never easy, but Alrkisson is enjoying his time in Guelph. The staff and his teammates have helped him adjust to life in Canada and are helping make his transition as easy as possible. While there have been some challenging moments for anyone who has moved away from home as a teenager can attest, the overall experience has been a positive one so far.
"Really good. The whole organization has welcomed me and they made me feel a part of the organization. Nothing but good things to say. There are a bunch of good guys on the team, so I love it here. Sometimes, it's been tough, but it's always fun to come to the rink and be with all the boys. The team is really good people, so they made it easier. I try to speak to my family as much as possible, but it's it's been good, it's been really good."
As for the development side of his game, Alriksson continues to work on his defensive play and using his size to his advantage. As he explains, his goal is to become a power forward at the pro level, so he is focused on getting used to protecting the puck on the smaller ice surface. Based on his 6'6" and 230-pound frame, with the correct development, he has the potential to be very effective along the wall and in front of the net.
"I try to use it as much as possible. I want to be a power forward. I use my size to my advantage all the time. Protect the puck and win puck battles. I try to do all those things and really use my size."
As for the future, Alriksson confirmed the plan is to be back in the OHL next season as he continues to fine-tune his game. Adjusting to the smaller ice surface does take time for some, so getting an extra year at the CHL level should help him fully acclimate to the North American style of game. While he knows it won't be an easy path to the NHL, he is ready to put in the work and do whatever is necessary to one day become a full-time member of the Vancouver Canucks lineup.
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