Canucks Prospects Report: Willander, Cootes, Medvedev & More

Vancouver Canucks top prospects Tom Willander and Braeden Cootes are off to strong starts this season. Willander plays in Vancouver, while Cootes impresses in Seattle. Their recent second-round pick, Alexei Medvedev, is making an impact in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). Other late-round picks are also performing well in Brampton and Kingston, as well as 2024 draftee Riley Patterson, who is now playing in Niagara.

Tom Willander's Progress

Willander did not make the Canucks out of training camp, but he could soon leave the American Hockey League (AHL), similar to Troy Stecher. Stecher played only four games with the Utica Comets before being called up due to injuries on the Canucks' blue line, and he has since remained in the NHL. If Willander continues to perform well in his early games, he might follow a similar trajectory.

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

Despite a shorter 10:52 ice time against the Nashville Predators, Willander averages 14:42 minutes per game and achieved a career-high 19:12 against St. Louis.

Other Prospects Making Noise

Braeden Cootes is making an impact in Seattle.
Alexei Medvedev is showing strong performances in the OHL.
Late-round picks are contributing in Brampton and Kingston.
Riley Patterson, a 2024 draftee, is adapting well in Niagara.