LATEST | Allvin updates on Canucks top prospect Jonathan Lekkerimaki: North American debut may be delayed
Vancouver Canucks fans who were hoping to see top prospect Jonathan Lekkerimaki make his North American debut this season are likely going to be disappointed.
In an interview with Pierre LeBrun on The Athletic, Vancouver Canucks General Manager Patrik Allvin said that the team isn't sure if Jonathan Lekkerimaki will come over to play with Abbotsford following the conclusion of his season in Sweden.
Allvin went on to say that part of the reason why is that Lekkerimaki is in contention to represent Sweden at the 2024 IIHF World Hockey Championship in Czechia and that they may allow him to stay over in Europe to rest/recover before going and playing in the tournament. However, no final decision has been made.
He added, "That's something we'll talk about,. Initially our plan was to bring him over to Abbotsford. But then the Swedish (national team) coach reached out."
Lekkerimaki, 19, has taken a big step forward in his development this season and is looking like he's close to becoming ready to play in the National Hockey League, potentially as soon as the 2024-25 campaign.
In 46 games this season for Orebro HK in the Swedish Hockey League, Lekkerimaki has 31 points (19 goals, 12 assists), ten penalty minutes and is a plus-six. On the international stage, the Tullinge native was lights out at the World Juniors, recording ten points in seven games, helping Sweden to a silver medal, while being named tournament MVP.
Would you rather Lekkerimaki come to Abbotsford or rest/recover for the World Championship? Share your thoughts with us in the poll below.
| POLL | ||
Would you rather Lekkerimaki come to Abbotsford or rest/recover for the World Championship? | ||
| Come to Abbotsford | 590 | 52.6 % |
| Rest/recover for World Championship | 491 | 43.8 % |
| See Results | 41 | 3.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
