7 Vancouver Canucks prospects who could make the team on opening night
We’ll get our first taste of Vancouver Canucks hockey on Saturday night.
Okay, it’s only a prospects showcase. But it’s the first time in since Vancouver’s season wrapped up nearly five months ago that skaters donning a Canucks jersey will hit the ice.
The Canucks unveiled their 2025 prospects showcase roster, ahead of a pair of games this weekend, Saturday in Everett and Sunday in Seattle.
Introducing your 2025 Prospects Showcase Roster! 👏
DETAILS | https://t.co/Ed8bCOmdch pic.twitter.com/ULNVVMRfv7
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) September 9, 2025
But how many prospects have a shot to make the Canucks’ opening-night roster this season?
In this article we’ll look at Canucks prospects under the age of 25 (which omits Linus Karlsson, Vitali Kravtsov and Max Sasson) who have played less than 50 career NHL games.
1. Elias Pettersson
2024-25 NHL stats: 28 GP, 1 G, 2 A, 3 PTS
When the Canucks season was crumbling late in the year, rookie defenceman Elias Pettersson was easily one of the bright spots on the team.
Even though Pettersson registered just a goal and three points in 28 games, the Canucks shot under 4 per cent when he was on the ice. He’s due for better puck luck this upcoming season.
The fact that the team didn’t send him back down to Abbotsford for the Calder Cup run is a sign that he’s virtually a lock to make this team.
2. Aatu Räty
2024-25 NHL stats: 33 GP, 7 G, 4 A, 11 PTS
Considering that the Canucks never traded for a centre this offseason, Aatu Räty now has a massive opportunity in front of him.
The 22-year-old earned a spot out of camp last year, however, his performance over his first 20 games with the Canucks was subpar, and he was sent back to the minors in December.
Räty was recalled for good in March last year, and posted five goals and seven points in his last 12 games for the club. The Canucks are hoping that’s a sign of things to come.
3. Tom Willander
2024-25 NCAA stats: 39 GP, 2 G, 22 A, 24 PTS
The Canucks’ top prospect has yet to play a pro hockey game, but he still has decent odds of making the NHL club out of training camp.
Willander appears to have a very NHL-ready game. He excels in the defensive zone with his positioning, and he may already be one of the fastest players on the team.
After Filip Hronek and Tyler Myers, there’s a clear opening on the right-side of the defence for Willander to make this team, even if guys like D-Petey and Derek Forbort can play on their off-side.
4. Arshdeep Bains
2024-25 NHL stats: 13 GP, 1 G, 1 A, 2 PTS
If the Calder Cup Playoffs were any indication, Arshdeep Bains should be ready to make this team.
Bains ended the postseason on an absolute tear however, scoring seven goals and 19 points over the team’s final 13 games. He was a primary reason why Abbotsford won a championship.
The Surrey native was rewarded with a two-year deal in the offseason. However, he turns 25 in January and is now waiver-eligible. This is really a key season for Bains to prove that he’s an everyday NHLer.
5. Jonathan Lekkerimäki
2024-25 NHL stats: 24 GP, 3 G, 3 A, 6 PTS
Although he perhaps has the highest ceiling among Canucks’ prospects, Jonathan Lekkerimäki is on the outside looking in heading into training camp.
Despite his upside, it’s hard to argue that Lekkerimäki is better than Bains or Karlsson right now. However, the 22-year-old was a top performer in training camp last year. Another showing like that, and he could force his way onto the Canucks.
6. Victor Mancini
2024-25 NHL stats: 31 GP, 2 G, 6 A, 8 PTS
Acquired in the J.T. Miller trade, Victor Mancini flashed an enticing skill-set with the Canucks last year.
He didn’t look out of place during his 16 games with the Canucks, but Mancini took his game to another level in the AHL playoffs. Because of that, there’s a chance he makes this team, but guys like D-Petey and Willander likely have a leg up heading into camp.
7. Braeden Cootes
2024-25 WHL stats: 60 GP, 26 G, 37 A, 63 PTS
Braeden Cootes is the biggest long shot on this list to make the team. However, a report from The Athletic’s Thomas Drance suggested that the Canucks are open to him starting the regular season with the club.
The fact that he’s a right-handed centre bodes well for Cootes, as the Canucks don’t currently have one on their NHL roster. Regardless, the Alberta native would really have to stand out at camp if he’s going to stick with the team come October.