STRUCTURED, ATHLETIC, AND READY FOR THE NHL: Canucks’ 47th Pick Aleksei Medvedev Opens Up After Draft Day Call-Up
LOS ANGELES — Fresh off the stage at the 2025 NHL Draft in Los Angeles, newly selected Vancouver Canucks goaltender Aleksei Medvedev met with the media for the first time as a pro. Chosen 47th overall in the second round, the young Russian netminder didn’t waste time giving fans a glimpse into what kind of player he is—and what Canucks management can expect between the pipes.
“I’m a structured goalie. I use my athleticism well,” Medvedev said confidently when asked to describe his style in net. Though just eight words long, the statement captured exactly why Vancouver used a valuable second-round pick on him: poised, composed, and highly trainable—with flashes of raw talent to match.
The Canucks’ brass sees him as a high-upside prospect who blends technical discipline with elite reflexes, something the franchise has been keen on bolstering as they continue reshaping their goalie depth chart for the future. With Thatcher Demko entrenched as the current starter, there’s no rush—but Medvedev’s ceiling has scouts buzzing.
The 18-year-old comes from the Russian junior ranks and has spent the past season steadily climbing up draft boards thanks to his consistency and mental focus. At 6’3” with quick lateral movement and solid rebound control, Medvedev combines a textbook goaltending stance with a calm presence in the crease. His athleticism is apparent in scramble situations, while his structured approach allows him to square up shots and stay efficient throughout games.
In Los Angeles, flanked by cameras, NHL personnel, and family, Medvedev spoke through a translator but his tone didn’t need much decoding. He’s hungry, focused, and fully aware of what this opportunity means. Asked what it felt like to hear his name called by Vancouver, he smiled humbly.
“It was an emotional moment. My heart was beating fast. You dream of this as a kid, and today that dream came true,” he said. “I’m proud to join a team like Vancouver. It’s a strong organization with great fans.”
Canucks General Manager Patrik Allvin said the club had been tracking Medvedev for some time, impressed not only by his technical skillset but also by his demeanor under pressure. “He plays beyond his years,” Allvin said. “There’s a maturity in his game that’s hard to teach. He’s calm, very positionally sound, but also capable of making the big save when the play breaks down. That combination is rare at this age.”
Vancouver’s Director of Goaltending Development, Curtis Sanford, echoed that sentiment, noting Medvedev’s coachability and work ethic as major assets. “He wants to learn. He watches film, he adjusts his angles, he listens to feedback—and he gets better every time you see him,” Sanford said.
Though Medvedev still has a development path ahead—likely returning to Russia or possibly coming over to North America for AHL seasoning—he doesn’t seem intimidated by the transition. In fact, when asked about moving to a new country, new league, and new language, the young goalie shrugged with quiet confidence.
“It’s a challenge, but I like challenges,” he said. “Hockey is hockey. The ice is the same size. The puck is the same.”
That type of answer is exactly what teams love hearing from young goaltenders. Calm. Measured. Unshaken. Just like he is in the crease.
As for what fans can expect from him down the line, Medvedev reiterated his personal philosophy: a blend of structure and spontaneity.
“I try to always be in the right position, but I’m not afraid to be athletic when needed. I trust my training, but I trust my instincts too,” he said. “Sometimes you have to dive across. Sometimes you stay square. It’s about knowing when.”
That kind of situational awareness is often what separates goalies who make it from those who don’t. For Medvedev, it seems like second nature already. He credits his junior coaching staff back in Russia for building his foundation, but also points to hours of self-study and solo drills that helped him refine his technique.
One media member asked him if he models his game after any current NHL goaltenders. Medvedev nodded. “I like Igor Shesterkin. He’s calm, he’s athletic, and he wins games. That’s what I try to be.”
If Medvedev can follow even a fraction of the path carved out by Shesterkin, the Canucks will have landed a serious steal at 47.
While fans may not see Medvedev in a Canucks sweater right away, he’s already captured attention simply by how composed and professional he appears off the ice. And if his “structured but athletic” style holds up against pro competition in the years ahead, Vancouver may very well have secured a future starter.
For now, Medvedev plans to enjoy the moment before heading back to continue his development.
“It’s just the beginning,” he said, already setting his sights forward. “This is a big step, but not the final one. I want to work hard, improve every day, and be ready when the time comes.”
His message was clear. He may be young, but Aleksei Medvedev is already thinking like a pro. Structured. Athletic. Ready.
