Jonathan Lekkerimaki lands huge invitation as the Canucks top signed prospect

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Cooper Godin
August 24, 2024 (4:38 PM)

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Vancouver Canucks prospect Jonathan Lekkerimaki has been invited to an upcoming NHLPA event in early September.

The 2024-25 season is quickly approaching, with training camps around the National Hockey League set to open in less than a month. But in just over one week, some of the league's top rookies heading into the new year will gather in Virginia to participate at the NHLPA Rookie Showcase.

Among those invited to the event this year is Vancouver Canucks prospect Jonathan Lekkerimaki, who is gearing up for his first season in North America. It's set to take place on September 4th at Capitals Iceplex in Arlington, Virginia.

The event, which is closed to the public, is sponsored by Upper Deck and is used as an opportunity to photograph the players for trading cards. Participants will also take to the ice to show off their skills, which fans will likely be able to see through social media on the day of the event.

Along with Jonathan Lekkerimaki, there are a number of elite prospects that are set to be in attendance including Matvei Michkov (Philadelphia), Macklin Celebrini (San Jose), Lane Hutson (Montreal), Dalibor Dvorsky (St. Louis), Will Smith (San Jose), among others.

Here is a full list of participants, according to Sammi Silber of The Hockey News:

"Marek Alscher (Panthers), Lian Bichsel (Stars), Gavin Brindley (Blue Jackets), Seamus Casey (Devils), Macklin Celebrini (Sharks), Nikita Chibrikov (Jets), Easton Cowan (Maple Leafs), Nate Danielson (Red Wings), Josh Doan (Utah Hockey Club), Dalibor Dvorsky (Blues), Ivan Fedotov (Flyers), Cutter Gauthier (Ducks), Gage Goncalves (Lightning), Lane Hutson (Canadiens), Nikolai Kovalenko (Avalanche), Jonathan Lekkerimaki (Canucks), Artyom Levshunov (Blackhawks), Logan Mailloux (Canadiens), Matvei Michkov (Flyers), Ivan Miroshnichenko (Capitals), Logan Morrison (Kraken), Shakir Mukhamadullin (Sharks), Bradly Nadeau (Hurricanes), Frank Nazar (Blackhawks), Liam Ohgren (Wild), Zack Ostapchuk (Senators), Noah Ostlund (Sabres), Vasily Ponomarev (Penguins), Matt Rempe (Rangers), Olivier Rodrigue (Oilers), Will Smith (Sharks), Fedor Svechkov (Predators) and Akil Thomas (Kings)."

After the NHLPA Rookie Showcase, Lekkerimaki will make his way to BC to prepare for the Young Stars Classic, a rookie tournament which will be held in Penticton. The Canucks will face Edmonton, Winnipeg and Calgary, before the training camp opens on September 19th.

Source: Yahoo Sports/The Hockey News
Miroshnichenko, Celebrini, Michkov Among Top Prospects Attending Upcoming NHLPA Rookie Showcase In Virginia