Prospect Info: The 2024-2025 Prospects Thread

[Tables of Stats]

My Top-10 Prospects List

1) Jonathan Lekkerimaki, W - He has the most potential out of the pool and has shown enough improvement from the start of the season to now to give me hope that he sticks in the NHL next season. That said, his position and lack of production at the NHL level this season open the door for arguments that he could place as low as 4th.

2) Elias Pettersson, D - Sticking in the NHL as a young bottom pairing defenseman means that the risk of D-Petey busting is almost zero. His upside is likely a second-pairing defensive stalwart, perhaps paired with a more offensively-minded prospect to be seen later on this list.

3) Tom Willander, D - Though his final season at the college level was somewhat disappointing, Willander remains a quality prospect and likely has the highest potential of our defensive prospects. It will be interesting to see how his development is handled next season and if he'll be given the keys to a regular shift in the NHL or if he might be tasked with honing his game at the AHL level.

4) Victor Mancini, D - A newcomer to the list, Mancini has surged to the attention of the Canucks faithful with his combination of size, speed, and puck skills. His tools are A+, but it remains to be seen if he can hone the details of his game to take that next step as an NHL regular. If he can, he may have a future paired with Elias Pettersson as a second pairing unit with size, speed, and edge.

5) Aatu Raty, C - Raty has sured up his biggest areas of concern and showed well in an end-of-season run at the NHL level. It's a shame that his injury has left him unable to contribute to the AHL team's run, as he would surely be a major factor in their success if he were able to play. He likely has an inside track at the 3C position with the Canucks next season.

5) Kirill Kudryavtsev, D - From nobody to a name on everybody's lips, Kudryavtsev might be the best defenseman in Abbotsford at this stage. I'm ranking him lower as I'm not sure management will rush to see what he can do in the NHL, and not being given that opportunity to shine could artificially cap his ceiling.

6) Max Sasson, C - I'm putting Sasson here as I think he has the best chance to stick at the NHL level next season. His speed and tenacity are tools every coach wants on their 4th line, and he has enough skill to muster a respectable point total if his line meshes well and can find offensive zone time. I don't rate him much higher than a 4th line energy player, but you never know.

7) Linus Karlsson, W - Karlsson is very close to Sasson, but he plays a less valuable position and, though he has worked hard to reinvent himself as a hard-nosed player and net front presence, might be better suited as a 3rd line complementary scorer than a 4th liner. The issue is that management and the coaching staff may look for a higher upside player to put in the position, and this might close the door on Karlsson as anything more than a tweener.

8) Sawyer Mynio, D - I could see an argument for putting him higher on this list, as he hasn't put a foot wrong at the CHL level. I'd like to see how he handles the AHL game before attaching a rocket to him and sending him up the rankings.

9) Ty Mueller, C - He looks like an AHL veteran in his first season in the league. His ultimate upside might only be a bottom-6 NHL player as he lacks that high-end offensive spark, but he has all the tools to carve out a long career as a high-motor, defensively responsible player.

10) Arturs Silovs, G - His dud of an NHL season and waiver eligibility nearly dropped him off this list entirely, but Bains falling off as an NHL concern and the rawness of our other picks leaves him hanging on at this spot.

Honourable Mentions - Arshdeep Bains, still has legs as an NHL call-up; Anri Ravinskis, if he does well at the AHL level next season he'll secure a place much higher up this list; and Anthony Romani, a tough OHL season ended with him tearing up the playoffs, I understand the questions about his game but that offensive touch earns him a spot here.

My methods are admittedly vibes-based but are informed by watching most of these guys play, checking their stats, and listening to other people talk about their strengths and flaws. Here's hoping my list ages better than the lists of people who try to cover every team and don't have as much watch time on our prospects as I do.

 

[IComeInPeace]

My Top-10 Prospects List

1) Jonathan Lekkerimaki, W - He has the most potential out of the pool and has shown enough improvement from the start of the season to now to give me hope that he sticks in the NHL next season. That said, his position and lack of production at the NHL level this season open the door for arguments that he could place as low as 4th.

2) Elias Pettersson, D - Sticking in the NHL as a young bottom pairing defenseman means that the risk of D-Petey busting is almost zero. His upside is likely a second-pairing defensive stalwart, perhaps paired with a more offensively-minded prospect to be seen later on this list.

3) Tom Willander, D - Though his final season at the college level was somewhat disappointing, Willander remains a quality prospect and likely has the highest potential of our defensive prospects. It will be interesting to see how his development is handled next season and if he'll be given the keys to a regular shift in the NHL or if he might be tasked with honing his game at the AHL level.

4) Victor Mancini, D - A newcomer to the list, Mancini has surged to the attention of the Canucks faithful with his combination of size, speed, and puck skills. His tools are A+, but it remains to be seen if he can hone the details of his game to take that next step as an NHL regular. If he can, he may have a future paired with Elias Pettersson as a second pairing unit with size, speed, and edge.

5) Aatu Raty, C - Raty has sured up his biggest areas of concern and showed well in an end-of-season run at the NHL level. It's a shame that his injury has left him unable to contribute to the AHL team's run, as he would surely be a major factor in their success if he were able to play. He likely has an inside track at the 3C position with the Canucks next season.

