The 2025 NHL Entry Draft was held on June 27th, with the Vancouver Canucks holding one pick in each round. Aside from a particular trade, the Canucks will select 15th overall in the first round, and there are already multiple recommendations for potential picks. In prepping for this draft, it’s insightful to review the Canucks’ draft history from the past five years and the destinies of their selections. Last week covered the 2021 draft, and now it’s time to examine the 2022 NHL Draft.
The 2022 NHL Draft was a favorable one for the Canucks, producing three players who debuted in the NHL this season and one playing with the Abbotsford Canucks. Vancouver’s first-round pick in 2022 was their first since 2019, though they lacked a second-round pick that year due to a trade with the Arizona Coyotes involving Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Conor Garland, which brought Vancouver a first-round pick in 2021. The Canucks drafted Jonathan Lekkerimäki, Elias Pettersson (defense), Dimon Gardner, Ty Young, Jackson Dorington, and Kirill Kudryavstev.
Jonathan Lekkerimäki, chosen 15th overall, quickly became the Canucks’ top prospect known for his offensive skills and powerful shot, demonstrated by seven goals in seven games at the 2024 World Junior Championship where he was named MVP. Post-draft, he played in Sweden’s SHL before joining Abbotsford for playoffs and making his NHL debut in November 2024, scoring his first NHL goal and tallying 19 goals and nine assists in 36 AHL games.
Elias Pettersson, picked 80th overall, initially gained attention due to his name but has since proven his talent. After playing in World Junior championships and games in Sweden’s Västerås IK, Pettersson made his NHL debut in January 2025 and is expected to start the 2025-26 season in the NHL.
Dimon Gardner, a fourth-round pick at 112th overall, played in the USHL and then NCAA hockey, splitting time between Clarkson University and St. Cloud State. He has not yet signed with Vancouver.
Goaltender Ty Young, Vancouver’s fifth pick, developed in the AJHL and WHL before signing an entry-level contract with the Canucks in 2023. He split the 2024-25 season between Abbotsford and the ECHL’s Kalamazoo Wings, improving his stats notably.
Defenseman Jackson Dorington, selected 176th overall, spent three NCAA seasons at Northeastern University before being traded to Vancouver in the JT Miller deal. He played some AHL games with the Hartford Wolf Pack and is continuing development in the AHL.
Finally, Kirill Kudryavstev, a late pick at 208th overall, is considered a major draft steal. After three seasons with the OHL’s Soo Greyhounds, he signed an entry-level contract and joined Abbotsford in 2024-25. His consistent play earned him his first NHL call-up, debuting in April 2025.
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Fan Take: This detailed look back at Vancouver’s 2022 draft highlights how critical strong scouting and development are for building a competitive NHL team. For hockey fans, watching these young players evolve from prospects to NHL contributors reflects the exciting future of the Canucks and the sport overall.
