The Vancouver Canucks have six prospects gearing up for the 2025-26 Canadian Hockey League (CHL) playoffs, which begin on Thursday. Four will compete in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) playoffs, and two in the Western Hockey League (WHL). This is a crucial period to observe which of these players might soon transition to the NHL.
Braeden Cootes, Prince Albert Raiders (WHL)
Braeden Cootes, a 2025 first-round pick, was assigned to the WHL after training camp. Following a trade from Seattle to the Prince Albert Raiders, Cootes has significantly boosted his offensive output, recording 14 goals and 26 assists in 28 games with his new club, contributing to his season total of 63 points in 45 games. The Raiders, the Eastern Conference’s top seed (52-10-5-1), are strong contenders for the Ed Chynoweth Cup and Memorial Cup. They face the Red Deer Rebels starting Friday, March 27, with high expectations.
Parker Alcos, Kelowna Rockets (WHL)
Sixth-round 2024 pick Parker Alcos, a 6-foot-4 right-shot defenseman from Port Moody, B.C., has impressed with his steady play. He began the season with the Edmonton Oil Kings (+29 in 31 games) before a trade to the Kelowna Rockets (+14 in 32 games), accumulating an impressive +43 rating for the season. Kelowna (4th in Western Conference) will battle rival Kamloops Blazers (5th) in what is expected to be a tightly contested series. Alcos will be crucial in containing future first-round pick J.P. Hurlbert, a significant offensive threat for Kamloops.
Riley Patterson, Niagara IceDogs (OHL)
Riley Patterson, a 2024 fourth-round selection, has demonstrated significant improvement. After a productive 2024-25 season with Barrie, followed by a strong playoff performance (12 points in 16 games), he has flourished with the Niagara IceDogs in 2025-26. Under a new system, he scored 40 goals and added 44 assists in 60 games. Having signed his entry-level contract and slated for Abbotsford next season, Patterson faces his former team, the Barrie Colts, in the first round starting Thursday. The IceDogs, though underdogs, possess talent like Tampa Bay prospect Ethan Czata and projected first-rounder Ryan Roobreck, making an upset possible.
Kieran Dervin, Kingston Frontenacs (OHL)
Third-round 2024 pick Kieran Dervin joined the Kingston Frontenacs late in the 2024-25 season after an NCAA rule change, having previously committed to Penn State for 2026-27 and excelling at St. Andrews College (79 points in 50 games). In his first full OHL season (2025-26), despite injury issues, Dervin has been Kingston’s second-highest scorer with 42 points in 53 games. The Frontenacs, a retooling team focused on cohesive play, will rely heavily on Dervin as they face the higher-seeded Ottawa 67’s, beginning Friday, March 27.
Alexei Medvedev, London Knights (OHL)
Goaltender Alexei Medvedev plays for the London Knights, who, despite a slight dip after their Memorial Cup run, secured fourth in the Western Conference. The Knights will host the Soo Greyhounds in their first-round series starting Friday, March 27. Medvedev has shared goaltending duties with Sebastian Gatto this season, posting an .891 save percentage in 36 games. While Gatto has stronger statistics, Medvedev’s experience with the Knights suggests he will likely see action, potentially in a continued rotation as head coach Dale Hunter has employed throughout the season.
Gabriel Chiarot, Kitchener Rangers (OHL)
Gabriel Chiarot, a sixth-round pick in the 2025 Draft, signed his entry-level contract swiftly, reflecting Vancouver’s belief in his potential. Splitting the 2025-26 season between Brampton and Kitchener (31 games with each), Chiarot contributed to the Kitchener Rangers’ top finish in the Western Conference. Known more for his physical, bottom-six presence than offensive production, Chiarot will be a key component as the Rangers, heavy favorites for the OHL championship, begin their series against the Saginaw Spirit on Friday. A deep playoff run would be invaluable preparation for his future Canucks training camps.
While performances in the CHL playoffs don’t guarantee NHL success, they serve as a vital developmental stage. Prospects gain invaluable experience, hone their skills, and often showcase their best under pressure. Management will be closely observing these Canucks prospects as they strive for deep runs in their respective leagues.