LATEST | NHL releases statement regarding the Canucks' top forward prospect Jonathan Lekkerimaki

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Felip Gosselin
August 19, 2023 (8:15 PM)

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When the Canucks selected Jonathan Lekkerimaki in the 2022 Amateur Draft, it was clear that the team had landed a winger with an elite level offensive production. The winger then gave a good first impression in the teams' development camp and went back to Sweden to continue his development and that when everything went south for the 15th overall pick in 2022.

Despite having a deceiving 2022-2023 campaign, the froward was brilliant during the playoffs, brilliant enough for Allvin to ink him to his entry level deal. Through their X Account, the league issued an article on Lekkerimaki and the forward hinted at what might've went wrong last season:

"There were ups and downs, but I learned a lot this year," said Lekkerimaki, who admitted he was trying too hard to live up to the expectations of the rank he was drafted. «It was at first, but I learned not to think about it too much.''

The Swede navigated through injuries and wasn't given the best of opportunities. During his interview, he revealed that once the Canucks had hired Mikael Samuelsson, Lekkerimaki connected with him a fee times and it truly helped him get through the adversity he faced.

As one of the team's development directors, Chris Higgins revealed what would be Lekkerimaki' biggstsvchallenge this year, and even added that from what he's seen after two development camp that his progression was outstanding:

"This year he looked like a whole different player, a lot more confident," said Chris Higgins, assistant director of player development for the Canucks. «He looks faster. What was important to him was the mental aspect. He understands that training is essential, and that he must take advantage of opportunities during the season to improve when the schedule allows. But he seems a lot more confident, and that's possibly due to the messages sent to him.�'

The young Swede is set to line up for Obrero in the SHL where the training camp has already started. In his pre-season debut Lekkerimaki scored a beautiful goal and hopefully his confidence continues to grow from there.