Canucks: Five players worth watching at Abbotsford development camp
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Drafting is done, further evaluation awaits, but the onus is ensuring eyes and ears are open.
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When the Vancouver Canucks conduct their development camp at Rogers Forum in Abbotsford from Tuesday to Thursday, the emphasis will be on learning and not being overwhelmed by the moment — especially newbies acquired in the NHL draft on Friday and Saturday.
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“Just come in and be a sponge,” suggested Canucks director of amateur scouting Todd Harvey. “That’s the biggest thing. Come here and just open your ears, listen, and take all the information you can.
“We’re here to support you and our guys do a good job with that.”
There’s a buzz about this camp. The Canucks were widely lauded for what they accomplished at the draft to address roster rebuild requirements of size, skill, speed and some snarl.
It’s an opportunity to see what separates first-round picks from the pack. The best play like they practise, and all eyes will be on how third-overall selection Caleb Malhotra goes about his craft after a stellar OHL season to become a prize pivot in the draft.
The work to improve never ends to prove their worth. Canucks player development coach Mikael Samuelsson was the perfect pitch-man to reach Jonathan Lekkerimaki on a different level.
Three years ago at development camp, he offered sage advice that remains relevant. Lekkerimaki is rehabbing from February surgery to correct a torn shoulder labrum and rotator-cuff ailment. He has but nine points (5-4) in 37 NHL games after being selected 15th overall in 2022.
This is what Samuelsson said to Lekkerimaki: “First of all, you’re talented to get here and we need to improve your game,” Samuelsson told Postmedia. “The way I work, I’m never satisfied. There’s always room for improvement and it could be a little frustrating.
“First of all. I’m very honest. And that’s the good thing about player development. He has a great shot and I saw a lot of things, but I also saw a young boy.”
There’s no straight-line ascension to NHL roster regular. This camp is only the start of a long journey.
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Here are five players to watch:
Braeden Cootes, C, 6-foot, 183 lbs., Seattle, Prince Albert (WHL), GP:45, G:24, A:39, PTS: 63
The 15th overall pick in 2025 draft took another step in his complete and dominant presence. Added 23 points (7-16) in 20 games to power the Raiders to a WHL final. Got a taste of NHL with three regular-season games this season, and will push for a roster spot next fall.
Caleb Malhotra, C, 6-foot-2, 182 lbs., Brantford (OHL), GP:67, G:28, A:55, PTS: 84
Good in regular season, great in playoffs with 26 points (13-13) in 15 games to boost draft stock. Projects as two-way NHL centre because of high hockey I.Q., defensive diligence, and growing offensive game with deceptive and dynamic playmaking.
Adam Novotny, LW, 6-foot-1, 205 lbs., Peterborough (OHL), GP: 55, G:34, A:31, PTS: 65
Physically mature with a motor that runs as hot as his shot, which packs velocity and accuracy. Good zone progressions ensure he is ready to handle on the forecheck and is able to strip pucks. He’s also good with heavy wall work and gets to the net with authority.
Brooks Rogowski, C, 6-foot-7, 235 lbs., Oshawa (OHL), GP: 46, G:15, A:27, PTS: 42
Won’t be hard to spot. Strong rookie season and answers club need for an imposing pivot with underrated touch with puck. Could easily blossom into a reliable third-liner who’s responsible, leads by example, and help carry the club’s culture.
Riley Patterson, C, 6-foot, 194 lbs., Niagara (OHL), G:40, A:44, PTS:84
Major production leap for fourth-round pick in 2024, who previously played in Barrie. Signed entry-level deal last September.
OVERTIME — Tuesday sessions go at 10:45 and 11:45 a.m., Wednesday at 11:45 and 12:45 p.m., Thursday at 10:45 a.m. followed by a 3-on-3 tournament at 11:45 a.m.
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