Welcome back to our summer Blackfish Prospect Report — the most extensive weekly Vancouver Canucks prospect report on the internet.
Before we dive into our main focus for the day, we have a few clips (!) from the recent World Junior Summer Showcase, where the Canucks had three players representing their countries.
Melvin Fernström technically jumped out on top between the three, collecting two assists in three games.
Melvin Fernström threads a cross-ice pass to pick up his first assist of the World Junior Summer Showcase. #Canucks pic.twitter.com/vsi1rBONSI
— Dave Hall (@hall1289) July 28, 2024
Though he spent most of his time on the third and fourth lines, he did get some power play time. His spot on the roster did not matter much, as the Swedes rolled lines throughout the event. While his game didn’t necessarily jump out in any particular fashion, Fernström showed a bit of a mean streak, which is a welcome addition given his reputation as a “soft” player.
As one of the youngest players on the team, it’s going to be an uphill battle for him to carve out a WJC roster spot.
Over to Canada, Anthony Romani notched a slick assist on the power play in his only official game.
Anthony Romani finds Ducks' draft pick Beckett Sennecke with a cross ice dish.#Canucks pic.twitter.com/FqWXMmtSTk
— Dave Hall (@hall1289) August 2, 2024
He also scored a goal in an intrasquad game just before the official event.
Sawyer Mynio goal. pic.twitter.com/kflR5P3SOY
— Dave Hall (@hall1289) July 31, 2024
Much like Fernström, the North Bay Battalion has his work cut out for him to make the Canadian roster. With a high-powered offensive team, there is a good chance that the Canucks’ recent sixth-round pick gets the snub.
Sawyer Mynio collected a goal and assisted in that same intrasquad game that Romani contributed to but didn’t contribute to his two official games during the event. Mynio was paired with Calgary Flames’ top defensive prospect Zayne Parekh in both affairs, and his well-rounded game earned praise from head coach Dave Cameron.
“I liked his game overall,” said Cameron. “We talked about [how] we want to be a team that gets pucks to the net and I think his goal was just that.
“I liked his game … for the fact it was pretty well-rounded.”
Stay tuned for more on the World Juniors in future reports. For now, let’s dive into our predictions for where each Canucks prospect will play in the 2024-25 season.
Abbotsford Canucks/Kalamazoo Wings
Jonathan Lekkerimäki
We know, we know, we all want Jonathan Lekkerimäki logging minutes in Rogers Arena as soon as possible. But let’s be realistic here, the now 20-year-old represents one of the Canucks’ “must-hit” prospects. There’s no wiggle room to complicate his confidence and rush his development. The one caveat (in our opinion) to him making the roster is that he has a tremendous summer, knocks the Young Stars event out of the water, and scores six goals in pre-season. If that happens, perhaps a nine-game (it doesn’t have to be nine games since he’s an AHL drop-down) stint may be warranted. However, any other scenario should see him begin the 2024-25 in the top six down the highway in Abbotsford. He may enjoy a few cups of coffee in Vancouver throughout the year, but unless he comes in head and shoulders above the pack in the American League, there is no rush.
We know, we know, we all want Jonathan Lekkerimäki logging minutes in Rogers Arena as soon as possible. But let’s be realistic here, the now 20-year-old represents one of the Canucks’ “must-hit” prospects. There’s no wiggle room to complicate his confidence and rush his development. The one caveat (in our opinion) to him making the roster is that he has a tremendous summer, knocks the Young Stars event out of the water, and scores six goals in pre-season. If that happens, perhaps a nine-game (it doesn’t have to be nine games since he’s an AHL drop-down) stint may be warranted. However, any other scenario should see him begin the 2024-25 in the top six down the highway in Abbotsford. He may enjoy a few cups of coffee in Vancouver throughout the year, but unless he comes in head and shoulders above the pack in the American League, there is no rush.
Our prediction: Top-six/top power play scorer in Abbotsford. Top NHL call-up option.
Arshdeep Bains
Before the Canucks’ summer moves, we figured that Arshdeep Bains had an outside chance of earning a spot in Vancouver out of training camp. However, with new additions, that chance is as good as gone. He remains a strong candidate for call-ups throughout the season.
Before the Canucks’ summer moves, we figured that Arshdeep Bains had an outside chance of earning a spot in Vancouver out of training camp. However, with new additions, that chance is as good as gone. He remains a strong candidate for call-ups throughout the season.
Our prediction: Top-six AHL contributor. Top NHL call-up option throughout the season.
Max Sasson
Max Sasson is nearly guaranteed to begin the year in the American League to continue his duties with the Abby Canucks. Yet, we anticipate him getting at least a game at the NHL sometime in the year. If Vancouver needs a centre call-up, we believe Sasson is the answer.
