Canucks prospects land top spots among best U23 players

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Cooper Godin
September 11, 2024 (3:15 PM)

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Sportsnet has named a pair of Vancouver Canucks prospects in their top-23 ranking of under-23 players around the National Hockey League.

The Vancouver Canucks may not have the deepest prospect pool in the National Hockey League, but they do have a few players that could end up being elite players for a long time.

On Wednesday morning, Sportsnet's Sam Cosentino, Jason Bukala and Emily Sadler shared their ranking of the top-23 players under the age of 23 and among those listed were a pair of Vancouver Canucks prospects - Jonathan Lekkerimaki and Tom Willander.

Jonathan Lekkerimaki comes in at 15th on Sportsnet's list. Cosentino, Bukala and Sadler believe that Lekkerimaki may have the best shot of anyone in the 2022 draft class, which featured Juraj Slafkovsky, Simon Nemec and Logan Cooley, just to name a few.

They also believe that Canucks fans won't have to wait very long before Jonathan Lekkerimaki is in Vanocuver and making his National Hockey League Debut.

"If you're looking for goals, you'll find plenty of them when Jonathan Lekkerimaki is on the ice. The Canucks' top forward prospect boasts perhaps the best shot of his 2022 draft class thanks to his elite release and ability to shoot accurately in motion - even from the tightest of angles. After a bit of a dip in production following his draft year, the Swede bounced back in a big way. He was named MVP at the 2024 world juniors following his tournament-leading seven-goal performance in seven games en route to Sweden's silver-medal finish. After wrapping up his SHL season with Örebro HK last year, which saw him tally 19 goals and 31 points in 46 contests, Lekkerimaki landed with AHL Abbotsford - where he'll return to start this season. But for how long? It won't be surprising to see him get a shot in the NHL soon." Cosentino, Bukala and Sadler said.

As for Tom Willander, he's ranked at number 18 on Sportsnet's list. The trio highlighted Willander's skating as his best attribute, along with his ability to bring size and agility to the lineup and believe he can be someone who plays in all situations.

"The top defensive prospect in the Canucks' system, Tom Willander's skating is what stands out most. After rising through the rankings in his all-important draft year in 2023, going from a projected mid-rounder to 11thoverall, he made the jump from Sweden's junior ranks to the NCAA last year and found instant success on Boston University's blue line. He brings size and agility to the lineup, with the kind of offensive flair and hockey IQ that make him an asset in all situations. He finished his rookie season with the Terriers with four goals and 21 assists, and should shine as a sophomore." Cosentino, Bukala and Sadler said.

Vancouver Canucks fans will have plenty of opportunity to see Jonathan Lekkerimaki this fall. Rick Tocchet and the coaching staff will give him ample opportunity during the preseason to prove himself and if he's unable to make it onto the opening night roster, then he'll be in Abbotsford rather than Sweden, which is great news for the organization as they'll be hands-on with his development path.

Tom Willander will be back at Boston University for his sophomore season and will play a much bigger role on the blueline there with Lane Hutson, among other departing after the 2023-24 season. Willander will also play a key role for Sweden at the 2025 IIHF World Championship in Ottawa starting on December 26th.