5) Kirill Kudryavtsev, D - From nobody to a name on everybody's lips, Kudryavtsev might be the best defenseman in Abbotsford at this stage. I'm ranking him lower as I'm not sure management will rush to see what he can do in the NHL, and not being given that opportunity to shine could artificially cap his ceiling.

6) Max Sasson, C - I'm putting Sasson here as I think he has the best chance to stick at the NHL level next season. His speed and tenacity are tools every coach wants on their 4th line, and he has enough skill to muster a respectable point total if his line meshes well and can find offensive zone time. I don't rate him much higher than a 4th line energy player, but you never know.

7) Linus Karlsson, W - Karlsson is very close to Sasson, but he plays a less valuable position and, though he has worked hard to reinvent himself as a hard-nosed player and net front presence, might be better suited as a 3rd line complementary scorer than a 4th liner. The issue is that management and the coaching staff may look for a higher upside player to put in the position, and this might close the door on Karlsson as anything more than a tweener.

8) Sawyer Mynio, D - I could see an argument for putting him higher on this list, as he hasn't put a foot wrong at the CHL level. I'd like to see how he handles the AHL game before attaching a rocket to him and sending him up the rankings.

9) Ty Mueller, C - He looks like an AHL veteran in his first season in the league. His ultimate upside might only be a bottom-6 NHL player as he lacks that high-end offensive spark, but he has all the tools to carve out a long career as a high-motor, defensively responsible player.

10) Arturs Silovs, G - His dud of an NHL season and waiver eligibility nearly dropped him off this list entirely, but Bains falling off as an NHL concern and the rawness of our other picks leaves him hanging on at this spot.

Honourable Mentions - Arshdeep Bains, still has legs as an NHL call-up; Anri Ravinskis, if he does well at the AHL level next season he'll secure a place much higher up this list; and Anthony Romani, a tough OHL season ended with him tearing up the playoffs, I understand the questions about his game but that offensive touch earns him a spot here.

My methods are admittedly vibes-based but are informed by watching most of these guys play, checking their stats, and listening to other people talk about their strengths and flaws. Here's hoping my list ages better than the lists of people who try to cover every team and don't have as much watch time on our prospects as I do.

Well done.
That’s better than most popular lists where you wonder if the writer really even knows much of anything about our prospects outside of the top few.

Can’t really argue with any of your rankings.

I think I’d drop Lekkerimaki down to #2 (potentially even #3) but because of his skill set and a successful 1st year in the AHL, he has a shot at a larger role further up the lineup in Vancouver, and a prominent role on the PP isn’t out of the question, so….

D-Petey (and even Willander) are probably the safer guys to rank higher.

Although, if Willander does make the team and gets to play with Hughes as many think, he could really have an impressive rookie season.

 

[krutovsdonut]

My Top-10 Prospects List

1) Jonathan Lekkerimaki, W - He has the most potential out of the pool and has shown enough improvement from the start of the season to now to give me hope that he sticks in the NHL next season. That said, his position and lack of production at the NHL level this season open the door for arguments that he could place as low as 4th.

2) Elias Pettersson, D - Sticking in the NHL as a young bottom pairing defenseman means that the risk of D-Petey busting is almost zero. His upside is likely a second-pairing defensive stalwart, perhaps paired with a more offensively-minded prospect to be seen later on this list.

3) Tom Willander, D - Though his final season at the college level was somewhat disappointing, Willander remains a quality prospect and likely has the highest potential of our defensive prospects. It will be interesting to see how his development is handled next season and if he'll be given the keys to a regular shift in the NHL or if he might be tasked with honing his game at the AHL level.

4) Victor Mancini, D - A newcomer to the list, Mancini has surged to the attention of the Canucks faithful with his combination of size, speed, and puck skills. His tools are A+, but it remains to be seen if he can hone the details of his game to take that next step as an NHL regular. If he can, he may have a future paired with Elias Pettersson as a second pairing unit with size, speed, and edge.

5) Aatu Raty, C - Raty has sured up his biggest areas of concern and showed well in an end-of-season run at the NHL level. It's a shame that his injury has left him unable to contribute to the AHL team's run, as he would surely be a major factor in their success if he were able to play. He likely has an inside track at the 3C position with the Canucks next season.

5) Kirill Kudryavtsev, D - From nobody to a name on everybody's lips, Kudryavtsev might be the best defenseman in Abbotsford at this stage. I'm ranking him lower as I'm not sure management will rush to see what he can do in the NHL, and not being given that opportunity to shine could artificially cap his ceiling.

6) Max Sasson, C - I'm putting Sasson here as I think he has the best chance to stick at the NHL level next season. His speed and tenacity are tools every coach wants on their 4th line, and he has enough skill to muster a respectable point total if his line meshes well and can find offensive zone time. I don't rate him much higher than a 4th line energy player, but you never know.

