How acquired: Selected with No. 15 pick in 2025 NHL Draft
2024-25 season: Seattle (WHL): 60 GP; 26-37-63
Cootes (5-11, 183) stood out at Vancouver’s development camp for both his diverse skill set and work ethic before the Canucks signed him to a three-year entry level contract on July 9.
While some draft analysts have wondered if his scoring ceiling is as high as other players picked after him, the Canucks believe in the 18-year-old right-shot center’s character, leadership, and already mature, well-rounded two-way game.
“He’s a great kid, leadership qualities, he skates well, he drives play hard, he goes to the inside,” director of amateur scouting Todd Harvey said. “He’s got the skill to put the puck in and make plays. … He’s a 200-foot player and a real, real good person.”
Projected NHL arrival: 2027-28
How acquired: Selected with No. 47 pick in 2025 NHL Draft
2024-25 season: London (OHL): 34 GP; 22-8-2; 2.79 goals-against average, .912 save percentage, three shutouts
Medvedev was the fourth goalie selected in the 2025 NHL Draft, and the Canucks already have two recently drafted goalies ahead of him on their professional depth chart, but they also believe the athletic 17-year-old could quickly rise to the top of both lists.
Medvedev (6-3, 180) was 22-8-2 in 34 games as the youngest goalie in the OHL last season while backing up Austin Elliott for Memorial Cup champion London, but the movements of the Russian-born goalie led to loftier comparisons at development camp.
“A little bit like (Tampa Bay Lightning goalie Andrei) Vasilevskiy in how he can grab his edges and push,” Canucks goaltending coach Marko Torenius said.
There’s still a long way to go in a position that can take longer to develop, but the Canucks, who signed Medvedev to a three-year contract on July 10, believe in the upside.
Projected NHL arrival: 2028-29
How acquired: Selected with No. 80 pick in 2022 NHL Draft
2024-25 season: Vancouver (NHL): 28 GP; 1-2-3; Abbotsford (AHL): 38 GP, 1-12-13
The 21-year-old exceeded expectations in his first full season in North America, impressing with his physical play during a late season callup to the Canucks. Projected as a shutdown defenseman, Pettersson (6-2, 185) adjusted quickly to a faster pace, higher intensity and smaller rinks, giving him a chance to play in the NHL again this season.
“He’s fast-forwarded his development, and I think part of what allowed him to do that is character,” Allvin said.
Projected NHL arrival: This season