In a season focused on gaining experience and preparing for the future, the Vancouver Canucks face a setback with the loss of one of their brightest young talents, Jonathan Lekkerimaki.
The 21-year-old winger is set to undergo shoulder surgery, sidelining him for the remainder of the season. Lekkerimaki's injury woes trace back to October, when he was placed on injured reserve, but it's unclear exactly when this latest setback occurred.
Lekkerimaki has shown flashes of potential in his limited NHL action this season, notching two goals and an assist over 13 games. His time with the AHL’s Abbotsford Canucks has been more productive, where he's racked up 13 goals and seven assists in 21 games, showcasing his scoring touch.
Drafted 15th overall by Vancouver in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft, Lekkerimaki honed his skills in Sweden, particularly during the 2023-24 season with Orebro HK in the SHL. There, he impressed with 19 goals and 12 assists over 46 games, proving his ability to compete at a high level.
Lekkerimaki made his North American professional debut towards the end of the 2023-24 season, contributing a goal and an assist in a brief six-game stint with Abbotsford. Last season, he appeared in 24 NHL games for Vancouver, tallying three goals and three assists. He also excelled in the AHL, scoring 19 goals and adding nine assists in 36 games, and was a key player during Abbotsford’s playoff run, contributing seven points in 16 games.
The Canucks will undoubtedly miss Lekkerimaki’s presence on the ice, but his potential remains a beacon of hope for the future as he recovers and prepares for a comeback next season.