Vancouver Canucks Top 10 Prospects: Post 2024 Trade Deadline Edition
A look at the top 10 Canucks prospects after the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline.
Photo by Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports - Vancouver Canucks Top 10 Prospects: Post 2024 Trade Deadline EditionThe 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. Without further ado, here are Vancouver's top 10 prospects after the 2024 NHL trade deadline
Note: In order to qualify for this list, players must be 23 or under and never have played fewer than 25 NHL games. Players are ranked based on age, position, league and overall performance during the 2023-24 season.
Honourable Mention- Kirill Kudryavtsev- Soo Greyhounds, OHL
LD- 6'0", 201 lbs- Round 7, 208th overall in 2022
Kirill Kudryavtsev continues to impress over in the OHL. He leads all defenceman on the Soo Greyhounds with 45 points in 62 games and, with six games remaining in his season, could record back-to-back 50-point campaigns. Already signed by the Canucks, the recently turned 20-year-old could be in Abbotsford as early as next season.
10. Sawyer Mynio- Seattle Thunderbirds, WHL
LD- 6'1", 181 lbs- Round 3, 89th overall in 2023
Sawyer Mynio has developed into a leader for the Seattle Thunderbirds. He sits second on the team with 49 points in 58 games and recently put together a six-game point streak that has kept the Thunderbirds in the WHL playoff hunt. The Kamloops-born defender should garner some interest from Team Canada and will most likely be in attendance for Canada's National Junior Team Summer Meetings.
9. Jett Woo- Abbotsford Canucks, AHL
RD- 6'0", 205 lbs- Round 2, 37th overall in 2018
It is clear that Jett Woo has a future with Vancouver. He earned an NHL call-up in February and has been named checked multiple times this season by both Patrik Allvin and Rick Tocchet. Up to 22 points in 51 AHL games, it would not be surprising if he is on the NHL roster next season.
8. Cole McWard- Abbotsford Canucks, AHL
RD- 6'1", 192 lbs- Undrafted Free Agent
Cole McWard is having a fantastic first season in the AHL. The 22-year-old defenceman has 14 points in 51 games and has seen time on both the power play and penalty kill this season. He is expected to play a vital role for the AHL Canucks in the postseason and will be in the conversation for a roster spot at the NHL level next season.
7. Max Sasson- Abbotsford Canucks, AHL
C- 6'1", 185 lbs- Undrafted Free Agent
Max Sasson has been very impressive in his first pro season. He sits fifth on Abbotsford's roster with 29 points in 41 games and was one of the prospects Allvin mentioned at the deadline who the Canucks were not interested in parting with. If he can continue to develop the way he has this season, he could be first in line for a call-up during the 2024-25 campaign.
6. Arshdeep Bains- Abbotsford Canucks, AHL
LW- 6'0", 184 lbs- Undrafted Free Agent
February was a special month for Arshdeep Bains. Not only was he named the MVP of the AHL All-Star Challenge, but he made his NHL debut and played in five games for Vancouver. While he didn't register any points, he showed he can be a bottom-six forward and will be a front-runner for a roster spot next season.
5. Artūrs Šilovs- Abbotsford Canucks, AHL
G- 6'4", 216 lbs- Round 6, 156th overall in 2019
The only goaltender on the list, Artūrs Šilovs has had an impressive season in the AHL. Now in his second year as a starter, he possesses a .907 save percentage and is tied for third in the league with four shutouts. He is one of the top young goaltenders outside the NHL and will play a crucial role for Abbotsford come playoff time.
4. Aatu Räty - Abbotsford Canucks, AHL
C- 6'2", 187 lbs- Trade with New York Islanders
Aatu Räty looks like he is ready to make the jump to the NHL full-time next season. The 21-year-old has 37 points in 56 games and has shown he can play on both the wing and at center. A player who is strong at both ends of the ice, his stock will continue to rise if he can step up over the next few weeks and into the AHL playoffs.
3. Elias Pettersson- Västerås IK, HockeyAllsvenskan
LD- 6'4", 205 lbs- Round 3, 80th overall in 2022
Fans in Vancouver will get their first opportunity to see Elias Pettersson play in the AHL soon as the defender is on his way to the Abbotsford Canucks. The 20-year-old defenceman recently finished his season with Västerås IK, where he became a staple in their top four. While it may take some time for him to adjust to the North American ice surface, his physical style and overall defensive ability should help Abbotsford's defensive depth this season and next.
2. Tom Willander- Boston University, NCAA
RD- 6'1", 179 lbs- Round 1, 11th overall in 2023
Tom Willander is thriving at Boston University. He sits second among defencemen on his team with 21 points in 32 games while leading the team in plus/minus at +23. Projected to return to Boston University next season, he could finish the 2024-25 campaign as one of the best defencemen across the NCAA.
1. Jonathan Lekkerimäki- Örebro HK, SHL
RW- 5'11", 172 lbs- Round 1, 15th overall in 2022
Jonathan Lekkerimäki took his game to another level after being named MVP of the World Juniors. The 19-year-old scored nine goals in eight games during February and leads all U23 players in the SHL in goals with 19 and points with 30. Expected to move to North America and play in the AHL next season, he could be a big part of Team Sweden at this year's World Championship.
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