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An improved skating stride could allow Raty to stick in The Show, especially not being waiver exempt and likely being lost on a claim if reassigned to the AHL
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Published Sep 16, 2025 • Last updated 9 hours ago • 4 minute read
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Aatu Räty celebrates a goal against the New York Islanders in March. Photo by Bruce Bennett /Getty ImagesArticle content
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And when preparation meets opportunity, goals are within reach, especially for Vancouver Canucks prospect centre Aatu Räty.
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His ongoing quest to solidify a roster spot is augmented by a solid 2024-25 season split between the NHL and AHL, dominance in the faceoff circle, and feisty nature on the forecheck as an unflappable 22-year-old Finn.
The Canucks went searching in the off-season to add a support centre after trading J.T. Miller to the New York Rangers and Pius Suter joining the St. Louis Blues in free agency. They chased Marco Rossi, who re-signed with the Minnesota Wild, kicked the tires on unrestricted free agent Jack Roslovic, and didn’t have the assets to take a serious run at trying to pry Mason McTavish from the Anaheim Ducks.
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It has left the Canucks with Elias Pettersson, Filip Chytil, Teddy Blueger and Räty to man the middle. They could still add a pivot, but for now, this is how it could play out. And for the 6-foot-2, 190-pound Räty, it could be his ticket to getting a leg up being a roster mainstay.
His 40 points (17-23) in 43 games with the Calder Cup champions in Abbotsford, and 11 points (7-4) in 33 NHL games, included owning the faceoff circle. He had a 57.4 efficiency rate in the NHL — second only to Miller, who went 58.6 per cent before being traded — which bodes well for Räty to take defensive-zone draws at even strength and the penalty kill as a third- or fourth-liner.
However, an improved skating stride could really allow Räty to stick in The Show this season, especially not being waiver exempt and likely being lost on a claim if reassigned to the AHL.
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Vancouver Canucks centre Aatu Räty pushes off Ducks forward Olen Zellweger on Nov. 5, 2024 at Anaheim, Calif. Photo by Sean M. Haffey /Getty Images
“Guys are good skaters in relation to their body weight, and for me, it’s getting stronger, and I’ve really worked on my technique,” Räty said Tuesday following a UBC skate. “Once you do that, you can really use your strength and engage in every drill and have a lot of explosiveness in those first few steps.
“I had some trouble when I was younger with having a skating coach who had 20 players. I could never get enough feedback. I needed to focus on a couple of things and make sure they got better. That’s why I can say my skating has honestly got better.”
Räty has never lacked confidence, but it’s higher now because of a solid season, healing a nagging quad injury that limited him to six AHL playoff games, and simply maturing.
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“It’s not something you really think about in how I’m going to grow, you just go about it every day,” added Räty. “And even then, it might be hard to see, because you’re just chipping away at small pieces. But it was a good year. I learned a lot and got better, and I feel really comfortable coming into this camp.”
A year ago, Räty served pre-season notice to show that his game was on the rise.
He won 14 of 18 faceoffs against the Seattle Kraken in a Sept. 24 pre-season test, and three nights later in Calgary, looked like a wily veteran by finishing off a third-period scoring chance with a deft toe drag in the slot and picking the top corner.
“I just want to have the same mindset as last camp,” stressed Räty. “Wanting to prove a lot, but not thinking about it when you go to make a pass. You want to put pressure on yourself, but it’s going through your routine every day. I don’t put too much thought into it because I’ve put the work in. I’ve done the process, now it’s time to go and show it.
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“In that regard, I’m not nervous at all. I know I’ve done every step right and am as ready as I can be for my age. So many players are good enough to play in the NHL, but aren’t here. I definitely think the games I played last year showed I’m good enough. A year older, a year better. I’m ready for it.”
Blueger saw enough of Räty last season to be suitably impressed.
“He very good in the faceoff circle for being younger. He’s good defensively at protecting the puck around the net and getting to rebounds and deflections,” Blueger said Tuesday. “And he brings a certain element of grit to his game and has good character.”
And maybe a new penalty kill partner for Blueger to replace Suter.
“We’ll see how that plays out,” he said. “We left off on a pretty good note last year (third overall at 82.6 per cent efficiency) and this year will be a different challenge. We’ll see what kind of adjustments we have to make. Power plays will make adjustments.
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“Every team has world-class guys who will make you pay for any tiny mistake. It will be interesting.”
Centre Aatu Räty gets instruction from assistant coach Adam Foote during Canucks practice in 2024. Photo by Arlen Redekop /PNG
Canucks head coach Adam Foote ran the defence and PK last season, and Blueger believes his level of preparation and communication will be a major benefit to running his first NHL bench.
“Obviously, a really good guy and he’s willing to listen on the PK with what we’re trying to do,” added Blueger. “He’s very respective to feedback, which is very helpful. Guys are comfortable going up to him and clarifying and not feeling like they’re walking on eggshells and that you might piss him off.
“He has a good attitude, but he’s going to be hard on us, and rightfully so. He has high expectations and has done it all. Guys have a lot of respect for that.”
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