Canucks Prospects Report: Willander, Cootes, Medvedev & More

Vancouver Canucks’ top prospects Tom Willander and Braeden Cootes have made strong impressions early in the season. This report highlights their progress along with updates on other promising players from the organization.

First-Round Picks Making an Impact

Tom Willander and Braeden Cootes, the Canucks’ most recent first-round selections, are standing out in Vancouver and Seattle, respectively. Willander’s skating and mobility have caught the attention of coach Adam Foote and the staff, earning him early trust despite limited ice time in some games.

Willander has showcased his elite skating and mobility and seems to already have the trust of Adam Foote and the coaching staff.

Second-Round and Other Prospects’ Progress

Alexei Medvedev, the Canucks’ latest second-round pick, has been making noise in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). Additionally, some late-round picks are showing promise in Brampton and Kingston, while 2024 draftee Riley Patterson has adapted well to his new team in Niagara.

Willander’s Path and Future Potential

Although Willander didn’t make the Canucks roster out of training camp, he might soon follow a path similar to Troy Stecher. Stecher played only four AHL games with the Utica Comets before being called up due to injuries on the NHL roster, where he has since remained.

Stecher only played four games with the Utica Comets before he was called up after a rash of injuries to the blue line – and the rest is history.

If Willander continues performing well in his first games, his NHL opportunity could come soon, mirroring Stecher’s trajectory.

Additional Notes

Willander averaged 14:42 of ice time in his first few games and reached a career-high of 19:12 minutes in a game against the Nashville Predators, indicating increasing confidence from the coaching staff.