7) Linus Karlsson, W - Karlsson is very close to Sasson, but he plays a less valuable position and, though he has worked hard to reinvent himself as a hard-nosed player and net front presence, might be better suited as a 3rd line complementary scorer than a 4th liner. The issue is that management and the coaching staff may look for a higher upside player to put in the position, and this might close the door on Karlsson as anything more than a tweener.

8) Sawyer Mynio, D - I could see an argument for putting him higher on this list, as he hasn't put a foot wrong at the CHL level. I'd like to see how he handles the AHL game before attaching a rocket to him and sending him up the rankings.

9) Ty Mueller, C - He looks like an AHL veteran in his first season in the league. His ultimate upside might only be a bottom-6 NHL player as he lacks that high-end offensive spark, but he has all the tools to carve out a long career as a high-motor, defensively responsible player.

10) Arturs Silovs, G - His dud of an NHL season and waiver eligibility nearly dropped him off this list entirely, but Bains falling off as an NHL concern and the rawness of our other picks leaves him hanging on at this spot.

Honourable Mentions - Arshdeep Bains, still has legs as an NHL call-up; Anri Ravinskis, if he does well at the AHL level next season he'll secure a place much higher up this list; and Anthony Romani, a tough OHL season ended with him tearing up the playoffs, I understand the questions about his game but that offensive touch earns him a spot here.

My methods are admittedly vibes-based but are informed by watching most of these guys play, checking their stats, and listening to other people talk about their strengths and flaws. Here's hoping my list ages better than the lists of people who try to cover every team and don't have as much watch time on our prospects as I do.

i'd like this twice if i could. this list exactly matches my take except i would call lekk and d-petey a wash at 1-2 and mancini could easily be #1 if he keeps progressing. very different players so hard to call it either way but for now d-petey is trending physical top 4 dman and lekk is trending complimentary top 6 winger and i value the former more highly. lekk is more skilled and should be higher, and i would not sleep on either, but d-petey has a more exciting development curve.

 

[WetcoastOrca]

My Top-10 Prospects List

1) Jonathan Lekkerimaki, W - He has the most potential out of the pool and has shown enough improvement from the start of the season to now to give me hope that he sticks in the NHL next season. That said, his position and lack of production at the NHL level this season open the door for arguments that he could place as low as 4th.

2) Elias Pettersson, D - Sticking in the NHL as a young bottom pairing defenseman means that the risk of D-Petey busting is almost zero. His upside is likely a second-pairing defensive stalwart, perhaps paired with a more offensively-minded prospect to be seen later on this list.

3) Tom Willander, D - Though his final season at the college level was somewhat disappointing, Willander remains a quality prospect and likely has the highest potential of our defensive prospects. It will be interesting to see how his development is handled next season and if he'll be given the keys to a regular shift in the NHL or if he might be tasked with honing his game at the AHL level.

4) Victor Mancini, D - A newcomer to the list, Mancini has surged to the attention of the Canucks faithful with his combination of size, speed, and puck skills. His tools are A+, but it remains to be seen if he can hone the details of his game to take that next step as an NHL regular. If he can, he may have a future paired with Elias Pettersson as a second pairing unit with size, speed, and edge.

5) Aatu Raty, C - Raty has sured up his biggest areas of concern and showed well in an end-of-season run at the NHL level. It's a shame that his injury has left him unable to contribute to the AHL team's run, as he would surely be a major factor in their success if he were able to play. He likely has an inside track at the 3C position with the Canucks next season.

5) Kirill Kudryavtsev, D - From nobody to a name on everybody's lips, Kudryavtsev might be the best defenseman in Abbotsford at this stage. I'm ranking him lower as I'm not sure management will rush to see what he can do in the NHL, and not being given that opportunity to shine could artificially cap his ceiling.

6) Max Sasson, C - I'm putting Sasson here as I think he has the best chance to stick at the NHL level next season. His speed and tenacity are tools every coach wants on their 4th line, and he has enough skill to muster a respectable point total if his line meshes well and can find offensive zone time. I don't rate him much higher than a 4th line energy player, but you never know.

7) Linus Karlsson, W - Karlsson is very close to Sasson, but he plays a less valuable position and, though he has worked hard to reinvent himself as a hard-nosed player and net front presence, might be better suited as a 3rd line complementary scorer than a 4th liner. The issue is that management and the coaching staff may look for a higher upside player to put in the position, and this might close the door on Karlsson as anything more than a tweener.

8) Sawyer Mynio, D - I could see an argument for putting him higher on this list, as he hasn't put a foot wrong at the CHL level. I'd like to see how he handles the AHL game before attaching a rocket to him and sending him up the rankings.

9) Ty Mueller, C - He looks like an AHL veteran in his first season in the league. His ultimate upside might only be a bottom-6 NHL player as he lacks that high-end offensive spark, but he has all the tools to carve out a long career as a high-motor, defensively responsible player.

10) Arturs Silovs, G - His dud of an NHL season and waiver eligibility nearly dropped him off this list entirely, but Bains falling off as an NHL concern and the rawness of our other picks leaves him hanging on at this spot.

Honourable Mentions - Arshdeep Bains, still has legs as an NHL call-up; Anri Ravinskis, if he does well at the AHL level next season he'll secure a place much higher up this list; and Anthony Romani, a tough OHL season ended with him tearing up the playoffs, I understand the questions about his game but that offensive touch earns him a spot here.

My methods are admittedly vibes-based but are informed by watching most of these guys play, checking their stats, and listening to other people talk about their strengths and flaws. Here's hoping my list ages better than the lists of people who try to cover every team and don't have as much watch time on our prospects as I do.

It may not be a popular view but I’d move Silovs up a few spots as I think he has a much better chance of playing NHL games than a number of those guys. His upside doesn’t look all that high but he has nhl games on his resume already and could very well find a landing spot with another team as a backup or even third string goalie.

 

[Tables of Stats]

It may not be a popular view but I’d move Silovs up a few spots as I think he has a much better chance of playing NHL games than a number of those guys. His upside doesn’t look all that high but he has nhl games on his resume already and could very well find a landing spot with another team as a backup or even third string goalie.

I mentioned it in my ranking, but Silovs' waiver status hurts him immensely in my eyes. The chance we lose him for nothing or trade him for a minimal return is a massive killer to his value to our prospect pool. If he had another year where we could safely test him in the NHL he'd be higher even with his warts.

 

[MS]

My Top-10 Prospects List

1) Jonathan Lekkerimaki, W - He has the most potential out of the pool and has shown enough improvement from the start of the season to now to give me hope that he sticks in the NHL next season. That said, his position and lack of production at the NHL level this season open the door for arguments that he could place as low as 4th.

2) Elias Pettersson, D - Sticking in the NHL as a young bottom pairing defenseman means that the risk of D-Petey busting is almost zero. His upside is likely a second-pairing defensive stalwart, perhaps paired with a more offensively-minded prospect to be seen later on this list.

3) Tom Willander, D - Though his final season at the college level was somewhat disappointing, Willander remains a quality prospect and likely has the highest potential of our defensive prospects. It will be interesting to see how his development is handled next season and if he'll be given the keys to a regular shift in the NHL or if he might be tasked with honing his game at the AHL level.

4) Victor Mancini, D - A newcomer to the list, Mancini has surged to the attention of the Canucks faithful with his combination of size, speed, and puck skills. His tools are A+, but it remains to be seen if he can hone the details of his game to take that next step as an NHL regular. If he can, he may have a future paired with Elias Pettersson as a second pairing unit with size, speed, and edge.

5) Aatu Raty, C - Raty has sured up his biggest areas of concern and showed well in an end-of-season run at the NHL level. It's a shame that his injury has left him unable to contribute to the AHL team's run, as he would surely be a major factor in their success if he were able to play. He likely has an inside track at the 3C position with the Canucks next season.

5) Kirill Kudryavtsev, D - From nobody to a name on everybody's lips, Kudryavtsev might be the best defenseman in Abbotsford at this stage. I'm ranking him lower as I'm not sure management will rush to see what he can do in the NHL, and not being given that opportunity to shine could artificially cap his ceiling.

6) Max Sasson, C - I'm putting Sasson here as I think he has the best chance to stick at the NHL level next season. His speed and tenacity are tools every coach wants on their 4th line, and he has enough skill to muster a respectable point total if his line meshes well and can find offensive zone time. I don't rate him much higher than a 4th line energy player, but you never know.

7) Linus Karlsson, W - Karlsson is very close to Sasson, but he plays a less valuable position and, though he has worked hard to reinvent himself as a hard-nosed player and net front presence, might be better suited as a 3rd line complementary scorer than a 4th liner. The issue is that management and the coaching staff may look for a higher upside player to put in the position, and this might close the door on Karlsson as anything more than a tweener.

8) Sawyer Mynio, D - I could see an argument for putting him higher on this list, as he hasn't put a foot wrong at the CHL level. I'd like to see how he handles the AHL game before attaching a rocket to him and sending him up the rankings.

9) Ty Mueller, C - He looks like an AHL veteran in his first season in the league. His ultimate upside might only be a bottom-6 NHL player as he lacks that high-end offensive spark, but he has all the tools to carve out a long career as a high-motor, defensively responsible player.

10) Arturs Silovs, G - His dud of an NHL season and waiver eligibility nearly dropped him off this list entirely, but Bains falling off as an NHL concern and the rawness of our other picks leaves him hanging on at this spot.

Honourable Mentions - Arshdeep Bains, still has legs as an NHL call-up; Anri Ravinskis, if he does well at the AHL level next season he'll secure a place much higher up this list; and Anthony Romani, a tough OHL season ended with him tearing up the playoffs, I understand the questions about his game but that offensive touch earns him a spot here.

My methods are admittedly vibes-based but are informed by watching most of these guys play, checking their stats, and listening to other people talk about their strengths and flaws. Here's hoping my list ages better than the lists of people who try to cover every team and don't have as much watch time on our prospects as I do.

I'd have Lekkerimaki 3rd and probably swap Raty and Mancini (Raty was legit good down the stretch in the NHL this year) but otherwise mostly agree.

That said, 5 of the top 10 on your list are no longer Calder-eligible so I wouldn't have them as prospects at this point.

It may not be a popular view but I’d move Silovs up a few spots as I think he has a much better chance of playing NHL games than a number of those guys. His upside doesn’t look all that high but he has nhl games on his resume already and could very well find a landing spot with another team as a backup or even third string goalie.

Every guy ahead of Silovs in his list has already played games, too, except for Mynio and Willander. And I don't think you can make any sort of argument to have Silovs ahead of those guys. Maybe Karlsson if you don't love his upside but that's about it.

 

[Tables of Stats]

I'd have Lekkerimaki 3rd and probably swap Raty and Mancini (Raty was legit good down the stretch in the NHL this year) but otherwise mostly agree.

That said, 5 of the top 10 on your list are no longer Calder-eligible so I wouldn't have them as prospects at this point.

The Calder debate is fair, but I prefer using the criteria of Under-25 and not yet fully established as an NHL regular. EP2 was the closest to falling off the list, but he didn't play enough games for me to make that call.

 

[MS]

The Calder debate is fair, but I prefer using the criteria of Under-25 and not yet fully established as an NHL regular. EP2 was the closest to falling off the list, but he didn't play enough games for me to make that call.

I've always used Calder eligibility as my prospect cutoff as it's cut-and-dried and makes perfect sense, and usually works great.

Us right now is the first time it's ever really had issues as we have so many guys who are *just barely* not Calder eligible - EP2, Mancini, Karlsson, Silovs, Raty. Between them they're like a combined 30 games over the limit. So fair enough!

 

[ahmon]

IMO its:

1. Willander
2. E.Petey (he'll leapfrog Willander, if Willander don't make the team this coming year)
3. Mancini

4. Lekkerimaki (huge disappointment in his draft +1, salvaged it with a good D+2, now in the end of D+3 and still has issues looking dominant in the AHL).

I think fans and people around the league put way too much stock in draft position than actual player potential and what they are showing. Lekkerimaki if he has high end top 6 talent should be head and shoulders above AHL competition right now, and hes not.

 

[me2]

The Calder debate is fair, but I prefer using the criteria of Under-25 and not yet fully established as an NHL regular. EP2 was the closest to falling off the list, but he didn't play enough games for me to make that call.

Anyone who is still on an ELC and splits time with the AHLis fine with me to be called a prospect. Ep2 and Mancini might find themselves back there next year if they have tough starts.

 

[Vector]

Anyone who is still on an ELC and splits time with the AHLis fine with me to be called a prospect.

Karlsson wouldn't count by these rules.

 

[me2]

Karlsson wouldn't count by these rules.

Just taking about why I'd count players in that particular group (elc tweeners: lek, mancini, ep2) as prospects. It doesn't exclude others from being counted as prospects.

 

[VanJack]

Pretty hard to ignore what Silovs is doing in these Calder Cup playoffs. If the season ended today, he'd be the odds on favorite to win the MVP playoff award.

After another shutout in a close-out game, Silovs has to be on the radar of NHL teams struggling with mediocre goaltending. You look at the situation with Carolina. They're in the Cup semi-finals, but frankly, their goaltending has generally sucked so far. And you could hardly say that Skinner and Pickard are the 'strength' of the Edmonton Oilers.

But they're hardly alone. A lot of NHL teams are 'getting by' with 'average' to 'below average' goaltending. I still would like to see Silovs succeed in Vancouver. Still only 24, he has a potentially a long run-way in front of him as an NHL goalie.

But if he's still stacked up behind Demko and Lankinen next season, and will be waiver-eligible for the first time--the Canucks may have no choice but to move him.

 

[Blue and Green]

I'll do a full final list at the conclusion of Abbotsford's season but definitely will be flipping #2 and #3 from my list in early February, advancing Junyer Pettersson to #2 above Lekkerimaki. Willander still #1.

 

[VanJack]

Of the 'under 22 group' on the Abbotsford Canucks, the guy who's playing the best right now is Mueller. A close second would be Mancini, who just turned 23 today.

Mueller has been better than either Kudryavtsev or Lekkerimaki--both of whom have sat out a few games. And way better than Klimovich, who's spent four years now in Abbotsford.

Considered where he was drafted and what the expectations were entering this season--Mueller has probably come further and faster than anyone in the Canucks prospect pool.

 

[Mr. Canucklehead]

My Top-10 Prospects List

1) Jonathan Lekkerimaki, W - He has the most potential out of the pool and has shown enough improvement from the start of the season to now to give me hope that he sticks in the NHL next season. That said, his position and lack of production at the NHL level this season open the door for arguments that he could place as low as 4th.

2) Elias Pettersson, D - Sticking in the NHL as a young bottom pairing defenseman means that the risk of D-Petey busting is almost zero. His upside is likely a second-pairing defensive stalwart, perhaps paired with a more offensively-minded prospect to be seen later on this list.

3) Tom Willander, D - Though his final season at the college level was somewhat disappointing, Willander remains a quality prospect and likely has the highest potential of our defensive prospects. It will be interesting to see how his development is handled next season and if he'll be given the keys to a regular shift in the NHL or if he might be tasked with honing his game at the AHL level.

