The Vancouver Canucks have officially signed 17-year-old goaltender Aleksei Medvedev to a three-year, entry-level contract. Medvedev was selected 47th overall in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, making him the fourth goalie taken in this year’s class and the highest-drafted goaltender by the Canucks since Thatcher Demko in 2014.
General Manager Patrik Allvin praised the signing in a press release, calling Medvedev a key addition to the team’s goaltending depth. “Aleksei is an important addition to our organizational depth in goal and his signing is a great thing for our hockey club,” Allvin stated. “He showed us a lot at development camp and has a bright future if he continues to build on his skill set and fundamentals. We look forward to monitoring his progress and helping him develop into a solid pro.”
Medvedev impressed last season in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), playing for the London Knights. The Russian-born netminder posted a strong 22-8-2 record with a .912 save percentage. He also took part in the 2025 OHL Top Prospect Game and played a vital role in London’s Memorial Cup-winning run. His on-ice performance helped boost his draft stock, and Vancouver saw enough potential to secure him with a second-round pick.
Now that Medvedev has signed his entry-level contract (ELC), he’s no longer eligible to play in the NCAA. He will return to the London Knights for the upcoming season, where he’s expected to take over as the starting goaltender. This continued OHL experience will be critical for his development as he works toward making the jump to the professional level.
With Medvedev’s signing, the Canucks now have eight goaltenders under contract. He joins a crowded but promising goaltending group that includes Thatcher Demko, Kevin Lankinen, Artūrs Šilovs, Nikita Tolopilo, Ty Young, Jiří Patera, and Aku Koskenvuo.
Medvedev showed encouraging signs during the Canucks’ development camp, drawing positive attention from coaches and staff alike. The organization is optimistic about his future and plans to closely monitor his progress throughout the season.
Fans are encouraged to stay updated with the latest developments, exclusive content, and community discussions through The Hockey News’ Vancouver Canucks site.