Five prospects to watch at Canucks development camp,

1. ELIAS PETTERSSON, C, Timra IK (Hockey Allsvenskan), 6-foot, 165 lb.

The stats: GP: 43, G: 19, A: 22, PTS: 41

The skinny: First pick, fifth overall, in 2017 draft. What intrigued the Canucks in pursuing Pettersson is today’s evolving game. Look at how smaller and swifter players are using speed, imagination and finish to make a big impact in what was always thought to be a big man’s game. It’s not anymore.

The quote: “I play with a lot of instincts and I like how Nicklas Backstrom plays. He makes his teammates better and creates chances for himself, but I’ve got a lot to learn to get to the next level. I see myself as a playmaker who protects pucks and in some years that will be great in the NHL.” — Pettersson

2. JONATHAN DAHLEN, C/LW, Timra IK (Hockey Allsvenskan), 5-foot-11, 180 lb.

The stats: GP: 45, G: 25, A: 19, PTS: 44

The skinny: By moving Alex Burrows to Ottawa, Jim Benning acquired a versatile forward who excelled playing with men in Sweden’s second division and was a standout at the world junior tournament. The teammate of Pettersson signed a three-year deal and how he performs at main camp will decide if he heads to Utica or back to Sweden.

The quote: “His game is coming out of the corners and living in and around the net. On the big European ice, the corners are so deep, so he’ll be better on North American ice. And from his draft year (2016) to this season, his skating has really picked up.” — Benning

3. OLLI JUOLEVI, D, London (OHL), 6-foot-3, 200 lb.

The stats: GP: 58, G: 10, A: 32, PTS: 42

The skinny: The buzz in the gym at Rogers Arena was how the Finn’s frame has packed on 20 needed pounds. Purposely kept from competition after his junior season ended, concentrating on his conditioning will eventually make the fifth overall pick in the 2016 draft — a smart, smoothskating future first-pairing blueliner — a roster staple.

The quote: “He so smooth. He’s so reliable. He’ll never be too flashy, but he’s not going to make a mistake. He’s going to make the hard, simple play. He’s a composed player.” — Troy Stecher’s first impression of Juolevi at the Young Stars tourney

4. BROCK BOESER, RW, North Dakota (NCAA), 6-foot-1, 191 lb.

The stats: GP: 32, G: 16, A: 18, PTS: 34

The skinny: Scoring in his first game on the same day he signed with the Canucks in March was special stuff. Four goals in nine games spoke of future NHL promise, especially after being shut down in December by wrist surgery and returning for the NCAA playdowns. Thinks the game well and has a heavy and accurate shot, but needs to improve his quickness.

The quote: “He’s really smart. I didn’t have that kind of poise in my first NHL game, that’s for sure.” — Sven Baertschi

5. ADAM GAUDETTE, C, Northeastern (NCAA), 6-foot-1, 185 lb.

The stats: GP: 37, G: 26 A: 26, PTS: 52

The skinny: Patterns his play after Jonathan Toews and Patrice Bergeron with an emerging game predicated on smarts, edge, finish and 200-foot awareness. Talk of Gaudette leaving Northeastern after his sophomore season was quelled by the challenge to get stronger and be physically ready for the next step to pro. The quote: “I play a strong game in all three zones and can also produce points and play in any sort of situation — taking a faceoff late in a game or being on the power play or the penalty kill.” — Adam Gaudette