On yesterday’s episode of Canucks Conversation, David Quadrelli and Jacob Lazare welcomed Canucks prospect scout Dave Hall to discuss the latest updates on Vancouver’s young players in Abbotsford, including Ty Mueller, Jonathan Lekkerimäki, Tom Willander, and Kirill Kudryavtsev.

Dave started by highlighting Ty Mueller, who has been thriving in Abbotsford, forming an effective line with Arsh Bains and Jonathan Lekkerimäki.

“I’ve been harping on his name for a while,” said Hall. “At this point, he’s a fixture in the top six playing in all situations and now he’s getting some numbers. While he may never be that top-six NHL guy, I think he has a legitimate shot at seeing some bottom-six minutes at some point. He’s rocking around 54% in faceoffs as a second-line centre, playing penalty kill, power play, top six, and has formed a pretty strong line with Bains and Lekkerimäki.”

Dave described Mueller as a strong two-way centre who “won’t give you huge production but can do a bit of everything.”

On the chemistry of the line, Dave added: “You got Lekkerimäki who’s the trigger guy; he’s going to score. Bains is an AHL MVP, all over the ice, quick at this level and doing all the little things. Mueller is your responsible guy that can make some offence happen as well. They’ve found some magic there. It’s only been two games, but you love what you see.”

The focus shifted to Lekkerimäki, who has been on fire in the AHL.

“It’s safe to say at this point that he has top-six potential,” Hall explained. “He’s got to work on his overall strength and get a quicker first couple steps—he’s not explosive—so there are definitely things to work on. But let’s be real, he already scored his first NHL goal, and he has a nose for the net.”

Lekkerimäki’s versatility has reared its head of late, with his recent goals showing different facets of his offensive game. “Take the four goals he scored this weekend—one off the rush, one on a breakaway, and two on the doorstep when he gained position on his defenceman. There are things he’s working on that are coming together at the AHL level.”

With that said, Dave wasn’t a fan of the timing of his first NHL call-up. “He had missed the first few games with injury, was just starting to find his rhythm, and then went to the NHL where he spent two weeks worrying about Rich Tocchet’s opinion and was put into a bumper spot he’s not used to. Now his rhythm is off going back to the American League. I’m not a fan of the yo-yoing back and forth between AHL and NHL. If the Canucks are winning games and scoring goals, I don’t see the point in rushing him.”

Dave also shared his impressions of Tom Willander, highlighting his improvements since last season.

“I’ve really liked what he’s done this year. The shutdown ability is going to be his calling card—he’s a two-way defenceman but trending towards shutdown. His ability to carry the puck has improved immensely. Last year he had a bit of tunnel vision and made questionable plays on the breakout, but this year, I like what he’s done with his offensive game.”

Dave suggested that Willander could be in Vancouver’s top-four by mid-season next year. “I like Willander being on that second pair. Having skaters like Hughes and Willander on separate lines would be a beautiful thing.”

Finally, Dave spoke highly of 20-year-old Russian defender Kirill Kudryavtsev, who has impressed in Abbotsford.

“If there was anyone between the 20-year-olds to be called up, it’s probably going to be Elias Pettersson, but it’s incredible what [Kudryavtsev] has been doing,” said Dave. “He’s been slowly moving his way up the ladder, taken over PP2, and is just smooth. He has a calm-and-composed demeanor coming out of the zone that has translated to the AHL.”

Kudryavtsev’s versatility has been key. “He’s doing everything at this point—playing power play, penalty kill, top line minutes, sliding to the right side. The physical element will be a bit of a challenge for him, but with his good escapability and calm transition game, it might not even matter that he’s on the slighter side.”

You can watch the full segment below: