The Vancouver Canucks have officially announced their 2024 development camp roster, showcasing 28 promising prospects eager to make an impact. This camp is a pivotal step for young players to hone their skills, showcase their talent, and make a case for their future roles within the Canucks organization. Here’s an in-depth look at these players, their backgrounds, and what we can anticipate from them during the camp and the upcoming season.
Forwards
Vilmer Alriksson
- Position: Left Wing / Center
- Physical Stats: 6’6″, 194 lbs
- Previous Team: Guelph Storm (OHL)
- 2023-24 Season Stats: 67 GP, 17 G, 16 A, 33 P, 35 PIM, 0 +/-
- Playoff Stats: 4 GP, 1 G, 1 P, 2 PIM, -4 +/-
Alriksson’s towering presence and versatility make him a notable prospect. His physicality and scoring ability were evident in the OHL, and the Canucks will be keen to see how he adapts to professional-level training and competition.
Josh Bloom
- Position: Left Wing
- Physical Stats: 6’2″, 185 lbs
- Previous Teams: Abbotsford Canucks (AHL), Kalamazoo Wings (ECHL), Saginaw Spirit (OHL)
- 2023-24 Season Stats:
- AHL: 14 GP, 0 G, 1 A, 1 P, 2 PIM, -5 +/-
- ECHL: 8 GP, 0 G, 2 A, 2 P, 0 PIM, -3 +/-
- OHL: 34 GP, 17 G, 23 A, 40 P, 15 PIM, 18 +/-
- Playoff Stats (OHL): 17 GP, 4 G, 7 A, 11 P, 14 PIM, 0 +/-
Bloom’s varied experience across leagues highlights his adaptability. His offensive production in the OHL is promising, and this camp will be crucial for him to establish consistency at higher levels.
Benjamin Brunelle
- Position: Left Wing
- Physical Stats: 6’3″, 192 lbs
- Previous Team: Rouyn-Noranda Huskies (QMJHL)
- 2023-24 Season Stats: 67 GP, 20 G, 22 A, 42 P, 45 PIM, 27 +/-
- Playoff Stats: 10 GP, 1 G, 1 A, 2 P, 8 PIM, 0 +/-
Brunelle’s scoring and physicality in the QMJHL make him a player to watch. His performance at camp will be a good indicator of his readiness to transition to professional hockey.
Davis Burnside
- Position: Forward
- Physical Stats: 6’0″, 181 lbs
- Previous Team: Ohio State Univ. (NCAA)
- 2023-24 Season Stats: 38 GP, 9 G, 17 A, 26 P, 24 PIM, -6 +/-
Burnside’s collegiate experience and steady offensive output are promising. His development at the camp will be essential for his progression to the next level.
Melvin Fernström
- Position: Right Wing
- Physical Stats: 6’0″, 187 lbs
- Previous Teams: Örebro HK J18, J20 (J18/J20 Nationell), Örebro HK (SHL), Sweden U18
- 2023-24 Season Stats:
- J18 Nationell: 0 GP, 0 G, 0 A, 0 P, 0 PIM, 0 +/-
- J18 Playoffs: 4 GP, 4 G, 5 A, 9 P, 8 PIM, 7 +/-
- J20 Nationell: 45 GP, 31 G, 32 A, 63 P, 28 PIM, 25 +/-
- J20 Playoffs: 8 GP, 5 G, 5 A, 10 P, 0 PIM, 4 +/-
- SHL: 6 GP, 0 G, 0 A, 0 P, 0 PIM, -2 +/-
- SHL Playoffs: 3 GP, 0 G, 0 A, 0 P, 25 PIM, 0 +/-
- WJC-18: 7 GP, 3 G, 5 A, 8 P, 6 PIM, 2 +/-
- International-Jr: 27 GP, 13 G, 13 A, 26 P, 30 PIM, 10 +/-
Fernström’s impressive offensive numbers in the J20 Nationell and his international experience with Sweden U18 make him a standout prospect. The camp will be an excellent opportunity for him to adjust to the North American style of play.
Daimon Gardner
- Position: Center
- Physical Stats: 6’4″, 201 lbs
- Previous Team: Clarkson Univ. (NCAA)
- 2023-24 Season Stats: 29 GP, 1 G, 5 A, 6 P, 8 PIM, -7 +/-
Gardner’s size and presence at center are significant assets. Improving his offensive output will be a key focus during the development camp.
