Vancouver Millionaires Reload Prospect Pipeline at Entry Draft

By Vancouver (Vancouver), October 29, 2026

Vancouver, BC (AP) -- The Vancouver Millionaires continued to build on their future at this year's RSHA Entry Draft, adding four prospects to their prospect pool. Headlining the class is center Nicklas Backstrom (68 OV), selected 5th overall in the 1st round. Backstrom was a player the organization had targeted early and management is thrilled to secure a playmaker with elite upside. The Millionaires already have a clear development plan in place, with Backstrom expected to spend two full seasons developing before making the jump to the pros. Vancouver also added Vladimir Sobotka (64 OV) at 25th overall, while adding power forward Justin Abdelkader (63 OV) at 37th overall and defenseman Nick Holden (63 OV) at 42nd overall, giving the club added depth at multiple positions. While we did not hit on DITR, they will see key development minutes in the farm.

Leading the way for the current prospect pool for Vancouver is center Jeff Carter, who will make his professional debut this season as a 76 OV, 21-year-old on a team-friendly $250,000 contract. Offensive defenseman Mike Green is getting closer as we expect to give him a full year of development before preparing him for a franchise role next season. Green could be followed a year later by Backstrom.

Corey Perry, now 21 years old and rated 73 OV, is expected to split time between the pros and training with approximately 50 camp games and be ready as a 75ov by Game 50. Meanwhile, Valtteri Filppula finds himself as the odd man out in a crowded prospect picture. We plan to use a 30-game camp to hit 73 OV as a 22-year-old. The team has begun fielding offers for him as the team looks to improve on their pro left wing situation. Hagman 78/27 and Filppula are being packaged and shopped.