Max Sasson is nearly guaranteed to begin the year in the American League to continue his duties with the Abby Canucks. Yet, we anticipate him getting at least a game at the NHL sometime in the year. If Vancouver needs a centre call-up, we believe Sasson is the answer.
Our prediction: Top-six AHL. NHL call-up option.
Aatu Räty
When Aatu Räty is on his A-game, we love what he brings to the table. However, we need to see more consistency. Räty will likely spend another season in the AHL to hone his skills and work on said consistency. If Räty is to be effective at the NHL level, it’s not going to be in a fourth-line role, so the Canucks need to ensure that the time is right for him to make that leap, and simply put, we do not feel that his time is now. We’d like to see one more year of proving that he can produce at the AHL level and do that on a more regular basis.
When Aatu Räty is on his A-game, we love what he brings to the table. However, we need to see more consistency. Räty will likely spend another season in the AHL to hone his skills and work on said consistency. If Räty is to be effective at the NHL level, it’s not going to be in a fourth-line role, so the Canucks need to ensure that the time is right for him to make that leap, and simply put, we do not feel that his time is now. We’d like to see one more year of proving that he can produce at the AHL level and do that on a more regular basis.
Our prediction: All-situational, top-six contributor in Abbotsford. NHL call-up option.
Danila Klimovich
After a disappointing 2023-24 season, Klimovich needs to prove himself at the AHL level before any NHL considerations. After taking two steps back in 2023-24, he’ll need to prove himself at the AHL level before we talk NHL deployment.
After a disappointing 2023-24 season, Klimovich needs to prove himself at the AHL level before any NHL considerations. After taking two steps back in 2023-24, he’ll need to prove himself at the AHL level before we talk NHL deployment.
Our prediction: AHL contributor, hopeful for power play time.
Elias Pettersson
The same that was said about Lekkerimäki can be said about Elias Pettersson, but to an even further extent. If you’ve been following our coverage all year, you know how we feel about EP26: We love his game.
The same that was said about Lekkerimäki can be said about Elias Pettersson, but to an even further extent. If you’ve been following our coverage all year, you know how we feel about EP26: We love his game.
Yet, we don’t anticipate him to be NHL-ready just yet. We have no qualms about him potentially pushing for a tweener job by this time next summer, but today, he’s an AHL-deployed defender. He’s physically ready, but he still has to adjust to the speed of the AHL game, and much like Lekkerimäki, the club will ensure his game is fully ready. Given the current depth on the left side, there is no need to push.
Our prediction: Rotating six/top penalty killer in Abbotsford.
Josh Bloom
This is where things start to get interesting. Last season, Josh Bloom made the Abby lineup out of camp but spent months navigating his way from the press box to limited ice time on the roster. Ultimately, he simply couldn’t hold down a permanent role, and he went on to drop back down for one final run — a successful run, at that — in the junior ranks. That option is no longer available, and he’ll now need to prove that he’s able to play the role of a pro and stick.
This is where things start to get interesting. Last season, Josh Bloom made the Abby lineup out of camp but spent months navigating his way from the press box to limited ice time on the roster. Ultimately, he simply couldn’t hold down a permanent role, and he went on to drop back down for one final run — a successful run, at that — in the junior ranks. That option is no longer available, and he’ll now need to prove that he’s able to play the role of a pro and stick.
Luckily, with games under his belt, he has the summer to work off his firsthand experience and knowledge of what it takes, and we expect him to adjust his off-season routine accordingly. He’s likely not a prominent piece of the top-six offensive units out the gate, but given his waterbug-type brand, we have no doubts that he can carve out a bottom-line energy role with the potential for more as the season progresses.
Our prediction: Bottom-six energy player in Abbotsford.
Ty Mueller
Finally, we have Ty Mueller, the final member of the contracted prospects within the system, who will need a home for the 2024-25 season. If Josh Bloom’s come-up taught us anything, it’s that AHL jobs are not easy to jump into and command a spot. Unlike Bloom, however, Mueller comes from a much more translatable environment in the NCAA. In College, you are often matched up against a 23-to-25-year-old competition, so Mueller does have a few seasoned years facing off against higher and stronger opposition. That said, it’s going to be a competitive and young roster in Abby. Strictly to get him minutes out the gate, we anticipate a stint in Kalamazoo to begin the year.
Finally, we have Ty Mueller, the final member of the contracted prospects within the system, who will need a home for the 2024-25 season. If Josh Bloom’s come-up taught us anything, it’s that AHL jobs are not easy to jump into and command a spot. Unlike Bloom, however, Mueller comes from a much more translatable environment in the NCAA. In College, you are often matched up against a 23-to-25-year-old competition, so Mueller does have a few seasoned years facing off against higher and stronger opposition. That said, it’s going to be a competitive and young roster in Abby. Strictly to get him minutes out the gate, we anticipate a stint in Kalamazoo to begin the year.
