Jonathan Lekkerimaki scores his first goal under Canucks' colours
The Canucks' fourth pre-season game is underway, and it's cause for celebration even though they're trailing.
The Canucks top offensive prospect, Jonathan Lekkerimaki, took hold of his opportunity and scored his first goal as a Canuck. Playing alongside Daniel Sprong and Max Sasson, the winger took the puck to the middle of the ice, showcasing his puck-handling skills before ripping a shot that ended his trajectory behind the netminder.
The puck changed trajectory when it deflected on the defenceman's stick and found its way to the back of the net.
The Swede is building his case to remain with the Canucks, in Vancouver, for as long as possible. Will he be the winger to start the season with Elias Pettersson and Jake Debrusk? At this point, it seems rather unlikely, especially after seeing some other wingers' performances.
The AHL: The way to go for Lekkerimaki?
Given his stature and skill set, the conservative approach to Lekkerimaki's development might be to send him down to the AHL. Not only will he play a prime role in the AHL, but the slower pace will give him more time to adjust to the North American game and will most likely keep his confidence up.
Maintaining confidence for a kid with that much skill and potential is essential; the time and importance he'll be given on an AHL line-up might just be what he needs to elevate his game to the NHL level.
| POLL | ||
For Lekkerimaki's development, what's the best move? | ||
| NHL | 46 | 25 % |
| AHL | 136 | 73.9 % |
| Overseas | 2 | 1.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
