Vancouver Canucks: The new recruits

Shaylene Tielmann

June 30 to July 2, 2026  the Vancouver Canucks prospects made their way to Rogers Forum to take part in their development camp. The camp was made up of 25 players, consisting of 17 forwards, 5 defensemen and 3 goalies. 

Throughout the 3 day camp, prospects had the opportunity to develop their skills with future coaches, meet multiple staff members and interact with Vancouver media. They also got to show off their skills in a 3-on-3 Round Robin tournament to finish off the camp. 

Returning Players

There were a number of returning faces to development camp, such as; Aiden Celebrini, Braeden Cootes, Riley Patterson, Aleksei Medvedev, and Wilson Björk to name a few. These camp veterans brought their knowledge to the rink and a sense of leadership and guidance to new players. 

This was Celebrini’s fourth development camp and joked about feeling like a “true dev camp veteran”. He’s heading back for his final year in the NCAA before he makes the official transition into the professional world of hockey. When asked about what he wanted to focus on this year he stated, “I’m just trying to be more consistent”. Also noting he “had kind of a roller coaster, a few years at college and a lot of adversity”. With all of that said he also wants to focus on the mental side of the game stating, “I think it starts with being a student of the game and loving every part of the process…I think staying level headed, not getting too high, not getting too low”. This was seen throughout his time at camp as he took in each drill and connected with coaches and players. 

Cootes made his return to development camp for year two. He was playing with a lot more confidence and you could see that he had something to prove in how he executed each drill and how he played in the 3-on-3. When asked what his focus was this year for camp he stated, “Talk to the development guys, have fun, meet new guys. Have fun, soak it all in”. When asked what it was like to be one of the ‘older’ guys he stated, “Being a second year, you’re a lot more comfortable here, knowing everyone and obviously getting to know all the staff and stuff, it’s a lot easier this year than coming straight from the draft and a million things are going through your head”. There was definitely a sense of comfortability in his playing style this time around. 

The veterans definitely held their own on the ice and it was good to see how their time in different leagues impacted their skills and development from the previous year. 

New Recruits

A number of new faces appeared such as the 2026 draft picks; Caleb Malhotra, Adam Novotný, Brooks Rogowski, Niklas Aaram-Olsen, Lucian Bernat, Connor Davis, and Samuel Eriksson. 

For Abbotsford fans Bennett Schimek and Austin Brimmer, two late recruits to the roster last season got an invite to development camp as well. 

Novotný was noticeable throughout camp. His positive attitude and constant smiles did not go unnoticed. Coach Mikael Samuelsson stated, “he’s skating around with a smile on…you can’t forget about that. He seems to enjoy it and seems to love what he does, and that’s a good start”. Novotný was also aware of how special this experience is stating, “I’m enjoying every moment, because I know not every guy can experience this and I’m excited to be here, and it's so much fun when it comes to achieving your goal”. This joy translated to how he went into each day of camp and how he held himself throughout each drill. 

Malhotra had all eyes on him throughout camp as the third overall draft pick for 2026. When asked about his take away from this past week he stated, “I think kind of the expectations they expect not just on the ice, but kind of how they expect you to carry yourself and treat your body at the next level. I learned a lot of things…” The week was a whirlwind for him and taking everything in has been important. Malhotra plans to head to the NCAA this coming season to continue his development and skills, before making his way to the professional level. 

Standouts

Throughout development camp everyone was there to develop their skills and prove they have what it takes to crack the Canucks roster, whether it’s with the big club right away or working their way up. However, there were a handful of players that were constant standouts throughout the week. 

Adam Novotný, Samuel Eriksson, Brooks Rogowski, Niklas Aaram-Olsen all 2026 draft picks stood out throughout the entirety of camp. Each one playing with something to prove, but also taking the time to absorb lessons and take in what the coaches were saying. Novotný and Aaram-Olsen really stood out during the 3-on-3 with their precise shots and their ability to read plays. 

Though Rogowski was unable to participate in the last day of camp due to prior family engagements he stood out in many of the drills. Measuring in at 6 '7 and ¼ his height could be seen as a detriment, but his speed and agility on ice proves that he knows how to take control. He was eager to learn and develop in every area, challenging himself constantly. 

Others who stood out were Braeden Cootes, Bennett Schimek, Aleksei Medvedev and Aiden Celebrini. 

Cootes was playing with his heart and you could see the shift in his game play. Throughout the 3-on-3 he was driving the puck to the net, looking for opportunities and setting up plays. He also looked for rebounds and tried to capitalize off those as well. 

Schimek had a similar playing style to Cootes, looking for the open spaces, reading plays and driving the puck to the net. He was able to garner a couple of points throughout the 3-on-3 as well. 

Celebrini, though a defensemen, set up a number of plays and did his best to defend in front of the net. He looked comfortable on the ice and could be seen setting up plays and reading the other teams plays as well.

Medvedev was the only signed goalie to be at camp this year. His movements and comfortability in the crease were noticeable. His movements were clean and when working with the coaches there was an eagerness to get the drills as clean as possible. Throughout the 3-on-3 there was a calmness in how he defended the goal. 

The players at this development camp learned how to work together and were constantly interacting and building relationships. There was a genuine understanding that this was a camp to develop their skills not compete to be the best. Everyone was there to learn and absorb as much as they could in the few short days they had. The future is looking bright for the Vancouver Canucks.