Top prospects for Vancouver Canucks

NHL.com is providing in-depth roster, prospect and fantasy analysis for each of its 32 teams from Aug. 1-Sept. 1. Today, the top five prospects for the Vancouver Canucks, according to NHL.com.

1. Tom Willander, D

How acquired: Selected with No. 11 pick in 2023 NHL Draft

2022-23 season: Rogle (SWE Jr.): 39 GP, 4-21-25

The Canucks view Willander as a potential future partner for top defenseman Quinn Hughes and were excited the 18-year-old right-handed shot committed to Boston University this season rather than staying home to play in the top-level Swedish Hockey League, where important minutes can be harder to come by for younger players.

Willander (6-foot-1, 180 pounds) is a strong, mobile skater who impressed with his physical play, defensive intelligence and competitiveness. He helped Sweden win silver at the 2023 IIHF World Under-18 Championship in April with eight points (three goals, five assists) in seven games.

"The talent and passion are apparent," Canucks player development coach Mike Komisarek said. "The character as well."

Projected NHL arrival: 2025-26

2. Aatu Raty, F

How acquired: Trade with New York Islanders on Jan. 30

2022-23 season: Canucks (NHL): 3 GP, 0-1-1; Islanders (NHL): 12 GP, 2-0-2; Abbotsford (AHL): 25 GP, 2-10-12; Bridgeport (AHL): 27 GP, 7-8-15

Raty (6-2, 190) immediately became one of the Canucks top prospects after being acquired from the New York Islanders as part of the trade for Bo Horvat on Jan. 30.

Selected by the Islanders in the second round (No. 52) of the 2021 NHL Draft, Raty spent most of his first season in North America playing in the AHL, and had 27 points (nine goals, 18 assists) in 52 games with the Canucks and Islanders affiliates. The 20-year-old also had three points (two goals, one assist) in 15 NHL games with the Islanders and Canucks last season. While it remains to be seen if he will play center or the wing in the NHL, an improving ability to kill penalties gives Raty a chance to earn call-ups this season while working toward a full-time role next season.

"His skating is something he knows he has to work on," Canucks coach Rick Tocchet said. "Obviously there's a hockey IQ there. Now it's translating that to his core strength and his speed."

Projected NHL arrival: Next season

3. Jonathan Lekkerimaki, F

How acquired: Selected with No. 15 pick in 2022 NHL Draft

2022-23 season: Djurgardens (Allsvenskan): 29 GP, 3-6-9

The additions of Raty and Willander combined with a disappointing first season for Lekkerimaki since being drafted could delay his path to the NHL.

Lekkerimaki (5-11, 172) took a step back in Sweden's second division last season after he had nine points (seven goals, two assists) in 26 games for Djurgardens in the SHL in 2021-22. However, the 19-year-old did finish strong, coming back from a foot injury in February to have 15 points (five goals, 10 assists) in 15 Allsvenskan playoff games last season, and hopes to continue that success playing with Orebro in the SHL this season.

"He's still young and he has a ton of things to learn but he took steps last year that were great to see, especially the second half," player development coach Mikael Samuelsson said.

Projected NHL arrival: 2025-26

4. Elias Pettersson, D

How acquired: Selected with No. 80 pick in 2022 NHL Draft

2022-23 season: Orebro (SHL): 43 GP, 1-6-7; Orebro (Sweden U-20): 14 GP, 5-10-15

Pettersson (6-3, 196) is one inch taller and 11 pounds heavier than he was when he was drafted last year. Projected as more of a shutdown defenseman and not afraid of physical play, he used that added strength effectively while playing most of last season in the SHL as an 18-year-old, even if it was in a limited role. A smooth skater who closes gaps effectively, the left-handed shot now is 19 and with 60 SHL games already under his belt, he is expected to play a bigger role with Orebro as well as for Sweden at the 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship.

Projected NHL arrival: Next season

5. Arturs Silovs, G

How acquired: Selected with No. 156 pick in 2019 NHL Draft

2022-23 season: Canucks (NHL): 5 GP, 3-2-0, 2.75 goals-against average, .908 save percentage; Abbotsford (AHL): 44 GP, 26-12-5, 2.44 GAA, .909 save percentage

Silovs (6-4, 203) impressed in his first NHL stint last season, bouncing back from a tough Feb. 15 debut that ended after allowing five goals on 27 shots in a 6-4 loss against the New York Rangers. He had a .928 save percentage in his final four NHL games before helping Latvia win bronze at the 2023 IIHF World Championship in May.

The 22-year-old went 7-3-0 with a 2.20 GAA and .921 save percentage and was named tournament MVP, boosting his confidence and chances to compete for the Canucks backup job.

"Silovs really took a big step," general manager Patrik Allvin said.

Projected NHL arrival: This season