4) Victor Mancini, D - A newcomer to the list, Mancini has surged to the attention of the Canucks faithful with his combination of size, speed, and puck skills. His tools are A+, but it remains to be seen if he can hone the details of his game to take that next step as an NHL regular. If he can, he may have a future paired with Elias Pettersson as a second pairing unit with size, speed, and edge.

5) Aatu Raty, C - Raty has sured up his biggest areas of concern and showed well in an end-of-season run at the NHL level. It's a shame that his injury has left him unable to contribute to the AHL team's run, as he would surely be a major factor in their success if he were able to play. He likely has an inside track at the 3C position with the Canucks next season.

5) Kirill Kudryavtsev, D - From nobody to a name on everybody's lips, Kudryavtsev might be the best defenseman in Abbotsford at this stage. I'm ranking him lower as I'm not sure management will rush to see what he can do in the NHL, and not being given that opportunity to shine could artificially cap his ceiling.

6) Max Sasson, C - I'm putting Sasson here as I think he has the best chance to stick at the NHL level next season. His speed and tenacity are tools every coach wants on their 4th line, and he has enough skill to muster a respectable point total if his line meshes well and can find offensive zone time. I don't rate him much higher than a 4th line energy player, but you never know.

7) Linus Karlsson, W - Karlsson is very close to Sasson, but he plays a less valuable position and, though he has worked hard to reinvent himself as a hard-nosed player and net front presence, might be better suited as a 3rd line complementary scorer than a 4th liner. The issue is that management and the coaching staff may look for a higher upside player to put in the position, and this might close the door on Karlsson as anything more than a tweener.

8) Sawyer Mynio, D - I could see an argument for putting him higher on this list, as he hasn't put a foot wrong at the CHL level. I'd like to see how he handles the AHL game before attaching a rocket to him and sending him up the rankings.

9) Ty Mueller, C - He looks like an AHL veteran in his first season in the league. His ultimate upside might only be a bottom-6 NHL player as he lacks that high-end offensive spark, but he has all the tools to carve out a long career as a high-motor, defensively responsible player.

10) Arturs Silovs, G - His dud of an NHL season and waiver eligibility nearly dropped him off this list entirely, but Bains falling off as an NHL concern and the rawness of our other picks leaves him hanging on at this spot.

Honourable Mentions - Arshdeep Bains, still has legs as an NHL call-up; Anri Ravinskis, if he does well at the AHL level next season he'll secure a place much higher up this list; and Anthony Romani, a tough OHL season ended with him tearing up the playoffs, I understand the questions about his game but that offensive touch earns him a spot here.

My methods are admittedly vibes-based but are informed by watching most of these guys play, checking their stats, and listening to other people talk about their strengths and flaws. Here's hoping my list ages better than the lists of people who try to cover every team and don't have as much watch time on our prospects as I do.

Good list and good rationale.

I think there’s an argument to be made that D-Petey might be our top prospect at the moment, but again, hard to argue with this list.

 

[JT Milker]

I would have Lek below DP and Willander simply because if all hit their best possible outcome, the dmen will be more valuable than the scoring winger. And I would consider Lek the least likely of the 3 to hit his best possible outcome.

 

[docbenton]

My Top-10 Prospects List

1) Jonathan Lekkerimaki, W - He has the most potential out of the pool and has shown enough improvement from the start of the season to now to give me hope that he sticks in the NHL next season. That said, his position and lack of production at the NHL level this season open the door for arguments that he could place as low as 4th.

2) Elias Pettersson, D - Sticking in the NHL as a young bottom pairing defenseman means that the risk of D-Petey busting is almost zero. His upside is likely a second-pairing defensive stalwart, perhaps paired with a more offensively-minded prospect to be seen later on this list.

3) Tom Willander, D - Though his final season at the college level was somewhat disappointing, Willander remains a quality prospect and likely has the highest potential of our defensive prospects. It will be interesting to see how his development is handled next season and if he'll be given the keys to a regular shift in the NHL or if he might be tasked with honing his game at the AHL level.

4) Victor Mancini, D - A newcomer to the list, Mancini has surged to the attention of the Canucks faithful with his combination of size, speed, and puck skills. His tools are A+, but it remains to be seen if he can hone the details of his game to take that next step as an NHL regular. If he can, he may have a future paired with Elias Pettersson as a second pairing unit with size, speed, and edge.

5) Aatu Raty, C - Raty has sured up his biggest areas of concern and showed well in an end-of-season run at the NHL level. It's a shame that his injury has left him unable to contribute to the AHL team's run, as he would surely be a major factor in their success if he were able to play. He likely has an inside track at the 3C position with the Canucks next season.

5) Kirill Kudryavtsev, D - From nobody to a name on everybody's lips, Kudryavtsev might be the best defenseman in Abbotsford at this stage. I'm ranking him lower as I'm not sure management will rush to see what he can do in the NHL, and not being given that opportunity to shine could artificially cap his ceiling.

