Canucks Player Grades 2024-2025
- Kyle Welsford
- May 10
- 12 min read
Updated: 4 hours ago
Grading Scheme:
A: Exceptional, Fantastic, Great
B: Good, Solid, Quality
C: Average, Ordinary, Meh
D: Bad, Poor, unsatisfactory
Grades are based on Point Production, Usage, Value In Relation To The Cap, Overall Expectations, and How I Feel
Minimum Requirements:
10+ Games Played
End the season on the Canucks
Player grades are dropping one by one! We’ll be revealing them individually each day, so make sure to check back daily to see who’s up next and how they measured up this season. Don’t miss a single breakdown!
In order of Games Played
Arturs Silovs: C-
GP 10 GAA 3.65 SAV .861
Arturs Silovs earned a spot in the Canucks opening night lineup after turning heads with his impressive performance during the team's 2024 playoff run. Unfortunately, his debut set the tone for a difficult season. Silovs started just nine games for Vancouver, posting a 2-6-1 record with a troubling .861 save percentage. He allowed four or more goals in over half of those starts en route to a goals against average of 3.65… a rough stretch by any standard.
However, his time in the AHL told a different story. In 21 games with the Abbotsford Canucks, Silovs went 14-5-1 with a 2.41 goals-against average and a solid .908 save percentage. While not elite numbers, they were certainly a marked improvement and showcased his potential.
Playing just 31 games across both leagues isn’t ideal for a young goalie’s development, but it’s a tough reality when you’re slotted behind a frequently injured Thatcher Demko on the depth chart. Silovs is under contract for one more season at $850,000 and will be a restricted free agent in 2026, when he turns 25.
Arshdeep Bains: C-
GP 13 G 1 A 0 TP 1 +/- (-5)
Surrey’s own Arshdeep Bains scored his first NHL goal and game-winning goal at home against the Pittsburgh Penguins on October 26, 2024! Unfortunately, there wasn’t much else to celebrate in his 13-game stint with the Canucks this season. He averaged a meagre 10:30 of ice-time per night and somehow ended up a minus 5…
Bains has established himself as a reliable contributor at the AHL level, tallying an impressive 43 points (11 goals, 32 assists) in 50 games, and at only 24 years old, there's still some runway for growth. However, his transition to the NHL has been rocky, with just one goal and a minus-10 rating through 21 games, he’s yet to find his footing at the top level.
Has Bains plateaued as a fringe AHL/NHL tweener, or is there untapped potential in his game? Slated to be an RFA at the end of the season, the Canucks will need to make a decision soon.
Filip Chytil: C
GP 15 G 2 A 4 TP 6 +/- (-11)
Filip Chytil was one of the key pieces acquired in the J.T. Miller trade on January 31st, 2025. The 25-year-old center was originally drafted 21st overall by the Rangers in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft. Over his 8 seasons in New York, Chytil appeared in 378 games, tallying 164 points (75 goals, 89 assists) while averaging just over 14 minutes of ice time per game.
Chytil brings blazing speed and slick hands, making him a legitimate offensive threat when given the space. However, his defensive play had been inconsistent, and there were concerns about his durability. He has a significant concussion history, having suffered four during his time with the Rangers, making his acquisition extremely risky.
Disaster struck on March 15th, 2025. Former Canuck Jason Dickinson, late in the third period hit Chytil from behind forcing him out of the game, and the REMAINDER OF THE SEASON. Chytil was diagnosed with yet another concussion... worst case scenario... only 15 games in
The good news is that Chytil did participate in a full contract practice by the end of the season and will reportedly be at 100% at the start of next season, stating:
"It's been nice [the last] couple of days to practice with the guys, and I really enjoyed it. It's great to head to the off-season 100% ready and have a big sumer now and be for September"
Chytil has 2 more years at 4.437M AAV and should center the third line next season!
Victor Mancini: C+
GP 16 G 1 A 2 TP 3 +/- (-6)
Mancini was another key piece acquired in the J.T. Miller trade. The 22-year-old right-handed defensemen was drafted in the 5th round (159th overall) by the Rangers during the 2022 NHL entry draft. At the time of the trade, Mancini split time between the Rangers and their farm team, playing 15 games for the Rangers, scoring 5 points (1 goal, 4 assists), and playing another 23 games for the Hartford Wolfpack, scoring 10 points (3 goals, 7 assists).
