Vancouver Canucks’ Aatu Räty is trying to establish his place in the NHL. In training, he is supported by, among others, the successful Swedish brothers Daniel and Henrik Sedin.
Ice hockey player Aatu Rädyn the summer has revolved around training, as the 21-year-old Finn has been working hard to improve.
– I believe that now is the time to take the next step in my career, says the center forward of the NHL club Vancouver Canucks in the interview.
The Kärppien native of Oulu is a second-round pick of the New York Islanders from summer 2021. He debuted on the NHL ice in December 2022. In January 2023, he was traded to Vancouver.
Last season, the forward played for the farm team of the Canadian team, the Abbotsford Canucks.
After moving to Vancouver, Räty has had the help of successful Swedish twins Daniel and Henrik Sedin’swho after their playing career have focused especially on raising young hockey players.
– I think they are good at development, because they keep things simple, Räty praises and describes the Sedins’ coaching as the same style as their playing used to be. There is hard work in the background.
– There is nothing sophisticated about the exercises, but they are effective.
Working with the Sedins has also taught Räty to recover better.
The Sedins, who retired after the 2017-2018 season, represented the Vancouver Canucks throughout their NHL career. Both of them played more than 1,300 regular season games. Henrik forged 1070 power points and Daniel 1041.
“I trust the coaches”
Räty says on the club’s website that the Sedins have also helped him adapt to the North American style of play.
– There are obviously things in my game that I’m here for, so I’m not trying to change the way I play completely. But I trust the coaches and the game plan, he says in an interview with the Canucks.
Although Räty is primarily a center forward, last season he was also played on the wings. Räty says that he was surprised that despite the nominal playing position, the role can vary depending on the game situations.
– When playing with skilled players who understand hockey, just play the game. Everyone fills in the places they need to and buckles in the right places.
Räty is confident in his abilities but recognizes his areas of development. The goal is especially to improve skating. Versatility is also useful in a career.
A place in the NHL lineup is naturally the goal.
– I think it’s just about playing the game the right way and doing everything I can. But I don’t think about the result or whether I make the team or not. It creates unnecessary pressure, says Räty.