Breadcrumb Trail Links
SportsHockeyNHLVancouver Canucks
With a crowded right wing, and the Canucks heading into a season of redemption, it’s best for Lekkerimaki to play big minutes and grow his game in Abbotsford
Get the latest from Ben Kuzma straight to your inbox Sign Up
Published Jul 28, 2025 • 4 minute read
You can save this article by registering for free here. Or sign-in if you have an account.
Vancouver Canucks rookie right-winger Jonathan Lekkerimaki unloads a heavy shot against the Los Angeles Kings in January. Photo by Derek Cain /Getty ImagesArticle content
There’s that shot and the shots Jonathan Lekkerimäki absorbed last season.
Advertisement 2
This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY
Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events.Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account.The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword.Support local journalism.
SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES
Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events.Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account.The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword.Support local journalism.
REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES
Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.
Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.
THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.
Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.
Access articles from across Canada with one accountShare your thoughts and join the conversation in the commentsEnjoy additional articles per monthGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an Account
or
Article content
The Vancouver Canucks’ prized prospect teased of NHL potential — especially with a quick and effortless release that packed velocity and accuracy — and his game awareness and positioning improved along with deceptive speed. The right-winger also learned travel rigours and roughness of the long AHL playoff grind demanding skill matching will and physical toughness.
Article content
Article content
Lekkerimäki was scratched for five-consecutive post-season games in the Abbotsford Canucks’ march to their first Calder Cup championship. He looked tired. He looked like he needed a re-set. He then responded by scoring early and twice in a crucial Game 4 victory over the Charlotte Checkers in the league final, including the game winner. It was another peek at his potential.
Canucks Report
Thanks for signing up!
Article content
Advertisement 3
This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
Article content
The slender sharpshooter needs a summer like none other to build on a 5-foot-11, 172-pound frame. Perspective and patience are also vital to chart his playing path. Lekkerimäki turned 21 last Thursday, and in the draft-and-develop course for the 15th selection in the 2022 NHL Draft, next season should be about heavy first-line minutes in Abbotsford.
Lekkerimäki had 28 points (19-9) in 36 AHL regular-season games last season and just seven points (3-4) in 16 playoff outings. In 24 NHL games, he was held to three goals and six points, but his playmaking and defensive diligence were more solid.
Lekkerimäki projects as a second-line NHL winger and first power play unit sniper, but the right side is jammed. Brock Boeser has a seven-year extension, while Conor Garland has a new six-year commitment. And Kiefer Sherwood, who led the Canucks in hits with a league record 462, and a career-high 19 goals and 40 points in 2024-25, has another year left on his deal.
Advertisement 4
This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
Article content
That leaves the fourth-line spot, but it’s not where you develop Lekkerimäki in measured minutes, or to practice and occasionally play. With the Canucks in full redemption mode to return to the playoffs, the top-six mix is going to eat up big minutes at even strength and man advantage.
Lekkerimäki is waiver exempt, so he is going to see NHL games next season, but his stay will likely be short unless the Canucks run into injuries. They should let him cook in Abbotsford.
Jesper Bratt of New Jersey Devils is pressured by Canucks rookie Jonathan Lekkerimäki on March 24, 2025 in Newark, N.J. Photo by Elsa /Getty Images
Landon Ferraro, a former professional centre turned Sportsnet 650 analyst, was a 2009 second-round pick of the Detroit Red Wings. His first cup of recall coffee at age 22 came on a roster that included pivots Pavel Datsyuk, Henrik Zetterberg, Gustav Nyquist and Darren Helm. And he had to impress head coach Mike Babcock, even in a fourth-line role.
Advertisement 5
This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
Article content
“It’s tough,” Ferraro told Postmedia on Monday. “Lekkerimäki and I came up in difference circumstances. I knew I was there to kill penalties, and Babcock always liked a shutdown line. It was making sure I was good defensively and being hard to play against. Anything that happened offensively was just a bonus.”
Ferraro played just a dozen NHL games for the Red Wings, Boston Bruins and Minnesota Wild and managed 12 points (7-5). He also logged 354 games in the AHL and 154 in Germany, and knows travel can wear you down as much as an opponent.
Lekkerimäki played 76 games last season between the AHL and NHL, compared to 49 games in his final Swedish Hockey League season followed by seven in the World Junior championship.
“It was a year of ups and downs that he really never had to go for before,” Ferraro said of Lekkerimäki. “He’s always been a guy who’s counted on, and when he played back home (Sweden), he could work through that. Guys get to the AHL out of junior or Europe and think it’s going to be easy, but it’s a pretty hard league.
Advertisement 6
This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
Article content
“I think the long year got to him a little bit. Then you go into playoffs and everything gets harder. It was a good learning experience. He has the skill and hockey I.Q. Even in Vancouver, he made the right decisions. It’s just about getting in there a little bit more.
“And when he came back into the playoffs in Abbotsford, he found ways to use his shot to get it off quicker. There was a willingness to throw hits on the forecheck and an anger coming back in. A good angry.”
Jonathan Lekkerimäki does first pump after game-winning shootout goal against Devils on March 24, 2025 in Newark, N.J. Photo by Adam Hunger /AP
Regardless, the wolves are always at the door, and speculation of the cost for the Canucks to land a supportive centre in a trade remains. Depending on stature of the pivot, the parting package could start with a roster player and prize prospect like Lekkerimäki or defenceman Tom Willander. Add high draft picks to land the big fish in Mason McTavish.
Advertisement 7
This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
Article content
Letting Lekkerimäki cook in Abbotsford is the prudent non-trade play. Forwards Aatu Raty, Linus Karlsson and Arshdeep Bains are pushing for Canucks roster spots and no long waiver exempt.
“Lekkerimäki is going to have to do something pretty outrageous to make the team out of camp,” said Ferraro. “It’s better for him to play big (AHL) minutes and understand the travel. Be the go-to guy every game so when he does get called up he’s filled with confidence.”
Read More
Canucks prospect Braeden Cootes making his case at Canadian world junior camp
Canucks: No adieu Aatu Raty, feisty Finn should become roster regular next season
Article content
Share this article in your social network