Only ten skaters are returning from last year’s tournament, while all three goaltenders remain the same.

While Young Stars may be nothing more than a weekend tournament, there is always something to play for. Whether it’s looking to establish their star-studded reputation, get the upper hand as they vie for pro spots, or make a good first impression as a fresh face, these young prospects will be looking to showcase their stuff as they head into training camp.

Here’s a look at some standout prospects and what we can expect from them in Penticton.

Must-watch debuts: Jonathan Lekkerimäki and Elias Pettersson

Jonathan Lekkerimäki is set to steal the show in Penticton. After two years of post-draft development overseas, the Canucks’ 2022 first-round pick will finally make his highly anticipated showcase/training camp debut. For many Canucks fans, this will be the first chance to see Lekkerimäki and his patented release up close.

As the undisputed top prospect in Vancouver’s system, expectations for him to perform are high. While this may be just another prospects’ tournament, Lekkerimäki’s pedigree as an MVP-worthy SHL player suggests we should see flashes of his immense potential. That doesn’t necessarily mean he has to score six goals, but at the very least, he should be a standout player in each match.

The event serves as a prelude to his first official training camp and an important preseason with the organization. While the consensus has him playing in Abbotsford, a standout showing could open a pathway to crack Vancouver’s top nine in October. That begins with a dominant performance at Young Stars.

While he’s not quite as star-studded as Lekkerimäki, Elias Pettersson will have eyes gravitating his way. Like his fellow countryman, EP26 has spent his entire post-draft career overseas (Sweden) and will also make his fall debut in North America following a short AHL stint late last season.

He may not “woah” you from the stands with a booming snapshot, but he can bring a crowd to his feet with an incredible nose for the physical game.

Although he isn’t expected to make an immediate impact in Vancouver, Pettersson has developed into an important piece to this Canucks’ future puzzle. Although we expect him to spend the 2024-25 season developing on the farm, he may be pushing up as early as next season.

The watchlist: Prospects worth keeping an eye on

Expectations will be high for Aätu Raty, who we hope to see take a huge step at this event and in the 2024-25 campaign. As a first-round talent, top-five organizational prospect, and a critical piece to the Bo Horvat trade, hopes are high for him to “hit.”

He showed flashes of his high-end talent last season, but ultimately struggled with consistency. Still just 21, this could be a pivotal year for him to solidify his standing within the organization and push for his first call-up opportunity – but it starts this weekend.

Danila Klimovich enters this season with a lot on the line. The 22-year-old winger had a challenging 2023-24 campaign, struggling to maintain his spot in the lineup and deliver substance to his game. His aggressive forechecking and goal-scoring ability have shown up in spurts throughout his young career, but he’ll need to bring that intensity and production consistently.

This year feels like a make-or-break opportunity for him, but the hope is that the addition of Manny Malhotra can create a spark from up under him to reestablish both ice time and production.

Vilmer Alriksson and Sawyer Mynio round out our watchlist.

Alriksson has made solid strides in his development, adding size – now 237 lbs – and refining his skating and overall game. With no preseason video from Guelph showing how his game has developed throughout the summer, this showcase will be an excellent gauge of his progress. We liked what we saw at Development Camp, so we expect him to show well during the weekend.

Since his draft selection in the summer of 2023, Mynio has continued to impress and progress. He’s coming off an explosive season on the Seattle Thunderbird backend and is expected to take on an even larger role in the coming year.

Considered a sleeper candidate for Canada’s World Junior team, his performance in Penticton will be his first live event to show that he’s more than just another third-round selection.

The experienced contingent: Veterans looking to make an impact

While the Young Stars tournament typically features “younger” prospects, the Canucks squad features several, we’ll call them, experienced players.

Arshdeep Bains, who led Abbotsford in scoring last season, is pushing for an NHL spot. With new additions to the Canucks’ roster, he’s far from a guarantee, but a strong showing could keep him on the radar.

Max Sasson, who had a promising rookie season in Abbotsford with 42 points, will also be looking to impress. Now 24, he should stand out among the group, and his versatile two-way game is poised to keep Canucks fans on their toes. As a pure centreman, there is a good chance that 2024-25 proves to be his first shot at an NHL call-up should injuries begin to pile up in the middle.

