It’s been a challenging season for Canucks winger Jonathan Lekkerimaki, marked by setbacks and transitions. The 21-year-old, who was Vancouver’s 15th overall pick in 2022, has faced a rollercoaster year, and now it’s taking another turn. Lekkerimaki is set to undergo season-ending shoulder surgery, as reported by Rick Dhaliwal.
Lekkerimaki’s journey this season has been anything but smooth. An early-season injury sidelined him for over a month, and since then, he’s been shuttling between the NHL and AHL, trying to find his footing. His time with Vancouver has been sporadic, featuring three stints with AHL Abbotsford and two with the Canucks since mid-November.
In the lead-up to the Olympics, Lekkerimaki had a brief opportunity to showcase his skills, playing in Vancouver’s last five games before the break. Over the season, he’s managed to score two goals and add an assist in 13 games, averaging just under 12 minutes on the ice per game. This performance mirrors his rookie year, where he tallied three goals and three assists in 24 NHL appearances.
However, Lekkerimaki has shone brighter in the AHL. Despite playing only 21 of Abbotsford’s 52 games, he’s tied for fourth in team scoring, with 13 goals and seven assists. Notably, he picked up four points in five games after being sent down during the Olympic break to stay sharp.
There was anticipation that Lekkerimaki might rejoin the Canucks post-break, depending on trade deadline moves. But with this latest development, his sophomore season has been cut short. As he looks ahead to recovery and rehabilitation, Lekkerimaki will aim to secure a full-time NHL spot come next fall’s training camp.