Mancini also split time between Vancouver and Abbotsford playing in 16 games for the Vancouver Canucks recording 3 points (1 goal, 2 assists), and suiting up for 7 games for Abbotsford recording 3 points (1 goal, 2 assists). Mancini had both good and bad moments in his short stint for the Vancouver Canucks showing off his strength in the defensive zone and his strong skating ability in transition and in the offensive zone but also took careless penalties and was out of position on more than several occasions leading to goals against.
Standing at 6’3” with impressive skating ability, Mancini is certainly an intriguing young piece on the Canucks' blue line. He’s signed through next season at $870K and will become a restricted free agent at season’s end. If the 2025–26 season started today, Mancini would likely slot in as the third-pair, right-handed defenseman; however, with the potential arrival of Tom Willander and expected depth additions in free agency, that spot is far from locked in.
Nils Aman: C
GP 19 G 1 A 5 TP 6 +/- (-2)
Nils Aman was one of 40 skaters to suit up for the Canucks this season, appearing in 19 games. Averaging 10:29 of ice time per night, his offensive output was respectable for a fourth liner, posting 6 points in those 19 games, which projects to 26 points over a full 82-game season.
The downside? Aman doesn't kill penalties and has struggled mightily in the faceoff circle, winning just 37.2% of his draws. At this point, he doesn’t look like a reliable option at center in the NHL. However, his speed and ability to play the wing keep him in the conversation as a viable depth piece.
Aman has been a strong contributor in the AHL, recording 30 points (7 goals, 23 assists) in 36 games. The 25-year-old is under contract through next season at a cap hit of $825k and will be a restricted free agent at season’s end.
Expect him to continue serving as a solid NHL/AHL tweener going into next year. There is a reason why he only played 19 games…
Phillip Di Giuseppe: C
GP 20 G 1 A 5 TP 6 +/- (-2)
Di Giuseppe played 20 games this year??? Apparently, he did! Averaging 11:34 of ice time per night, he recorded 6 points and earned 47 seconds of shorthanded ice time per game as part of the penalty kill unit. Di Giuseppe may not move the needle, but he doesn't hurt the team either. He's a reliable, responsible player who knows his role and rarely makes costly mistakes. He also played in 22 games with the Abbotsford Canucks, putting up 9 points (4 goals, 5 assists).
Di Giuseppe is 31 years old and will be an unrestricted free agent. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Canucks let him walk in search of younger options.
Remember, folks, it’s not delivery, it’s Di Giuseppe
Di Giuseppe's stats with the Canucks:
GP: 101
G: 12
A: 16
TP: 28
+/- (-4)
Thatcher Demko: C
GP 23 GAA 2.90 SAV .889
Coming off an injury Thatcher Demko didn’t start a game until December 10th, 2024, where the main headline this season was injuries once again. He started 23 games but only finished 21 of them, getting injured during play on two separate occasions (Jan 1, 2025 @ SEA and February 2, 2025 vs TOR).
Demko’s performance on the ice was a mixed bag this season. He posted a sub .900 save percentage in 10 of his starts, but also flashed brilliance, looking like vintage Demko on several occasions. His standout moment came against Colorado, where he delivered a shutout performance and earned a standing ovation from the Rogers Arena crowd. We all know the talent is there, but it was clear that Demko was trying to adjust to his physical limitations.
The good news is that Demko will have a full offseason to recover and return to full health. Don’t be surprised if he comes back with a vengeance. With just one year remaining on his contract, he’ll have all the motivation he needs to prove he’s still among the league’s elite goaltenders. The Canucks are in a bit of a tough spot, Demko’s said he wants to stick around long-term, but with his injury history, it’s understandable if the team’s a little hesitant to hand out big money on a long-term deal. The reality is that the best ability is availability, and Demko simply cannot stay healthy.
Linus Karlsson: B-
GP 23 G 3 A 3 TP 6 +/- (+5)
Linus Karlsson had a great year. He lit it up in Abbotsford, putting up 39 points (23 goals, 16 assists) in just 32 games. His 1.22 points-per-game ranked 5th in the entire AHL (min. 10 games), and he was named Abbotsford’s MVP after becoming the franchise’s all-time leading goal scorer (70).