6) Max Sasson, C - I'm putting Sasson here as I think he has the best chance to stick at the NHL level next season. His speed and tenacity are tools every coach wants on their 4th line, and he has enough skill to muster a respectable point total if his line meshes well and can find offensive zone time. I don't rate him much higher than a 4th line energy player, but you never know.

7) Linus Karlsson, W - Karlsson is very close to Sasson, but he plays a less valuable position and, though he has worked hard to reinvent himself as a hard-nosed player and net front presence, might be better suited as a 3rd line complementary scorer than a 4th liner. The issue is that management and the coaching staff may look for a higher upside player to put in the position, and this might close the door on Karlsson as anything more than a tweener.

8) Sawyer Mynio, D - I could see an argument for putting him higher on this list, as he hasn't put a foot wrong at the CHL level. I'd like to see how he handles the AHL game before attaching a rocket to him and sending him up the rankings.

9) Ty Mueller, C - He looks like an AHL veteran in his first season in the league. His ultimate upside might only be a bottom-6 NHL player as he lacks that high-end offensive spark, but he has all the tools to carve out a long career as a high-motor, defensively responsible player.

10) Arturs Silovs, G - His dud of an NHL season and waiver eligibility nearly dropped him off this list entirely, but Bains falling off as an NHL concern and the rawness of our other picks leaves him hanging on at this spot.

Honourable Mentions - Arshdeep Bains, still has legs as an NHL call-up; Anri Ravinskis, if he does well at the AHL level next season he'll secure a place much higher up this list; and Anthony Romani, a tough OHL season ended with him tearing up the playoffs, I understand the questions about his game but that offensive touch earns him a spot here.

My methods are admittedly vibes-based but are informed by watching most of these guys play, checking their stats, and listening to other people talk about their strengths and flaws. Here's hoping my list ages better than the lists of people who try to cover every team and don't have as much watch time on our prospects as I do.

I would have Karlsson higher because he's going to play. Fairly confident he can at least be a good bottom 6 winger. Taken some important strides this year in his quickness and pace. Can both score and make plays at a pretty high level, and he's strong as an ox. Would have him above Raty honestly, who has similar upside but less certainty. Would have Lekkerimaki lower for reasons others have noted.

 

[MS]

I would have Lek below DP and Willander simply because if all hit their best possible outcome, the dmen will be more valuable than the scoring winger. And I would consider Lek the least likely of the 3 to hit his best possible outcome.

In the case of Lekkerimaki vs. EP2 in particular, I struggle to think of a logical way that you could place Lekkerimaki ahead.

1. EP2 plays the more valuable position.

2. They're the same age.

3. The position that EP2 plays generally has a longer adjustment/development period in terms of cracking the NHL and playing regularly.

So, all things being equal if these players were developing equally, you'd expect JL to be closer to EP2 to the NHL right now. But that isn't remotely the case - JL looked a long way off being an NHL player when recalled this year while EP2 basically walked into the NHL as a regular and rattled off an extremely impressive two months of play. And again, at the more valuable position.

 

[Ernie]

I would have Lek below DP and Willander simply because if all hit their best possible outcome, the dmen will be more valuable than the scoring winger. And I would consider Lek the least likely of the 3 to hit his best possible outcome.

EP2 and Willander probably top out as a #3 defender, while Lekk looks like he could a 35-40 goal winger. If you look at the salaries for players of those profiles, the 40 goal winger is definitely more valuable.

However, I agree there's some question whether he can reach that level. If you're looking solely at his regular season AHL scoring, you could see it, but he's lacking the standout size and speed that will allow him to be an impact winger at the NHL level.

Hopefully the team can work on that with him this offseason. I still think he's the #1 prospect because his ceiling is higher.

 

[MS]

EP2 and Willander probably top out as a #3 defender, while Lekk looks like he could a 35-40 goal winger. If you look at the salaries for players of those profiles, the 40 goal winger is definitely more valuable.

However, I agree there's some question whether he can reach that level. If you're looking solely at his regular season AHL scoring, you could see it, but he's lacking the standout size and speed that will allow him to be an impact winger at the NHL level.

Hopefully the team can work on that with him this offseason. I still think he's the #1 prospect because his ceiling is higher.

Hugely disagree here. Lekkerimaki turning into a 40-goal Jake Guentzel would be like a 99th percentile result for him at this point while EP2 turning into a mid-pairing D would actually be ... mildly disappointing for a guy who looks for all the world like a player with legitimate Mattias Ekholm potential right now.

Both EP2 and Willander have legit, realistic top-pairing D potential and that's more valuable than anything Lekkerimaki will be unless he has a total outlier development curve from here on out.

 

[Ernie]

Hugely disagree here. Lekkerimaki turning into a 40-goal Jake Guentzel would be like a 99th percentile result for him at this point while EP2 turning into a mid-pairing D would actually be ... mildly disappointing for a guy who looks for all the world like a player with legitimate Mattias Ekholm potential right now.

Both EP2 and Willander have legit, realistic top-pairing D potential and that's more valuable than anything Lekkerimaki will be unless he has a total outlier development curve from here on out.