Our prediction: Top-six in Kalamazoo. AHL call-up option.
NCAA Prospects
Tom Willander
Aside from Jonathan Lekkerimäki, Tom Willander is typically the name brought up in most prospect conversations. And for obvious reasons. Yes, we know he’ll be back at Boston University for the 2024-25 campaign, but what about when the season ends? Will he see NHL games? The reality is it’s a challenging prediction to make. We anticipate a major role increase, and when push comes to shove, his ability to rise to that occasion will be the make-or-break for him playing pro hockey in the spring.
Aside from Jonathan Lekkerimäki, Tom Willander is typically the name brought up in most prospect conversations. And for obvious reasons. Yes, we know he’ll be back at Boston University for the 2024-25 campaign, but what about when the season ends? Will he see NHL games? The reality is it’s a challenging prediction to make. We anticipate a major role increase, and when push comes to shove, his ability to rise to that occasion will be the make-or-break for him playing pro hockey in the spring.
The margins are razor thin, but we’re calling it early and predicting that he will sign the papers and enjoy a few tune-up games to finish the year. This all changes depending on his play and, more importantly, the state of the team at the time, but we predict a strong year.
Our prediction: Turn pro in the spring to play less than nine games in the NHL.
Aku Koskenvuo
For what it’s worth, we see an argument for Aku Koskenvuo turning pro at the end of the 2024-25 campaign. He has shown some decent progress in his development, and we’ve liked what we’ve seen. Ultimately, we wonder if contracts will be the deciding factor. Thatcher Demko, Arturs Silovs, and Jiri Patera are all signed through the 2025-26 season, and we anticipate Nikita Tolopilo to sign an extension once his deal expires at the end of next year. In a game of goalie musical chairs, he may not have a seat, and that may force him back to school.
For what it’s worth, we see an argument for Aku Koskenvuo turning pro at the end of the 2024-25 campaign. He has shown some decent progress in his development, and we’ve liked what we’ve seen. Ultimately, we wonder if contracts will be the deciding factor. Thatcher Demko, Arturs Silovs, and Jiri Patera are all signed through the 2025-26 season, and we anticipate Nikita Tolopilo to sign an extension once his deal expires at the end of next year. In a game of goalie musical chairs, he may not have a seat, and that may force him back to school.
Our prediction: One more season in college, potential pro debut in 2025-26.
Daimon Gardner
Daimon Gardner has transferred to St. Cloud and will be there beyond the 2024-25 campaign.
Daimon Gardner has transferred to St. Cloud and will be there beyond the 2024-25 campaign.
Matthew Perkins
We predict Matthew Perkins will remain in college beyond the 2024-25 campaign.
We predict Matthew Perkins will remain in college beyond the 2024-25 campaign.
Jackson Dorrington
If Jackson Dorrington has a big junior year, there is a sliver of hope that he turns pro by season’s end. However, that is a big leap, and we predict he will stick it out in college for another year (beyond 2024-25).
If Jackson Dorrington has a big junior year, there is a sliver of hope that he turns pro by season’s end. However, that is a big leap, and we predict he will stick it out in college for another year (beyond 2024-25).
Jackson Kunz
Jackson Kunz brings intriguing size, but his rights have one season remaining before they expire. We anticipate him to test free agency next summer.
Jackson Kunz brings intriguing size, but his rights have one season remaining before they expire. We anticipate him to test free agency next summer.
Aiden Celebrini
Aiden Celebrini has an uphill battle to crack a permanent top-six spot at Boston University next year, so he’s still a few seasons out. We anticipate he will return to BU beyond the 2024-25 season.
Aiden Celebrini has an uphill battle to crack a permanent top-six spot at Boston University next year, so he’s still a few seasons out. We anticipate he will return to BU beyond the 2024-25 season.
OHL/QMJHL Prospects
Riley Patterson
Riley Patterson is fresh off a stellar rookie year in the OHL. Yet, he’s just that: a rookie. We anticipate two years of junior hockey before even talking pro hockey.
Riley Patterson is fresh off a stellar rookie year in the OHL. Yet, he’s just that: a rookie. We anticipate two years of junior hockey before even talking pro hockey.
Anthony Romani
Don’t let his double-draft entry fool you. Anthony Romani just turned 19 and can still play at the junior level for two more years. We won’t be shocked if he plays them both out. He’s got tons of skill, but we’ll see if he can double down on his big draft year.
Don’t let his double-draft entry fool you. Anthony Romani just turned 19 and can still play at the junior level for two more years. We won’t be shocked if he plays them both out. He’s got tons of skill, but we’ll see if he can double down on his big draft year.
Basile Sansonnens
Basile Sansonnens will transfer to Rimouski next year.
Basile Sansonnens will transfer to Rimouski next year.
