Vancouver Canucks Coach Rick Tocchet Addresses Jonathan Lekkerimaki with a Big Challenge for His NHL Debut

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Maverick Mitchell
November 12, 2024 (6:50 PM)

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As Vancouver Canucks top-prospect Jonathan Lekkerimaki sets to make his NHL debut tonight against the Calgary Flames, head coach Rick Tocchet gave his young star a challenge.

«I don't like to throw too much at him. We have some system stuff to give to him but we don't want to overload him.»

After a strong training camp and preseason, the Vancouver Canucks did ultimately decide to send Lekkerimaki down to further develop his complete game. With the injury of Brock Boeser, and the team trading away Daniel Sprong, he finally has heard his name get called to get his first taste of NHL action.

In 7 games this season for the AHL Abbotsford Canucks, Lekkerimaki has greatly impressed with his insane wrist shot, scoring 5 goals and 2 assists for 7 points. On top of that, he has led the entire league in shotting percentage and shots on goal.

Vancouver Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet challenges Jonathan Lekkerimkai

With the 20-year-old Swede making his NHL debut against the Calgary Flames, head coach Rick Tocchet has given him challenge. His challenge is not to add any pressure to what is an already pressure filled day but to encourage him to play his game, to be the shooter and goal scorer that has gotten him to where he is today.

«The only advice I gave him, we had a two-on-one drill, and he was trying to pass, and I said, �Just shoot it, man. You're the shooter. Guys aren't going to be mad if you shoot the puck,'» Tocchet told reporters after practice today. «That's the only advice I gave him yesterday, is be a shooter tonight.»

His debut has been highly anticipated since he was drafted 15th overall back in 2022, and now fans have their chance too see him on NHL ice for the very first time.