As seasons wind down across the globe, prospects have begun to join their drafted NHL clubs to embark on their professional journeys.

Vilmer Alriksson, the Vancouver Canucks’ 2023 fourth round draft pick, is the latest name to receive that call.

On Thursday, the Abbotsford Canucks announced Alriksson’s reassignment from the OHL’s Brampton Steelheads, where his season ended earlier this week.

The Steelheads fell 4-2 to the Oshawa Generals in their playoff series, paving the way for Alriksson to join Abbotsford for the remainder of their campaign. Alriksson joined the Steelhead in mid-December, after his rights were dealt from the Guelph Storm.

Sidelined since mid-February with an upper-body injury, the 20-year-old missed Brampton’s entire postseason. Whether he slots into the Abbotsford lineup or soaks in the pro environment, as he did last spring, remains up in the air.

After being drafted 34th overall in the 2023 OHL Import Draft, Alriksson’s junior chapter closes after two OHL seasons, split between the Guelph Storm and Brampton Steelheads. In 110 games, he racked up 68 points (32 goals, 36 assists) and 61 penalty minutes.

Following a standout training camp with the Vancouver Canucks in fall 2024, he inked his Entry-Level Contract before returning to the junior ranks. Now, with his OHL days behind him, the expectation is he’ll stick at the pro level, bringing his imposing frame and gritty game to the Canucks’ system.

He’s landing in Abbotsford at the perfect time. The Canucks’ AHL affiliates are in the midst of a historic run, highlighted by a jaw-dropping 13-game winning streak which has catapulted them up the ranks.

Sitting second in the Pacific Division, they’ve clinched a playoff spot and secured home-ice advantage for the first round.

The Abbotsford Canucks host the Calgary Wranglers for their final home series of the regular season. Puck drop is slated for 7:00 PM PT on Friday, April 11, and Saturday, April 12 at the Abbotsford Centre.