Sweden Prospects
Lucas Forsell
Lucas Forsell kicks off his three-year extension in Färjestad this season, and we anticipate him to stick it out overseas for the bulk of it. In a perfect world, he breaks that deal and crosses the pond, but we have yet to pick up on any inklings of him wanting to make the jump just yet. That could change by next summer, but he’s in the SHL next year.
Lucas Forsell kicks off his three-year extension in Färjestad this season, and we anticipate him to stick it out overseas for the bulk of it. In a perfect world, he breaks that deal and crosses the pond, but we have yet to pick up on any inklings of him wanting to make the jump just yet. That could change by next summer, but he’s in the SHL next year.
Melvin Fernström
Melvin Fernström was gifted SHL playoff games last season, so it’s clear that the club likes what they see. After watching him at the World Junior Summer Showcase, we can’t help but assume that he begins the year at the J20 level in 2024-25. However, we anticipate stints in the SHL throughout the year. He is no stranger to jumping through various levels of competition, and 2024-25 likely offers much of the same next year.
Melvin Fernström was gifted SHL playoff games last season, so it’s clear that the club likes what they see. After watching him at the World Junior Summer Showcase, we can’t help but assume that he begins the year at the J20 level in 2024-25. However, we anticipate stints in the SHL throughout the year. He is no stranger to jumping through various levels of competition, and 2024-25 likely offers much of the same next year.
Hugo Gabrielson
Hugo Gabrielson recently signed with a new Allsvenskan team (Nybro Vikings) and will remain there for the 2024-25 season. His contract is only a year, but we don’t anticipate seeing him in North America any time soon — if ever.
Hugo Gabrielson recently signed with a new Allsvenskan team (Nybro Vikings) and will remain there for the 2024-25 season. His contract is only a year, but we don’t anticipate seeing him in North America any time soon — if ever.
WHL Prospects
Kirill Kudryavtsev
Kudryavtsev will likely return to the OHL for one last run at a Memorial Cup before turning pro in the spring. With 202 OHL regular season games under his belt, the 20-year-old Russian has already proven himself among his U21 peers and is probably ready to take that next leap. The problem is that things are crowded in the system. With so many names, particularly on the left side, there’s a good chance his minutes would be incredibly limited if dressed at all. While there’s always the potential to play in Kalamazoo, we do believe he’s more well-equipped to skate 20-plus minutes as the Soo Greyhounds’ top defender.
Kudryavtsev will likely return to the OHL for one last run at a Memorial Cup before turning pro in the spring. With 202 OHL regular season games under his belt, the 20-year-old Russian has already proven himself among his U21 peers and is probably ready to take that next leap. The problem is that things are crowded in the system. With so many names, particularly on the left side, there’s a good chance his minutes would be incredibly limited if dressed at all. While there’s always the potential to play in Kalamazoo, we do believe he’s more well-equipped to skate 20-plus minutes as the Soo Greyhounds’ top defender.
Our prediction: Back to the OHL, but a pro in the spring.
Vilmer Alriksson
Alriksson will see an increased role in Guelph but is not expected to turn pro this year. He should see a bit of an influx in his role this year, which should help with his tracking tenfold. We don’t anticipate him turning pro at any point this year other than to soak in a little bit of the environment — much like they did with the youngsters last season.
Alriksson will see an increased role in Guelph but is not expected to turn pro this year. He should see a bit of an influx in his role this year, which should help with his tracking tenfold. We don’t anticipate him turning pro at any point this year other than to soak in a little bit of the environment — much like they did with the youngsters last season.
Ty Young
Young’s short-term potential is uncertain, but for now, he’s a Prince George Cougar.
Young’s short-term potential is uncertain, but for now, he’s a Prince George Cougar.
Sawyer Mynio
Mynio will return to the Seattle Thunderbirds for the 2024-25 season but could turn pro as early as this spring. As we’ve mentioned a few times now, there is a bit of a build-up of left-handed talent in the system, and we are not quite convinced that he is ready to overtake a veteran’s role yet. Many of those contracts expire by season’s end, so there could be an avenue for him to join the team for 2025-25, but we just don’t see it happening anytime this season.
Mynio will return to the Seattle Thunderbirds for the 2024-25 season but could turn pro as early as this spring. As we’ve mentioned a few times now, there is a bit of a build-up of left-handed talent in the system, and we are not quite convinced that he is ready to overtake a veteran’s role yet. Many of those contracts expire by season’s end, so there could be an avenue for him to join the team for 2025-25, but we just don’t see it happening anytime this season.
Parker Alcos
Alcos is young and will remain in the WHL for the foreseeable future.
Alcos is young and will remain in the WHL for the foreseeable future.
With Abbotsford likely finished with all of the AHL signings, we will be taking a crack at what we think the lineup looks like within the next few weeks. What’s your prediction of what the roster looks like? Let us know in the comments.
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