Is it time for the Vancouver Canucks to call up Jonathan Lekkerimaki for good?
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Photo credit: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Rich Lam
While the Vancouver Canucks have had a relatively strong run of play dating back to before the 4 Nations Faceoff, but they've managed to get by without much offense, something top prospect Jonathan Lekkerimaki could help address.
Lekkerimaki has been up and down between the NHL and AHL Abbotsford all season, but with the 2022 first rounder excelling in his first year in the AHL - he might be ready to stick with the club full time.
Jonathan Lekkerimaki could be the answer for stagnant offense
The Canucks remain in the thick of a playoff race, holding just a one point lead on the Calgary Flames who also have a game in hand.
While Vancouver's results have been solid of late, they've had an awfully difficult time generating shots and scoring goals.
While a 20 year old Lekkerimaki might not fix that, he would instantly become one of the team's most offensively gifted forwards.
Lekkerimaki ranks fourth among AHL rookies in goals scored, with 18 in 30 games, and averages 3.63 shots per game.
The Canucks have struggled to generate shots on goal, averaging just over 25 per game on the season, and Lekkerimaki is certainly not shy to shoot the puck.
In 11 games, the rookie has scored two goals and added an assist, with 33 shot attempts in limited ice time.
The Canucks are being patient with their top forward prospect, but he might be ready to make the jump.
Source: The Hockey News - Why It Is Time For The Canucks To Call Up Jonathan Lekkerimäki
| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 25 | 640 ANSWERS Is it time for the Vancouver Canucks to call up Jonathan Lekkerimaki for good? How should the Vancouver Canucks proceed with Jonathan Lekkerimaki this season? | ||
| Let him develop in the AHL, bring him up next year | 278 | 43.4 % |
| Call him up for extra scoring in season | 268 | 41.9 % |
| Leave him in the AHL until playoffs | 94 | 14.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
