Vilmer Alriksson

December 2024 – After a solid 2023-24 season, Alriksson exploded onto the scene in training camp. The 6-6 winger used every bit of his size to stand out amongst other NHLers. Alriksson, surprisingly, was one of the final cuts of Canucks training camp. He was sent to the Guelph Storm, where he has continued to play well. Already, he’s up to 23 points in just 26 games and is consistently one of the best players on the ice. He uses his frame well and wins battles along the boards. Alriksson is primed to finish the year out strong, and the conversation has quickly changed from if he will get a shot at the NHL to when. Nick Orr

January 2024 – After spending his entire young career in his home country of Sweden, Alriksson has finally decided, this season following his draft, that it was time to move to North America. Unsurprisingly, the big winger has struggled to elevate his game in the OHL this season. In 45 games with Guelph, Alriksson has scored nine goals and provided 15 assists for 24 points. While this performance isn’t catastrophic considering his situation, there is room for improvement, especially in even-strength goals, where he scored only three. Cedrick Blais-Turcotte

June 2023 – Alriksson has been drafted 107th overall by the Vancouver Canucks. One thing jumps off the page immediately – his size. You read that right; the 18-year-old Swede comes in at a towering 6-foot-6 and can bring a pinch of offense to the table, at least at the J20 level. He should be considered a long-term European project for now, so check back before assuming fantasy relevance. Dave Hall