Important revelation on Jonathan Lekkerimäki: He almost made his NHL debut during the playoffs
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Photo credit: The Hockey News
The Canucks didn't just have their top netminder Thatcher Demko who was close to a return ahead of game seven against the Edmonton Oilers.
Swedish teenager Jonathan Lekkerimäki, who had just joined the "black aces" as a practice player, was suddenly a candidate to step into the lineup when blood clots sidelined 40-goal winger Brock Boeser before the series-deciding game against Edmonton. Though Lekkerimäki didn't play, his development since then has only accelerated.
Now 20, after an impressive 19-year-old season, the 2022 15th-overall pick is eyeing an NHL spot as he leads the Canucks' Young Stars tournament. Despite appearing in only six AHL games after arriving from Sweden, Lekkerimäki has shown significant improvement. Canucks president Jim Rutherford noted, "If he has a good camp, he'll make a case to be on the team right away."
However, after the Canucks signed veterans Jake DeBrusk, Danton Heinen, Kiefer Sherwood, and Daniel Sprong in free agency, Lekkerimäki faces stiff competition for a roster spot. Though a long shot for opening night, Canucks staff believe he'll crack the lineup soon.
"I feel stronger, better with the puck," Lekkerimäki said. "The organization has a plan for me, and I'll do my best to prove myself daily."
«If we go into Dallas, can he help?» Canucks assistant general manager Ryan Johnson said Friday of the internal discussions about Lekkerimaki that occurred in May. «I mean, Brock Boeser's injured and we have this right-shot winger right here. Who knows where things would have gone had we continued on.»
Neither Demko nor Lekkerimäki suited up for Game 7 when the Oilers knocked the Canucks out of the playoffs, then went on to defeat the Stars in the Western Conference Final.
Demko, who had battled a knee injury from Vancouver's first playoff game, either re-injured it or suffered a new one over the summer, and he's not expected to be fully ready for training camp. Meanwhile, Lekkerimäki has strengthened after turning 20 in July following a stellar 19-year-old season. As the 15th overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, he's set to make his case for an NHL roster spot at the upcoming Young Stars tournament.
Lekkerimäki, who impressed with six AHL games last season, has Canucks president Jim Rutherford optimistic.
He noted: "If he has a good camp, he'll make a case to be on the team immediately."
However, the Canucks added Jake DeBrusk, Danton Heinen, Kiefer Sherwood, and Daniel Sprong in free agency, making it more competitive. While Lekkerimäki's NHL debut might not come in October, the organization remains confident he'll make an impact soon. Emphasizing his strength and puck control growth, "I think the organization has a good plan for me."
So far, that plan seems to be paying off.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 14 | 105 ANSWERS Important revelation on Jonathan Lekkerimäki: He almost made his NHL debut during the playoffs Should Jonathan Lekkerimaki have a chance to start the season at the NHL level? | ||
| Yes | 44 | 41.9 % |
| No, give him another year in the AHL | 28 | 26.7 % |
| Only if he dominates the AHL | 33 | 31.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
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