TEAMS AGREED: DEAL CONFIRM Vancouver Canucks officially Sign Goaltender to Two-Year, Entry-Level Contract
Vancouver, B.C. – In a move that bolsters their goaltending depth, the Vancouver Canucks have officially signed 22-year-old netminder Aku Koskenvuo to a two-year, entry-level contract. The announcement was made by Canucks General Manager Patrik Allvin on March 18, 2025, marking a significant milestone for both the young goalie and the team’s future between the pipes.
Koskenvuo, who spent the past three seasons as a standout for Harvard University’s men’s hockey team, is coming off a solid year that saw him set a new career high in wins. In his third and final season with the Crimson, he posted an 8-9-1 record, with a 2.81 goals-against average, a .902 save percentage, and one shutout in 20 games played. While Harvard’s overall performance was up and down, Koskenvuo’s individual contributions were highly valued, and his potential is what earned him this opportunity to begin his professional career with the Canucks.
The 6’4″, 173-pound goaltender has played in 39 career NCAA games during his tenure with Harvard, compiling a record of 14-16-5. While his overall win-loss record reflects a period of growth and development, his consistency and resilience have been evident throughout his college career. His three career shutouts underscore his ability to step up in crucial moments, and his large frame and athleticism suggest that he has the physical attributes to succeed at the next level.
The Finnish-born Koskenvuo has long been recognized as one of the top goaltending prospects in the world. A native of Espoo, Finland, he has represented his home country on multiple international stages, including the 2021 U18 World Championships, where he was named one of Finland’s top three players. His strong performance at the U18 World Championships helped raise his profile, earning him further recognition as one of Finland’s brightest young goaltenders. Additionally, he represented Finland at the 2023 World Junior Hockey Championships, continuing to showcase his skills on the international stage.
Koskenvuo’s signing is significant for the Canucks, who have been looking to solidify their goaltending depth for the future. While veteran netminder Thatcher Demko has been the team’s primary starter for several seasons, the Canucks have been proactive in bringing in young, promising talent to complement their established roster. Koskenvuo, with his size, skill, and experience, represents an important piece of that puzzle.
“We’re excited to have Aku join our organization,” said GM Patrik Allvin. “He’s had an impressive NCAA career and has shown great promise in both his college and international play. His physical attributes and technical skills make him a promising goaltender for our future. We’re looking forward to working with him as he continues to develop and adjust to the next level of hockey.”
Koskenvuo’s signing is also notable because of the growing importance of having depth at every position, particularly in goal. NHL teams are increasingly recognizing that goaltending depth is key to long-term success, with many teams now featuring multiple promising goaltending prospects within their systems. Koskenvuo, who is considered a potential future NHL starter, will have the opportunity to learn and develop in the Canucks’ system, potentially earning a call-up to the NHL in the near future.
The Canucks have seen first-hand how unpredictable the goaltending position can be, as injuries or inconsistent play can quickly derail a team’s playoff hopes. Koskenvuo’s addition provides some much-needed security in that regard, offering the team an additional asset in case of injury or underperformance from other netminders in the system.
Koskenvuo’s road to professional hockey has been a steady progression. His time at Harvard University, playing in the highly competitive NCAA system, has provided him with a foundation that can translate well to the professional ranks. His final season was particularly notable for the development of his mental fortitude and ability to handle high-pressure situations, something that NHL teams covet in a young goaltender.
The Canucks selected Koskenvuo in the fifth round of the 2021 NHL Entry Draft, 137th overall, a pick that many analysts saw as a solid value given Koskenvuo’s potential. At the time of his selection, many experts predicted that he would eventually grow into a future NHL goaltender, and his signing to a contract now affirms those predictions. With his combination of size, talent, and experience, Koskenvuo is a strong candidate to one day challenge for a starting role in the NHL.
Looking ahead, the next steps for Koskenvuo will include adjusting to the speed and intensity of professional hockey. The Canucks are expected to bring him into their development program, where he will continue to hone his skills, most likely spending time with the team’s AHL affiliate, the Abbotsford Canucks, before potentially seeing time in the NHL.
Koskenvuo’s signing adds to the growing sense of optimism around the Canucks’ future, as the organization continues to focus on building a competitive roster for years to come. With a young, talented goaltender now part of their pipeline, the Canucks are positioning themselves to not only contend in the present but also build a solid foundation for success in the years ahead. The future looks bright for both Aku Koskenvuo and the Vancouver Canucks as they embark on this new chapter.
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