The Vancouver Canucks are in a unique position as they aim to compete for the Stanley Cup while also boasting a strong group of prospects. With the AHL Abbotsford team gearing up for their home opener, the Canucks’ prospect rankings have shifted, with Aatu Räty now leading the pack, surpassing Jonathan Lekkerimäki as the team’s top prospect, according to *The Province*.
Räty earned this top spot after an impressive training camp, which saw him remain with the NHL squad at the start of the season. However, he was recently sent back to the AHL, making him eligible for the prospect rankings. Prior to this, Räty was ineligible due to his time with the main roster. *The Province*’s Steve Ewen believes both Räty and Lekkerimäki will likely move between the NHL and AHL throughout the season, competing for the top prospect title.
While Räty has yet to register a point with Abbotsford following his demotion, he did record an assist in three games with the Canucks earlier this season. Lekkerimäki, on the other hand, has yet to debut this season due to illness but is expected to return for Abbotsford’s home opener.
In addition to Räty and Lekkerimäki, three defensemen—Tom Willander, Elias Pettersson, and Kirill Kudryavtsev—round out the top five prospects in the Canucks’ system.
Räty and Lekkerimäki are expected to be offensive leaders for Abbotsford this season, with either one potentially earning a full-time spot with the NHL Canucks by season’s end. Their performance in the AHL and potential call-ups to the NHL will determine their rankings as the season progresses.
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