In terms of shooting, the closest comparable to Lekk that I can think of is Naslund. I don't see him driving play but if Boeser can put up 40 goals in the right situation, Lekk certainly has the skill to do it as well (and then some). As I mentioned, there are considerable hurdles for him to get there though.

What is your definition of a top pairing defenseman? I don't see the kind of offensive upside in either of these players that would allow them to quarterback a powerplay. They both look like they will be 30 point two way defencemen, which are hugely valuable, but not considered top pairing.

EP2 reminds me of Bieksa, though hopefully he doesn't get beaten in the corners as often.
Willander (based on reports) reminds me of Tanev.
Both those players were/are very capable 2nd pairing guys.

 

[MS]

In terms of shooting, the closest comparable to Lekk that I can think of is Naslund. I don't see him driving play but if Boeser can put up 40 goals in the right situation, Lekk certainly has the skill to do it as well (and then some). As I mentioned, there are considerable hurdles for him to get there though.

Look at where Boeser and Naslund were was at age 20 compared to Lekkerimaki.

You're comparing a 99th percentile result for Lekkerimaki to like a 50th-60th percentile result for Willander and EP2.

What is your definition of a top pairing defenseman? I don't see the kind of offensive upside in either of these players that would allow them to quarterback a powerplay. They both look like they will be 30 point two way defencemen, which are hugely valuable, but not considered top pairing.

PP usage is literally completely irrelevant to me in determining where a player sits on the 1-6D rankings.

JT Miller played D on the top PP unit here for the last bunch of years.

ES/SH usage/rotation is what determines your ranking as a D. Dan Hamhuis was a 1D even if most people don't seem to understand that.

EP2 reminds me of Bieksa, though hopefully he doesn't get beaten in the corners as often.
Willander (based on reports) reminds me of Tanev.
Both those players were/are very capable 2nd pairing guys.

Chris Tanev at his peak was literally the best top-pairing shutdown defender in the NHL.

Bieksa-Hamhuis was the top D pairing on two President's Trophy teams.

Both of those guys were easily top-pairing defenders at their peak.

I don't see the Bieksa comparison in EP2. Bieksa was a smallish skill D who fought. EP2 is a 6'4 physically imposing defensive D whose projection right now probably sits somewhere between Erik Cernak and Mattias Ekholm depending on how his puck skills develop.

 

[JT Milker]

EP2 and Willander probably top out as a #3 defender, while Lekk looks like he could a 35-40 goal winger. If you look at the salaries for players of those profiles, the 40 goal winger is definitely more valuable.

However, I agree there's some question whether he can reach that level. If you're looking solely at his regular season AHL scoring, you could see it, but he's lacking the standout size and speed that will allow him to be an impact winger at the NHL level.

Hopefully the team can work on that with him this offseason. I still think he's the #1 prospect because his ceiling is higher.

I think you’re comparing DP and Willander’s like, 50-70 percentile outcome vs Lek’s 95+ percentile outcome here.

Beaten to the punch.

 

[Ernie]

Look at where Boeser and Naslund were was at age 20 compared to Lekkerimaki.

You're comparing a 99th percentile result for Lekkerimaki to like a 50th-60th percentile result for Willander and EP2.

Boeser had a great rookie season at 20 but hasn't been able to top it since.
Naslund was putting up 4 goals and 11 assists playing for Penguins. That why I said he had a similar development path.

PP usage is literally completely irrelevant to me in determining where a player sits on the 1-6D rankings.

JT Miller played D on the top PP unit here for the last bunch of years.

ES/SH usage/rotation is what determines your ranking as a D. Dan Hamhuis was a 1D even if most people don't seem to understand that.

The point is that a top pairing defenceman has significant offensive upside. And yeah, you're on a bit of an island in Hamhuis being a #1D. Certainly nobody paid him like that. I guess you could say his Team Canada selection would be a good argument for it but other than that he was a #2 at his peak.

Chris Tanev at his peak was literally the best top-pairing shutdown defender in the NHL.

Again, Tanev has not been considered a top pairing defenceman and has never been paid as such. Is there a market inefficiency there? Perhaps, but it's kind of irrelevant. At a minimum a top pairing defenceman should be be capable of putting up 40+ points, and Tanev's career high is 28 (and average is about 20).

Bieksa-Hamhuis was the top D pairing on two President's Trophy teams.

Both of those guys were easily top-pairing defenders at their peak.

Edler and Ehrhoff were the top defencemen on the 2011 team and Edler was once again the top of the 2012 team. Neither Bieksa or Hamhuis were paid as top pairing defencemen. You seem to have your own way of ranking them but it doesn't match up with the skillset that is considered 1st pair value in the market. That said, I think most people considered the team to have a strong top 1-5 group without any elite talent.

I don't see the Bieksa comparison in EP2. Bieksa was a smallish skill D who fought. EP2 is a 6'4 physically imposing defensive D whose projection right now probably sits somewhere between Erik Cernak and Mattias Ekholm depending on how his puck skills develop.

The "how those puck skills develop" is the major issue here. EP2 hasn't demonstrated those kind of puck skills at any level so I don't see how you project him to have them. Willander is in a similar boat.