Ethan Gardula
- Position: Left Wing
- Physical Stats: 5’11”, 174 lbs
- Previous Team: Sioux City Musketeers (USHL)
- 2023-24 Season Stats: 58 GP, 20 G, 29 A, 49 P, 18 PIM, -1 +/-
- Playoff Stats: 8 GP, 2 G, 3 A, 5 P, 2 PIM, 4 +/-
Gardula’s balanced scoring and playmaking abilities were evident in the USHL. His performance at camp will be closely monitored to see how he adapts to a higher level of competition.
Callum Hughes
- Position: Left Wing
- Physical Stats: 6’1″, 170 lbs
- Previous Team: West Kelowna Warriors (BCHL)
- 2023-24 Season Stats: 54 GP, 23 G, 19 A, 42 P, 16 PIM
- Playoff Stats: 6 GP, 3 G, 6 A, 9 P, 2 PIM
Hughes’ strong offensive performance in the BCHL, particularly during the playoffs, makes him an exciting prospect. His ability to contribute in key moments will be crucial during the camp.
Jackson Kunz
- Position: Center
- Physical Stats: 6’3″, 227 lbs
- Previous Team: Univ. of North Dakota (NCAA)
- 2023-24 Season Stats: 37 GP, 9 G, 10 A, 19 P, 4 PIM, 6 +/-
Kunz’s physicality and scoring touch were assets at North Dakota. The Canucks will be looking to see if he can bring that same level of play to the professional ranks.
Ty Mueller
- Position: Forward
- Physical Stats: 5’11”, 201 lbs
- Previous Team: Univ. of Nebraska-Omaha (NCAA)
- 2023-24 Season Stats: 40 GP, 11 G, 15 A, 26 P, 33 PIM, 9 +/-
Mueller’s balanced offensive and defensive play makes him a valuable prospect. His development at the camp will be key to his future success.
Riley Patterson
- Position: Center
- Physical Stats: 6’1″, 192 lbs
- Previous Team: Barrie Colts (OHL)
- 2023-24 Season Stats: 68 GP, 29 G, 33 A, 62 P, 10 PIM, 7 +/-
- Playoff Stats: 6 GP, 2 G, 1 A, 3 P, 7 PIM, -2 +/-
Patterson’s impressive scoring ability in the OHL is a testament to his potential. His performance at the camp will be crucial in determining his readiness for the professional level.
Matthew Perkins
- Position: Center
- Physical Stats: 5’11”, 174 lbs
- Previous Team: Univ. of Minnesota-Duluth (NCAA)
- 2023-24 Season Stats: 35 GP, 6 G, 9 A, 15 P, 12 PIM, -12 +/-
Perkins’ solid playmaking skills were on display in the NCAA. Improving his plus/minus rating will be a focus during the development camp.
Anthony Romani
- Position: Center / Right Wing
- Physical Stats: 6’0″, 183 lbs
- Previous Team: North Bay Battalion (OHL)
- 2023-24 Season Stats: 68 GP, 58 G, 53 A, 111 P, 20 PIM, 43 +/-
- Playoff Stats: 3 GP, 3 G, 1 A, 4 P, 0 PIM, 2 +/-
Romani’s staggering offensive numbers in the OHL make him one of the most exciting prospects at camp. The Canucks will be eager to see if he can replicate this success against tougher competition.
Kaden Shahan
- Position: Right Wing
- Physical Stats: 5’11”, 170 lbs
- Previous Team: Sioux City Musketeers (USHL)
- 2023-24 Season Stats: 56 GP, 39 G, 18 A, 57 P, 10 PIM, 3 +/-
- Playoff Stats: 8 GP, 4 G, 3 A, 7 P, 17 PIM, 6 +/-
Shahan’s goal-scoring prowess was evident in the USHL. His ability to find the back of the net will be a key asset during the development camp.
Defensemen
Parker Alcos
- Position: Defenseman
- Physical Stats: 6’3″, 181 lbs
- Previous Team: Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL)
- 2023-24 Season Stats: 67 GP, 1 G, 14 A, 15 P, 29 PIM, -7 +/-
Alcos’ solid defensive play and physical presence were crucial for the Oil Kings. The camp will be an opportunity to further develop his skills and transition to professional hockey.