Karlsson suited up for 23 games with Vancouver this season, picking up 6 points (3 goals, 3 assists). While the overall numbers were modest, he found his stride down the stretch, racking up 5 points in his last 10 games. He also finished as a +5, which stands out on a team where pluses were hard to come by.
The Canucks clearly like what they see, he is progressing nicely, and he is Swedish… they signed him to a 1-year contract extension worth 775k, expiring at the end of the 2025-2026 when he will be 26 years old.
Expect him to compete for a roster spot out of training camp, solid depth!
Jonathan Lekkerimaki: C+
GP 24 G 3 A 3 TP 6 +/- (-6)
Jonathan Lekkerimaki’s first full pro season in North America came with its ups and downs. The 20-year-old who was selected 15th overall in 2022 split the year between Abbotsford and Vancouver, playing 60 games total, 36 in the AHL and 24 in the NHL. He made a strong impression early in Abbotsford, scoring 4 goals and 2 assists in his first 7 AHL games and finishing with 28 points (19 goals, 9 assists) in 36 games. His NHL-level shot stood out right away, and he made his NHL debut on November 12th, 2024, against the Calgary Flames. He scored his first NHL goal a game later against the New York Islanders on November 14th.
Unfortunately, Lekkerimäki had a tough time adjusting to the pace and physicality of the NHL. He put up just 6 points (3 goals, 3 assists) in 24 games, despite getting nearly two minutes (1:54) of power-play time per night. Expectations were high after his strong start in Abbotsford, but it quickly became clear that he was getting outmuscled at the NHL level. Too often he was bumped off pucks, lost board battles, and had trouble holding his ground in front of the net. His skill is obvious, and he showed flashes, but adding 10–15 pounds of muscle should be a major focus for him this offseason. He’ll only be 21 years old when next season rolls around, but with the way things are shaping up, the Canucks might need him to step into a top six role sooner than anyone expected...
Elias Pettersson: A-
GP 28 G 1 A 2 TP 3 +/- (-4)
Another player from the 2022 NHL Entry Draft made his debut for the Canucks this season, and Elias Pettersson is already looking like a major steal. Selected 80th overall (3rd round), Pettersson has shown immense promise. Much like his draft-mate, Jonathan Lekkerimaki, Pettersson began the season in the AHL at just 20 years old. In 38 games for the Abbotsford Canucks, he tallied 1 goal and 12 assists for 13 points. While his offensive numbers aren't eye-popping, his physicality, defensive prowess, and strong skating were enough to earn him an NHL call-up. Pettersson made his NHL debut on January 25th, 2025, against the Washington Capitals and recorded his first NHL point (assist) against Detroit on February 2nd, 2025.
Pettersson’s play did all the talking. Once he earned his call-up, he never looked back, finishing the season in the NHL without being sent down. In 28 games, he recorded 1 goal and 2 assists, but his true impact came through his physical presence. As a rookie he didn’t just hold his own, he imposed himself, showing a level of toughness and maturity rarely seen in players that young. He averaged just 13 minutes of ice time per game, but I imagine his role will expand next season and beyond.
He is found gold at 918k for the next two seasons… D-Petey is best Petey?
Max Sasson: B
GP 29 G 3 A 4 TP 7 +/- (+1)
Max Sasson was signed to a two-year, entry-level contract on March 26th, 2023, having played college hockey for the Western Michigan University Broncos. We are now in the last season of his contract, and it is clear that Sasson is further along in his development then many would have predicted.
Heading into the season, even a single NHL appearance would’ve marked a win for Sasson, but he ended up playing nearly 30 games. His offensive numbers weren’t eye-catching, with 3 goals and 4 assists for 7 points in 29 games (a 20-point pace over a full season), but his speed stood out. He’s a burner in open ice, and he used that quickness to maintain puck possession and create space for teammates. Averaging just 10:20 of ice time per game, Sasson also took regular faceoffs but finished with a modest 42.7% success rate. If that doesn’t improve, a move to the wing seems likely. Still, for a player not expected to see NHL action this soon, it was a promising step forward.
