LATEST | Jonathan Lekkerimaki comments on difficult 2022-23 season, what he wants to work

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Cooper Godin
July 4, 2023 (2:53 PM)

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Last summer, coming off being drafted in the first round by the Canucks, Jonathan Lekkerimaki wanted to have a strong 2022-23 season, but unfortunately, injuries got in the way of that from happening.

In November 2022, he suffered a concussion and then in early February, it was announced he would miss eight-weeks with a foot injury, but was able to make a return to Djurgardens' lineup before the end of the 2022-23 HockeyAllsvenskan campaign.

On Sunday, Lekkerimaki spoke with reporters about his tough season and how he was handling the adversity. His responses to the media showed that his attitude is very promising and that he seems like a very positive young player.

When asked how he would describe his season, Lekkerimaki said: "Ups and downs. I had some injuries and I come back and then a new injury and the playoffs felt pretty good actually."

"Maybe I got some confidence and the puck went in. So, maybe some confident." He said when asked if he gained anything from the playoffs in Sweden.

When elaborating on his tough season, Lekkerimaki told the media that he learned a lot from his ups and downs and feels like it will help him going forward into next season.

"Ups and downs, but I think I learned very much this year. To being the downs and ups and just work when things are not going as well as you think."

The 2023-24 season will be a big one when it comes to Lekkerimaki's development. He won't be returning to Djurgardens IF, who will remain in HockeyAllsvenskan for a second-consecutive season. Lekkerimaki is set to be playing in the Swedish Hockey League after signing a two-year contract with Orebro HK. He'll also play a big role for the Swedish U20 team at the World Juniors in December and January.

Lekkerimaki, a native of Tullinge, finished the 2022-23 campaign with nine points in 29 regular season games, but turned it up a notch in the playoffs, recording 15 points in 15 games.

"More relaxed. Not so nervous and just enjoy it."

🗣 Jonathan Lekkerimäki, 15th overall pick from 2022 #NHLDraft, speaks on entering his second Development Camp, his play this past season, and what he wants to work on going forward.@ToyotaPacific | #Canucks pic.twitter.com/cjuhpvGHhx� Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) July 2, 2023