Vancouver Canucks Prospect Has Earned His Spot, But Will New Head Coach Adam Foote Trust Him?

Vancouver Canucks forward Aatu Raty.

Photo credit: Bob Frid – USA TODAY Sports

A Vancouver Canucks’ forward prospect is hoping to land a spot on the team’s opening night roster in early October after a strong season down in the AHL.

There are still plenty of question marks when it comes to Vancouver’s roster heading into the season and there will be a number of players vying for rosters spots in training camp in September, including Finnish forward Aatu Raty.

Vancouver Canucks’ Aatu Raty hoping to land opening night roster spot

Vancouver Canucks General Manager Patrik Allvin has done a pretty solid job this summer trying to build a roster that can compete for a spot in the Stanley Cup Playoffs next spring, and one report suggests that they’re not done adding yet.The Canucks have had their eye on adding a centerman to the fold at some point this summer, with the the club in talks with Jack Roslovic’s camp, however if they’re unable land some help down the middle, Patrik Allvin and Adam Foote will have to turn their attention to internal options and there are a handful of worthy candidates.

During a recent interview with The Province, Aatu Raty opened up about his progression as a player in the Vancouver Canucks organization and is hoping that he can begin the 2025-26 season with the big club in the National Hockey League.

“Three years ago, I played 15 NHL games (12 with the New York Islanders and three with Canucks) and thought I belonged. My skating is better and I’ll keeping working at it and the stick battles.” Raty said to Ben Kuzma of The Province.

He added, “Being in the lineup is something I never take for granted. You always want to be the player who is playing, if you have the lead, or trying to get a goal at the end.”

Patrik Allvin was full of praise for the young Finn, saying that it was a big year for him development-wise and the club believes he’ll be able to push for an opening night roster spot this fall.

“Aatu had a strong year in Abbotsford and showed some promise when called up. It was another good step in his development as he continues to learn and grow as a pro. We expect him to compete for a job in Vancouver.” Allvin said.

Raty, 22, is coming off his second straight season in the American Hockey League with 15+ goals and at least 40 points, while also playing quite well away from the puck and in the faceoff dot too.

Given what he’s been able to do for Abbotsford in the last couple of years, there’s a pretty good chance he’ll end up on Vancouver’s opening night roster, however if he doesn’t, the Oulu native will need to be placed on waivers, and the odds of him clearing and going down to the AHL are quite slim.