Joseph Arntsen
- Position: Defenseman
- Physical Stats: 6’3″, 212 lbs
- Previous Team: Lethbridge Hurricanes “C” (WHL)
- 2023-24 Season Stats: 66 GP, 6 G, 18 A, 24 P, 75 PIM, -18 +/-
- Playoff Stats: 4 GP, 0 G, 2 A, 2 P, 2 PIM, -1 +/-
Arntsen’s leadership as the captain of the Hurricanes and his physical play make him a standout prospect. Improving his plus/minus rating will be a focus during the camp.
Aiden Celebrini
- Position: Defenseman
- Physical Stats: 6’1″, 190 lbs
- Previous Team: Boston Univ. (NCAA)
- 2023-24 Season Stats: 36 GP, 1 G, 5 A, 6 P, 20 PIM, 7 +/-
Celebrini’s defensive skills and experience in the NCAA make him a promising prospect. The development camp will be crucial for his progression.
Hyde Davidson
- Position: Defenseman
- Physical Stats: 6’2″, 170 lbs
- Previous Team: Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL)
- 2023-24 Season Stats: 50 GP, 0 G, 5 A, 5 P, 15 PIM, -31 +/-
Davidson’s focus will be on improving his offensive output and plus/minus rating. His performance at camp will be essential for his development.
Jackson Dorrington
- Position: Defenseman
- Physical Stats: 6’2″, 192 lbs
- Previous Team: Northeastern Univ. (NCAA)
- 2023-24 Season Stats: 33 GP, 6 G, 6 A, 12 P, 6 PIM, 15 +/-
Dorrington’s solid two-way play in the NCAA is promising. The camp will be a chance for him to refine his skills and prepare for the professional level.
Christian Felton
- Position: Defenseman
- Physical Stats: 6’1″, 185 lbs
- Previous Team: Merrimack College (NCAA)
- 2023-24 Season Stats: 26 GP, 3 G, 4 A, 7 P, 4 PIM, -3 +/-
Felton’s experience and defensive skills will be valuable assets during the camp. Improving his plus/minus rating will be a focus.
Kirill Kudryavtsev
- Position: Defenseman
- Physical Stats: 6’0″, 201 lbs
- Previous Team: Soo Greyhounds (OHL)
- 2023-24 Season Stats: 67 GP, 5 G, 42 A, 47 P, 18 PIM, 29 +/-
- Playoff Stats: 11 GP, 1 G, 8 A, 9 P, 0 PIM, 1 +/-
Kudryavtsev’s impressive offensive output from the blue line makes him a prospect to watch. His performance at camp will be crucial for his development.
Sawyer Mynio
- Position: Defenseman
- Physical Stats: 6’1″, 181 lbs
- Previous Teams: Seattle Thunderbirds “A” (WHL), Abbotsford Canucks (AHL)
- 2023-24 Season Stats:
- WHL: 63 GP, 16 G, 39 A, 59 P, 66 PIM, 10 +/-
- AHL: 1 GP, 0 G, 0 A, 0 P, 0 PIM, 0 +/-
Mynio’s offensive capabilities and leadership experience as an alternate captain make him a valuable prospect. The camp will be an opportunity for him to showcase his skills at a higher level.
Basile Sansonnens
- Position: Defenseman
- Physical Stats: 6’4″, 198 lbs
- Previous Teams: Gottéron U20 (U20-Elit), HC Fribourg-Gottéron (NL), HCV Martigny (SL), Switzerland U18
- 2023-24 Season Stats:
- U20-Elit: 40 GP, 1 G, 2 A, 3 P, 35 PIM
- Playoff Stats: 9 GP, 1 G, 3 A, 4 P, 0 PIM
- NL: 4 GP, 0 G, 0 A, 0 P, 0 PIM
- SL: 4 GP, 0 G, 0 A, 0 P, 0 PIM, 2 +/-
- WJC-18: 5 GP, 0 G, 0 A, 0 P, 0 PIM, -4 +/-
- International-Jr: 28 GP, 1 G, 2 A, 3 P, 14 PIM
Sansonnens’ international experience and size make him a notable prospect. The camp will be crucial for his adaptation to the North American style of play.
