Canucks Prospect Riley Patterson Skips Junior Camp, Calls for Trade
Riley Patterson was the leading scorer for the Barrie Colts a year ago, but now the team GM has officially confirmed that the 19-year old has requested a trade.
The Vancouver Canucks have some intriguing prospects coming through the organization, and after the team in Abbotsford won the Calder Cup, there's optimism that some of those players can impact the team at the NHL level one day.
Perhaps the most overlooked prospect in the organization is former fourth-round pick Riley Patterson, who was selected No. 125 overall in the 2024 NHL Draft by the team.
OHL Scoring Leader Seeks Fresh Start Away from Barrie
In 2024/25, he flashed star potential in the Ontario Hockey League with the Barrie Colts, netting 25 goals and 59 points in 64 games played, but now, he has officially requested a trade from the team according to GM Marty Williamson.
In his statement, Williamson notes that there are no hard feelings between he and the 19-year old, revealing that he still really likes Patterson and he understands that this isn't personal.
How Patterson's Trade Request Impacts Canucks' Development Plans
Until we know exactly where Patterson gets traded, it's unclear how this will either positively or negatively effect the talented forward heading into 2025/26, but if he can find himself alongside other top NHL prospects, this could be a major win for the Canucks organization, who already believe Patterson can be a star.
Ultimately, Patterson's improvements since last years draft have been clear, with the team encouraged by the steps he's taken since being drafted, and while this could potentially have a negative impact on his perception around hockey, Williamson's comments make it clear this was done in the right manner, and if he lands in a good spot, this is a great deal for Vancouver.
