One of the big storylines heading into the 2024-25 season revolves around Vancouver Canucks top prospect Jonathan Lekkerimäki. The reigning SHL Rookie of the Year has made the transition to North America, and while he has a chance to start the year in the NHL, the 20-year-old winger will most likely be sent to the AHL before opening night. While expectations surrounding Lekkerimäki are high, starting the season with the Abbotsford Canucks could be what’s best for his long-term development.
While Lekkerimäki was successful as a 19-year-old in the SHL, scoring 19 goals and adding 12 assists in 46 games, that doesn’t necessarily translate to automatic production at the NHL level. Not only will Lekkerimäki have to adjust to the North American ice surface, but he will also have to play a different style of game compared to the SHL. That being said, his short six-game stint with Abbotsford last season was encouraging, as Lekkerimäki was able to generate offensive chances while also scoring his first career AHL goal.
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Even if Lekkerimäki has a strong showing during training camp and the preseason, the AHL would still arguably be the best place for him to at least start the season. Based on the Canucks current roster, it is hard to picture the Swedish winger getting the minutes and opportunities he needs to reach his full potential. In contrast, if sent to Abbotsford, Lekkerimäki would automatically be in the team’s top six while also getting plenty of opportunities on the power play.
On top of additional playing time, working with the Canucks development staff on a daily basis is another advantage to starting Lekkerimäki in the AHL. There are arguably no better teachers for a young Swedish forward than Daniel and Henrik Sedin, who know what it takes to be a high draft pick, move to North America and thrive in a Canadian market. Whether it is the Sedins or Manny Malhotra, who was also a top-ten pick, the amount of knowledge and experience in the AHL should help guide Lekkerimäki through the ups and downs of his first pro season in North America.
Just because Lekkerimäki starts the year in the AHL doesn’t mean he finishes the season with Abbotsford. A good example of a similar situation is Dallas Stars Logan Stankoven, who, after 47 games in the AHL, made the jump to the NHL and didn’t play another game for the Texas Stars the rest of the year. There is definitely a possibility that this scenario could happen in Vancouver this season, but Lekkerimäki would have to show not only that he can be productive offensively but also that his defensive game is up to Rick Tocchet’s standards.
In the end, while the Canucks do have some intriguing prospects, they need Lekkerimäki to be a productive part of Vancouver’s roster sooner rather than later. Yes, the cap is expected to grow, but with players like Brock Boeser, Thatcher Demko and Quinn Hughes all in need of new contracts over the next couple of years, players on cheap deals or ELCs like Lekkerimäki will be crucial. He also is considered one of the top prospects in the NHL, showing that it’s not just the Canucks who see him having a bright future. Ultimately, while there may be a push from the fanbase to see Lekkerimäki start the year in the NHL, being patient and having him play in the AHL for at least part of the season will be beneficial for both the player and the organization.
