The Vancouver Canucks 2025 Development Camp has officially concluded. This year's week-long camp featured the entire 2025 draft class, as well as prospects who have taken part in the past. One of the players who hit the ice this week was 2023 draft prospect Aiden Celebrini, who was attending his third development camp since joining the Canucks.
Celebrini was one of three prospects from Vancouver's 2023 class to attend this year's camp. The right-shot defender was joined by Vilmer Alriksson and Matthew Perkins, who were also participating in their third development camp. In speaking with the media, Celebrini explained how excited he was to come to this year's camp and how these training sessions have helped him develop into the player he is today.
"Coming in for the third time, this is, this is one of the highlights of my summer, said Celebrini. "Just getting that opportunity to work with the big team and better your game and ready your game for that NHL level, I think this camp again just primed me in a lot of ways, to take that next step in my development. Feeling really excited about this second half of the year and this next season."
Development camps can be intimating for some players. Prospects want to make a strong impression as for many, it is their first time working with an NHL organization. According to Celebrini, it is also important for players to enjoy themselves, while trying to absorb as much knowledge as possible.
"Hockey's fun. Try to have fun with it. I mean, it's always a blessing to be able to put on that Canucks jersey and learn from these legends of the game. So I think it's just take no day for granted. I know I'm putting everything I can into into developing my game and definitely taking my process seriously and kind of asking everything from myself every single day, but at the same time, you got to have fun with it because if you don't enjoy the process, then you're just spinning your wheels... "You're not getting judged. That's not what this is for. Just take this opportunity to better your game. Like, I know, probably heard it all week this week, but be a sponge, doesn't make the message any less important. Just be a sponge. Just be selfish with it. Take as much as you can out of it and use this to just take that next step."
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As one of the returning players, one of Celebrini's goals for this development camp was to be a leader. This meant helping players adjust both on and off the ice. As Celebrini explained, he knows exactly how some of the new prospects are feeling, as he experienced the same situation back in 2023.
"Obviously, being an older guy, getting to experience what it's like coming back and seeing kind of the nerves of some of the younger guys that I had a few years ago. Going from one year of juniors to two years of college. Haven't really gotten to experience that very much. So that was really cool for me. I thought try to be a leader and try to set the tone for the other guys here."
As Celebrini mentioned, the Canucks development staff is filled with former NHL players who are ready to help the next generation. This includes Daniel and Henrik Sedin, whom the 20-year-old defenceman watched while growing up in BC. Like many who grew up cheering for Vancouver, Celebrini views the Hall of Famers as role models not just for their on-ice work, but the type of people they are off the ice.
"Like I said in that video last year, I had a lot of friends and family ask me about it. I mean, they're machines. At least they didn't pass me this year. But, yeah, I really look up to those guys. Not only their incredible careers, but how they approach life after their careers. You look at them, they're the most incredible human beings, and they're just, they're perfect, you know. You look at them, Grouse Grind, on the ice, they look like they can still play, and it just shows like how much care and attention, they put into their lives. They're incredible role models."
Celebrini was also able to give a scouting report on fellow Canucks defensive prospect Tom Willander, who signed his entry-level contract after the season ended. Over the past two seasons, Celebrini and Willander have played at Boston University and have become very close off the ice. According to Celebrini, fans in Vancouver should start to get excited, as he believes Willander has a bright future in the NHL.
"I couldn't be happier for him. He's going to be a fan favourite, for sure. He's a fun guy, fun personality, and obviously a really talented hockey player. He's very smooth, very sound defensively, and you like that nice, Swedish stride. Yeah, he's a lot of fun. And gonna miss him out there with me, but hopefully I'm there with him soon."
In the end, Celebrini is an intriguing prospect whom the Canucks are hoping will turn into a draft-day steal. He is headed back to the NCAA next year and is projected to play a key role on Boston University's blue line. A standout at this year's development camp, Celebrini's on-ice play and leadership qualities could pave the way for a successful career at the pro level.
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