Goaltender Nikita Tolopilo, coming off an impressive rookie season in Abbotsford, is another older name to watch. With uncertainty surrounding the Canucks’ goaltending depth, Tolopilo could find himself in NHL games sooner than expected. In terms of netminders, the Belorussian is considered the marquee name for the team and is expected to battle for the starting role down in Abbotsford.

Other notables include Akito Hirose, a surprise invitee at 25, and 24-year-old Christian Felton, who signed as an NCAA free agent late last season.

Whether from sitting in the press box in Vancouver or the injury sustained mid-season, Hirose spent most of his inaugural year with the club on the shelf, with just 36 games combined. This year’s invite serves as an opportunity to seek game reps and hopefully regain some of the stock he carried just one year ago. However, with the addition of Pettersson and Kudrysavstev, his spot on the depth chart is dropping lower by the day.

Ty Glover (23) and AHL-signed netminder Jonathan Lemieux (23) were also on the invite list.

Vying for professional spots

Ty Mueller enters his first professional season after a solid three-year career at the University of Nebraska-Omaha. A recent Hobey Baker nominee, Mueller has tracked relatively well since being drafted as a double overager and is known for his two-way play and booming one-timer. He’s considered a “tweener” and will be battling for a spot in the AHL, with this showcase serving as his first chance to stand out.

Josh Bloom will be in that same fight for a spot in Abbotsford. Following a rollercoaster season that saw him move from the pros back to juniors — where he capped off with a Memorial Cup-clinching goal — Bloom is determined to solidify his place as a full-time contributor in the AHL. Expect to see his waterbug antics each shift, as he’s likely to show up with something to prove.

On defence, Kirill Kudryavtsev will be pushing for his first professional role. Though there’s still a chance he returns to juniors, Kudryavtsev has developed into a formidable two-way defender since being drafted in the seventh round in 2020 and appears to have given all he can to the Junior ranks. The left side is quite competitive, potentially placing him on the outside looking in, but his development as a late-round bloomer is nothing short of impressive.

Ty Young is in a unique position himself after losing his starting job last season in Prince George. Now freshly 20, Young did not report to the Cougars’ camp, hinting that he may be aiming to turn pro. With crowded goaltending depth, his 2024-25 ceiling is the ECHL, but he’ll be looking to overshadow fellow invitee Jonathan Lemiuex, who is signed under an AHL contract.

Fresh Faces: 2024 Draftees Making Their Debuts

This year’s showcase will also feature four of the club’s five recent draft picks, giving fans a first look at how they compare to the older, established competition.

Riley Patterson, the skilled forward who impressed fans at the summer Development Camp skirmish, is coming off a tremendous rookie year in the OHL. He’ll be returning to the OHL, but he is a player who could leave his mark on the fan base in Penticton.

Anthony Romani, the kid who produced 111 points last season, will be on most fans’ radars. Coming off an explosive season, we hope to see some of that duel-threat offensive punch.

Parker Alcos, who recently turned 18, will be one of the younger prospects in the tournament. Standing 6’3, however, you may not be able to tell.

Basile Sansonnens, a 6’4 defender who has taken his talents to the QMJHL, rounds out the new faces.

The remaining invitees

• Deagan McMillan, Victoria Royals (WHL)
• Ty Halaburda, Vancouver Giants (WHL)
• Cooper Walker (AHL deal), Kalamazoo (ECHL)
• Joe Arntsen (AHL deal), Kalamazoo (ECHL)

This year marks the 11th edition of the Young Stars Classic, which began in 2010. Here is the tournament schedule:

Friday, September 13
Game 1: Calgary vs Winnipeg at 4:00 pm PT
Game 2: Vancouver vs Edmonton at 7:30 pm PT

Saturday, September 14
Exhibition: Penticton Vees vs Salmon Arm at 3:00 pm PT
Game 3: Calgary vs Edmonton at 7:30 pm PT

Sunday, September 15
Game 4: Vancouver vs Winnipeg at 2:00 pm PT

Monday, September 16
Game 5: Winnipeg vs Edmonton at 11:00 am PT
Game 6: Calgary vs Vancouver at 2:30 pm PT

The Vancouver Canucks have yet to announce any streams for the games. However, they have typically been streamed via the club’s official website in the past.