The Vancouver Canucks' development camp, running from Tuesday to Thursday at Rogers Forum in Abbotsford, places a premium on learning and composure for newcomers, especially those selected in the NHL draft over the weekend.
"Just come in and be a sponge," said Todd Harvey, Canucks director of amateur scouting. "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."
The camp arrives with heightened buzz after the Canucks received widespread praise for their draft haul, addressing rebuild needs with size, skill, speed, and snarl.
Top Prospect Caleb Malhotra Headlines Camp
All eyes will be on third-overall selection Caleb Malhotra, a centre from the Brantford Bulldogs who posted 84 points (28 goals, 55 assists) in 67 OHL regular-season games and elevated his play in the playoffs with 26 points (13 goals, 13 assists) in 15 games. He projects as a two-way NHL centre with high hockey IQ, defensive diligence, and a growing offensive game built on deceptive playmaking.
"We're here to support you and our guys do a good job with that," Harvey added, emphasizing the camp's developmental focus.
Development Lessons from Past Drafts
Canucks player development coach Mikael Samuelsson previously offered relevant advice to Jonathan Lekkerimaki, the 15th overall pick in 2022 who has nine points (5 goals, 4 assists) in 37 NHL games and is rehabbing from February shoulder surgery. "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."
Samuelsson's approach underscores that there is no straight-line ascension to NHL roster regular; this camp is only the start of a long journey.
Five Players to Watch at Development Camp
Braeden Cootes, C, 6-foot, 183 lbs.
The 15th overall pick in 2025 continued his dominant presence with 63 points (24 goals, 39 assists) in 45 WHL games for Prince Albert, adding 23 points in 20 playoff games to power the Raiders to the WHL final. He played three regular-season NHL games this season and will push for a roster spot next fall.
Caleb Malhotra, C, 6-foot-2, 182 lbs.
Malhotra's 84 points in 67 OHL games and 26 points in 15 playoff games boosted his draft stock. He projects as a two-way NHL centre with high hockey IQ, defensive diligence, and growing offensive game with deceptive playmaking.
Adam Novotny, LW, 6-foot-1, 205 lbs.
Selected 24th overall in the 2026 draft from Peterborough, Novotny tallied 65 points (34 goals, 31 assists) in 55 OHL games. He is physically mature with a powerful, accurate shot, strong zone progressions, effective forechecking, and heavy wall work.
Brooks Rogowski, C, 6-foot-7, 235 lbs.
Rogowski, from Oshawa, produced 42 points (15 goals, 27 assists) in 46 OHL games as a rookie. His imposing size addresses the club's need for an impactful pivot with underrated puck touch, projecting as a reliable third-liner.
Riley Patterson, C, 6-foot, 194 lbs.
A fourth-round pick in 2024 from Niagara, Patterson made a major production leap with 84 points (40 goals, 44 assists) in 2025-26 after previously playing in Barrie. He signed an entry-level contract last September.
Camp Schedule
Tuesday sessions: 10:45 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. Wednesday: 11:45 a.m. and 12:45 p.m. Thursday: 10:45 a.m. followed by a 3-on-3 tournament at 11:45 a.m. All sessions at Rogers Forum in Abbotsford.
bkuzma@postmedia.com
