Aatu Raty and Arshdeep Bains continue to do all the right things on, off the ice to push for a Canucks roster spot
Drafting and developing are key elements for any NHL franchise to reach and sustain a competitive level. And so is striking while the iron is hot.
Adding free agents Jake DeBrusk, Danton Heinen, Daniel Sprong and Kiefer Sherwood addressed departures, but more importantly, it has made for a better array of versatile forwards to provide pace, production and prop up special teams.
That’s great. However, where does this leave those who have impressed and could be on the cusp of making the opening-night roster?
You can always make an argument that there has to be a reward system. If a prime prospect has done the work, improved his game to a great degree, and doesn’t look out of place in the heat of battle, why not build his game here — even as the extra forward? Other prospects notice that kind of stuff.
Practising at this level is paramount to growth, but so is ample playing time with the AHL affiliate in Abbotsford.
“There’s a lot of potential, and that could be a damn good line. But they have to make sure they play inside and come up with loose pucks.”
After those alignments, it gets interesting.
Raty is a left shot but uses a stick trick on the right side by turning his right hand over to win draws on the backhand.
“We have some decisions to make,” said Tocchet. “There’s (Phil) Di Giuseppe clearing waivers, which I’m selfishly happy about, and he’s still in the mix. But it’s a good thing that we have these tough decisions, it means we have depth.”
Raty was the last player off the practice ice Wednesday, and his zest to put in extra time to hone his craft has resonated with Tocchet. He is coming off a solid AHL season with 52 points (18-34) in 72 games with Abbotsford and believes he’s ready to take the next career step.
“I’ve had a great camp with good details and good linemates who I matchup well with,” said Raty. “I’m ready for this. Two years ago, I played 15 NHL games (12 with the Islanders and three with the Canucks) and thought I belonged. My skating is better and I’ll keeping working at it and stick battles. Just getting more comfortable in the North American game.”
As for Bains, his improvement after playing eight NHL games here last season has helped move the meter.
“I wanted to come in and be more mature and build off what I learned,” he said. “The coaches are happy with what they’ve seen and I’m excited to see what I can do. It’s the speed, and there were some things I had to figure out and it’s going to help me now.”
Here’s a look at who has overwhelmed and underwhelmed during camp and the pre-season:
OVERWHELMED
Aatu Raty
Scouting report: Tocchet admitted the Finnish centre looks like a different player this year, goes hard on every drill, and Tocchet likes that attitude. Raty won 14 of 18 faceoffs against the Seattle Kraken on Sept. 24, and on Saturday in Calgary, he looked like a wily veteran by the manner in which the 6-foot-2, 190-pound pivot finished off a third-period scoring chance with a deft toe drag in the slot and picked the top corner.
Tocchet’s take: “You look to see if it can be sustainable, and there are a couple of coverage things that weren’t mistakes, but stuff he has to learn whether it’s here or in Abbotsford. He’s making it a hard decision. Two years ago, there weren’t a lot of hard decisions to make, but you have to credit the management of Jim (Rutherford), Patrik (Allvin) and R.J. (Ryan Johnson) for creating more depth. You always have to be strong at centre and defence.”
Arshdeep Bains
The scouting report: Didn’t look out of place last NHL season. Now, he looks stronger, is harder on the forecheck and puck battles. On Monday in Edmonton, Bains looked like he belonged with strong play and a fine finish. Bains read the play on the Canucks’ first power play and picked his spot. Sprong found Sherwood down low beside and he spotted Bains, who roofed a quick shot. Even with Di Giuseppe clearing waivers, Bains might still earn a spot.
Tocchet’s take: “He’s getting stronger and I’ve liked his last two games. Can he keep that level because we have guys pushing? It’s winning battles and no turnovers and if you get a chance to score — his power-play goal was helluva goal — and just things like that. It’s the next level for him. To me, he’s an energy guy with quickness and puck skills to win battles, and he could be a very good guy for us in that category.”
Jonathan Lekkerimaki
Scouting report: Improved fitness, lethal one-time shot release, and confidence have taken his game to another level. Lekkerimaki told Postmedia the transition to the North American ice late last season with six games in Abbotsford was “not a big deal” after a strong Swedish elite league season with 19 goals in 46 games. “I’m getting more comfortable with the higher pace and smarter players, and you just have to be aware.”
Tocchet’s take: “Just a sneaky guy and has a great shot. He’s a talented kid, and in the organization, you’re looking for those kind of guys. A game changer. He’s knocking at the door and he’s got a good coach in Abbotsford in Manny (Malhotra). He can play a little inside more and he’s got to win more 50-50 pucks. That’s the next level. But who knows, he might be back in 30 days. We have to make sure he gets the proper development.”
UNDERWHELMED
Nils Aman
Scouting report: The big Swedish centre relies on size to gain position, but isn’t a banger. Skates well and makes smart decisions, but there are a lot of potential fourth-line players in the organization who bring more to the table. He was on left wing at practice Wednesday and alternated with Bains. Aman, 24, has two years left on his two-way deal.
Tocchet’s take: “He’s a good penalty killer and played well in Edmonton. He’s the same as everybody else, he has to string some games together. You can’t have a good one and then kind of fall off. That’s the hard part of the NHL. Being a regular is about sustainability, and it’s hard. We know what he is and he wants to improve.”
Linus Karlsson
Scouting report. Another Swede with size, skill and will that only translated into four NHL games last season. The right-winger had a breakout AHL campaign in 2023-24 with 60 points (23-37) in 60 games. Canucks are deep on right side, and Karlsson is on an expiring contract. He was sent to Abbotsford on Tuesday.
Tocchet’s take: “He’s sticky. A first call-up guy and he could have easily stayed and he was fighting for job, but then there’s the righty, lefty (shot) thing and a lot of factors to that. He’s close, but again it’s the same thing, can he sustain it?”