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5 top Vancouver Canucks prospects who may get training camp invite after impressive rookie showcase feat. Jonathan Lekkerimaki
The Vancouver Canucks had an impressive showing at the Young Stars Classic rookie tournament. The Canucks swept the tourney, registering three straight wins to go a perfect 3-0 in the event. Along the way, several prospects impressed fans and analysts, prompting questions about which of these rising stars could get a training camp invite this fall.
So, let’s take a look at five rookie prospects who could get a look at the Vancouver Canucks’ training camp.
5 top Vancouver Canucks prospects who may get training camp invite
#5. Nikita Tolopilo
The 24-year-old native of Belarus had an impressive showing with two wins in the rookie showcase. He played well, showing composure throughout his time in the crease.
Tolopilo went undrafted but signed with the Vancouver Canucks organization, playing last season in Abbotsford. In 35 games, he registered a solid 2.83 GAA and a .905 SV%.
With doubts regarding Thatcher Demko’s status to start the season, Tolopilo could get an invite to camp. Perhaps Tolopilo could back up Arturs Silovs if Demko is unavailable at the start of the season.
#4. Elias Pettersson
No, this Pettersson isn’t the star forward already on the Vancouver Canucks roster. This Elias Pettersson is a 20-year-old defense prospect.
Pettersson lined up on the top pairing during the Young Stars event, showing maturity beyond his years. While still only 20, the Canucks may want to look at what Pettersson can do with the big club this fall.
At 6’4” and over 200 pounds, Pettersson projects as a second-pairing defenseman. He is expected to start the season in Abbotsford though the Canucks may give him a couple of NHL games to see what they’ve got.
#3. Kirill Kudryavtsev
Kudryavtsev looked great during the rookie showcase. His speed was evident while his overall positioning and playmaking looked solid.
The 20-year-old Russian is coming off a good season with the Soo Greyhounds of the OHL. While it’s unlikely he’ll return to Junior, the former seventh-round pick in 2022 could get a look in camp before landing in the AHL for more seasoning and experience.
#2. Aatu Raty
Raty was a key part of the Bo Horvat trade with the New York Islanders. Last season, he saw action in three games with the Vancouver Canucks. While he spent the bulk of the season in the AHL, Raty is about as ready to hit the NHL as any of the other prospects in the Canucks’ system.
The Canucks should give Raty a long look before deciding whether to send him down. Nevertheless, Raty could make the team, potentially filling in a key role in the team’s bottom six. If he has a good showing, he may even get an opportunity in a middle-six role.
#1. Jonathan Lekkerimaki
Lekkerimaki was the Canucks first-round pick in 2022. He is the club’s most exciting prospect and should get a lot of attention heading into training camp.
His impressive showing in the rookie tournament shows he is ready for the pro game. However, the Canucks may feel his development would be better suited with a full year in the AHL after coming over from Europe.
Lekkerimaki managed just six games with Abbotsford last season. As such, the Canucks may want to proceed with caution before bringing Lekkerimaki up for a solid NHL stint.
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