Why Canucks Prospect Aatu Räty Playing Another Year In The AHL Is Not A Bad Thing

One of the prospects who will be looking to impression during training camp is Aatu Räty. Initially acquired by the Vancouver Canucks in the Bo Horvat trade, Räty is entering his third season with the organization and is projected to at least start the year with the Abbotsford Canucks. While having the 21-year-old make the jump to the NHL this season would be ideal, another year in the AHL may be what's needed to ensure success for his long-term development.

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There is no doubt that Räty is a talented prospect. He set a new career-high with 52 points in 72 games with Abbotsford last season while also finishing tied for the team lead with four points in six postseason games. That being said, there is still room for him to develop as well as questions regarding if he will be a center or a winger when he transitions to the NHL.

Räty's analytics show just how effective he can be on a night-to-night basis. According to AHL Tracker, he was on the ice for 22 power play goals, or 51.1% of all power play goals the Canucks scored last season. He was also on the ice for 37 even-strength goals for compared to 31 against. Depending on who Vancouver decides to keep as their extra forwards in 2024-25, Räty could be given an expanded role with Abbotsford, which not only comes with more ice time but also greater expectations.

Related: Vancouver Canucks Top 10 Prospects: Pre-2024 NHL Entry Draft Edition

While a case can be made that Räty should have a spot on the NHL roster, the Canucks logjam makes it clear that the AHL is where he should be. Based on projections, if Räty were to stick with Vancouver, he would most likely be the team's 13th forward, and when he did get into games, he could see ten minutes or less with no time on the power play. That is why keeping him in the AHL is the best route to take in 2024-25. Instead of being a healthy scratch for long stretches, Räty could be getting 18+ minutes a night in Abbotsford, which will be not only good for his confidence but also for his overall development.

Just because Räty starts in the AHL doesn't mean he will end the season there. Strong play could lead to multiple call-ups, and if he can impress Rick Tocchet and the coaching staff, may even open the door for game action during the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs. That being said, Räty needs to take full advantage any time he does see a call-up, even if it is just in practice, in order to separate himself from the rest of the prospect pool.

Ultimately, there is no need to panic if Räty spends the 2024-25 season in the AHL. With Abbotsford, he will get plenty of opportunities to fine-tune his game both during practice and games while also working with Manny Malhotra and the Sedins, who all know the pressure that comes with being a team's top prospect. If he can have another successful season while displaying the consistency he showed late last year, he will be in the NHL sooner rather than later.

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