Sasson had a solid year in Abbotsford, putting up 13 goals and 19 assists for 32 points in 41 games (0.78 points per game), a slight uptick from his 0.75 pace in 2024. As a pending RFA, he’s a safe bet to be re-signed, having shown steady development over the past two seasons. Expect him to push for a roster spot out of training camp, as the Canucks would love to see him become a full-time NHL contributor.
Drew O'Connor: C
GP 31 G 4 A 5 TP 9 +/- (-2)
Drew O’Connor was acquired from the Pittsburgh Penguins on January 31st, along with Marcus Pettersson, in exchange for Danton Heinen, Vincent Desharnais (lol), Melvin Fernstrom, and the first-round pick from the J.T. Miller trade via the New York Rangers. While Pettersson was clearly the centerpiece of the deal, O’Connor, standing 6’4” and just 26 years old, brought some intrigue of his own, especially at a cap-friendly $925K AAV contract, becoming a free agent at season's end.
Coming over from Pittsburgh he played 53 games with the Penguins, scoring 16 points (6 goals, 10 assists) with a dreadful minus-14. Just four games into his Canucks stint, the team committed to him with a 2-year, $5 million extension ($2.5M AAV) on February 18, 2025. He went on to play 31 games in Vancouver, tallying 9 points (4 goals, 5 assists) while averaging 14:12 of ice time per night, not exactly the impact you'd expect after a sizable raise. O’Connor is big and fast, but he was invisible on too many nights. Scoring at a 24-point pace is not good enough, but it’s forgivable considering the $925K AAV.
Next season could be a real opportunity for O’Connor, with the Canucks’ lack of forward depth likely slotting him into a third-line role, and possibly higher if he finds his game. With a $2.5M AAV kicking in, the expectations will definitely be higher heading into 2025–26.
Marcus Pettersson: B+
GP 31 G 1 A 10 TP 11 +/- (+8)
The centerpiece of the J.T. Miller trade, Marcus Pettersson is a 29-year-old, 6’5” left-handed defenseman with over 500 NHL games played under his belt. Coming over from Pittsburgh, Pettersson appeared in 47 games, tallying 18 points (3 goals, 15 assists) with a minus-2 rating. The Canucks clearly had a plan in place, signing him to a six-year, $33 million contract extension ($5.5 million AAV) after just two games with the team.
In 31 games with the Canucks, Pettersson averaged 21:09 of ice time, contributing 11 points (1 goal, 10 assists) and posting a solid plus-8 rating. He quickly established himself as a key part of the penalty kill, logging 2:23 per game shorthanded. His length and positioning allowed him to shut down plays off the rush and steer attackers away from dangerous areas. Beyond his defensive strengths, Pettersson is an underrated passer, capable of clean zone exits and flashing some sneaky vision in the offensive zone to create high-danger chances. His mobility is also impressive, offering smooth skating that adds an extra layer of reliability to his all-around game.
The six-year extension carries Pettersson through his age-35 season, and with a $5.5 million AAV, it could prove to be a steal, especially as the salary cap continues to rise. He’s expected to anchor the second defensive pairing next season, logging over 20 minutes per game, playing a key role on the penalty kill, and contributing to what is shaping up to be one of the strongest blue lines in the league.
Aatu Raty: B
GP 33 G 7 A 14 TP 11 +/- (-1)
Aatu Raty took a significant step forward this season, earning a spot on the Canucks’ opening night roster as a 21-year-old. He set career highs across the board, appearing in 33 games tallying 7 goals and 4 assists for 11 points. He was also excellent in the faceoff circle, winning 57.7% of his draws! Raty’s play trended upward as the season progressed, posting 6 points over his final 10 games while averaging nearly 13 minutes of ice time per night. It was an encouraging sign of his growing comfort and potential at the NHL level.
Räty also had a strong season in Abbotsford, recording 17 goals and 23 assists for 40 points in 43 games (0.93 points per game). It’s clear he’s on the cusp of becoming a full-time NHL player. With a bottom-six center spot up for grabs next season, the opportunity is there, and it would be great to see him take it and run.
It’s worth noting that Räty will be a pending RFA once Abbotsford’s season wraps up. The Canucks will have an interesting decision to make. Do they make a long-term bet with a higher AAV, or opt for a short-term 'prove-it' deal to see how he continues to develop?
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