Lekkerimaki Faces Pivotal Canucks Season as Camp Ends
The 22-year-old winger returned from shoulder surgery and had two assists in Vancouver’s preseason opener, with his waiver exemption due to end next year.
Jonathan Lekkerimaki has a pivotal season ahead with the Vancouver Canucks. The 22-year-old winger returned from February shoulder surgery for training camp in Penticton, which ended Sunday. His waiver exemption is due to expire at the start of next season, Sportsnet reported, adding pressure to his bid for a regular NHL role.
Lekkerimaki has scored 33 goals in 63 American Hockey League games but has five goals and nine points in 37 NHL games across call-ups. The shoulder injury began during an October game against Washington before surgery ended his season in February.
“It’s a tough league to play in and you’ve got to prepare as much as you can,” Lekkerimaki told Sportsnet. “I think I’ve learned a lot and it’s fun to be back.”
Canucks coach Manny Malhotra worked with Lekkerimaki in Abbotsford over the past two seasons. Ryan Johnson, formerly his minor-league general manager, now runs Vancouver’s NHL team. Malhotra told Sportsnet that winning pucks and being stronger in battles remain areas of development, while praising the winger's confidence and decisions with the puck.
Lekkerimaki had two assists on goals by Braeden Cootes and Arshdeep Bains in Vancouver’s 4-2 preseason loss at Seattle on Saturday. Sportsnet also reported that he lost the puck behind his own net on Seattle’s final goal. At camp, he skated mostly with Liam Ohgren and centre Marco Rossi.
“He’s an unbelievable skill player; he has a great shot,” Ohgren told Sportsnet. “I just think if he gets the chance and he can stay healthy, he’s going to have a long and great career.” Ohgren played junior hockey with Lekkerimaki at Djurgardens and was drafted four picks after him in 2022.
Vancouver is scheduled to visit Calgary on Tuesday for its second of four preseason games.