Tom Willander
- Position: Defenseman
- Physical Stats: 6’1″, 179 lbs
- Previous Team: Boston Univ. (NCAA)
- 2023-24 Season Stats: 38 GP, 4 G, 21 A, 25 P, 12 PIM, 28 +/-
- WJC-20 Stats: 7 GP, 1 G, 2 A, 3 P, 2 PIM, 9 +/-
- International-Jr: 9 GP, 1 G, 3 A, 4 P, 2 PIM, 9 +/-
Willander’s offensive production and strong play at the World Juniors make him a standout prospect. His performance at camp will be closely watched.
Goaltenders
Aku Koskenvuo
- Physical Stats: 6’4″, 201 lbs (Catches left)
- Previous Team: Harvard Univ. (NCAA)
- 2023-24 Season Stats: 17 GP, 2.95 GAA, .910 SV%, 2 SO, 5 W, 6 L, 4 T
Koskenvuo’s size and solid performance at Harvard make him a promising goaltending prospect. The camp will be essential for his continued development.
Jonathan Lemieux
- Physical Stats: 6’1″, 194 lbs (Catches left)
- Previous Team: Kalamazoo Wings (ECHL)
- 2023-24 Season Stats: 39 GP, 2.84 GAA, .911 SV%, 2 SO, 17 W, 16 L, 3 T
Lemieux’s experience in the ECHL and consistent play make him a strong contender for a future role in the organization. His performance at camp will be crucial.
Brett Mirwald
- Physical Stats: 6’0″, 194 lbs (Catches left)
- Previous Team: Vancouver Giants (WHL)
- 2023-24 Season Stats: 55 GP, 3.10 GAA, .913 SV%, 2 SO, 29 W, 22 L, 3 T
- Playoff Stats: 5 GP, 3.65 GAA, .924 SV%, 0 SO, 1 W, 4 L, 0 T
Mirwald’s impressive save percentage and performance in high-pressure situations make him a prospect to watch. His development at camp will be key to his future success.
Ty Young
- Physical Stats: 6’3″, 183 lbs (Catches left)
- Previous Team: Prince George Cougars (WHL)
- 2023-24 Season Stats: 37 GP, 2.79 GAA, .903 SV%, 1 SO, 23 W, 11 L, 0 T
- Playoff Stats: 4 GP, 2.62 GAA, .917 SV%, 0 SO, 1 W, 2 L, 0 T
Young’s strong regular season and playoff performances highlight his potential. The development camp will be an excellent opportunity for him to continue improving.
Camp Highlights and Expectations
The development camp will feature a mix of on-ice and off-ice activities designed to enhance the players’ skills and prepare them for professional hockey. On-ice drills will focus on skating, positional play, and scrimmages, while off-ice sessions will include fitness training, nutrition workshops, and mental conditioning. These activities are crucial for the prospects to develop the necessary skills and mindset to succeed at higher levels of competition.
Coaching Staff at the Development Camp
One of the most exciting aspects of the Canucks’ 2024 development camp is the involvement of legendary alumni and experienced coaching staff. Notably, Henrik and Daniel Sedin will be in attendance, lending their extensive knowledge and experience to the young prospects. The Sedins, revered for their exceptional careers with the Canucks, bring a wealth of insights into what it takes to succeed at the NHL level. Their presence alone is a significant boost for the players, offering them a unique opportunity to learn from two of the best in the game.
In addition to the Sedins, the coaching staff includes a mix of current Canucks coaches and development specialists, all dedicated to helping these prospects reach their full potential. The comprehensive guidance these young players receive, covering everything from on-ice tactics to off-ice professionalism, is invaluable. This mentorship not only helps the prospects improve their skills but also instills a sense of what it means to be part of the Canucks organization. For fans, seeing these legends and experienced coaches shaping the future stars of the team is incredibly exciting and bodes well for the franchise’s future success
Fan Engagement and Future Outlook
The Canucks’ development camp is not just an opportunity for players to grow, but also for fans to get a glimpse of the future of the franchise. Engaging with fans and keeping them informed about the progress of these young prospects is vital for building excitement and support for the team’s future.
As the camp progresses, fans can look forward to updates and insights on standout performers and potential future stars. The Vancouver Canucks’ commitment to developing their young talent is evident, and the 2024 development camp is a crucial step in building a competitive team for the future.
Go Canucks Go!