In a move that underscores their commitment to building depth through unconventional avenues, the Vancouver Canucks announced the signing of 22-year-old Latvian forward Anri Ravinskis, an undrafted free agent who recently represented his country at the 2025 IIHF World Championship.
While the headlines focused on the Canucks’ four other players at the tournament, Ravinskis quietly became the fifth Vancouver-connected name to hit the ice in Sweden — and perhaps the most intriguing.
A Hidden Gem from Latvia
Standing at 6’3″ and over 200 pounds, Ravinskis is a prototypical power forward. His game is built around physicality, relentless forechecking, and surprisingly agile skating for a player his size. While his offensive numbers in the Finnish Liiga weren’t eye-popping, his combination of size and speed caught the attention of Canucks scouts — especially GM Patrik Allvin, who emphasized the value of “finding European free agents like Anri” to bolster organizational depth.
Ravinskis signed a two-year entry-level contract worth $1.75 million (cap hit of $873,000), a low-risk investment for a player who may turn into a valuable bottom-six forward or AHL contributor.
A Winding Path to the NHL
Ravinskis’s path to pro hockey has been far from straightforward. He spent a brief stint in Canadian U-18 AAA hockey with the Toronto Red Wings, then returned to Latvia for his draft year — a move that likely hampered his visibility with NHL scouts. While he performed well at the 2021 World U-18 Championships, scoring twice against top competition, he wasn’t selected in any draft year.
However, his talent didn’t go unnoticed. Ravinskis drew praise from independent scouts, including one from DraftPro who described him as “an energetic blend of speed and offensive awareness with a dynamic touch.” He even drew interest from the Arizona Coyotes, who invited him to training camp and their rookie tournament in 2021.
Proving Himself in Europe and Beyond
Post-draft, Ravinskis joined the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada of the QMJHL, a valuable experience that gave him a taste of North American hockey. He later returned to Europe to continue developing in Finland, where he refined his physical game and earned a spot on Latvia’s national team for the 2025 Worlds.
His experience across different leagues and countries has shaped a versatile, mature player who is likely more NHL-ready than your typical undrafted signee.
A Strategic Fit for the Canucks
Ravinskis fits a mold the Canucks have pursued under Allvin and head coach Rick Tocchet: size, grit, and effort. Similar traits helped elevate Nils Åman, another European free agent, into a trusted depth option in Vancouver. If Ravinskis follows a similar path, the Canucks will have added meaningful depth for a fraction of the price of a veteran.
With a physical edge, a strong motor, and an underdog’s hunger, Anri Ravinskis might not just be a footnote in the Canucks’ offseason — he could be the kind of savvy pickup that makes a real impact down the road.
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