While most of the Vancouver Canucks’ organization is battling for roster spots at training camp in Penticton, BC, their European representative’s regular seasons are now in full swing.

The Swedish Hockey League (SHL) opened its 2024-25 campaign on Saturday and featured two Canucks prospects making their season debuts.

Melvin Fernström, the Canucks’ recent third-round draft pick, cracked Örebro’s opening roster, skating on the team’s fourth line.

Given the lack of ice time, the game had been relatively quiet for him and his fellow linemates early on. Midway through the third period, however, Fernström chased down a chipped-in puck before delivering a pass that led to his first career SHL point—a secondary assist.

He finished the game with one assist, one shot on target, and a plus-1 rating in 9:27 of ice time en route to a 5-0 victory for Örebro.

Fernström appeared in six regular season and three playoff games with Örebro’s top team last season as a 17-year-old but failed to register a point. Now 18, he’ll look to build off his opening game point and jump up the lineup for more fulfilled minutes.

Earlier in the year, he kicked off his U20 campaign with a bang, scoring two goals—both game-winners—and adding an assist in just two games. Given his ability to play at both the junior and pro levels, it’s likely that Fernström will continue to bounce between the two throughout the season. Last year, he topped the J20 league with 31 goals and finished third with 63 points.

Meanwhile, Lucas Forsell, now 21, began his fourth season in the SHL, skating on Färjestad’s third line. He saw 9:07 of ice time, registered two hits, and finished the game with a minus-1 rating. With such a top-heavy lineup, minutes were hard to come by for the Canucks’ product last year. With little movement at the top, ice time will be just as challenging to crack despite being one year older.

Both teams will suit up again on Tuesday morning.