<p>Welcome back to CanucksArmy&#8217;s top 20 Vancouver Canucks prospect rankings.</p>
<p>We did it, folks. We&#8217;ve made it to our top-ranked Canucks prospect. It&#8217;s been a long road, and if you&#8217;ve missed any of our placements, do not fret. We will be recapping everything with a final wrap-up piece tomorrow.</p>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Today, however, we focus on a sharpshooting Swede who just wrapped up a bounce-back season for the ages. From scoring goals to amassing an impressive list of trophies, it was a season to remember for Jonathan Lekkerimäki.</p>
<blockquote>
<h3>Jonathan Lekkerimäki<br />
Team: Abbotsford Canucks | Age: 19 | Position: Right Wing | Height: 5&#8217;11&#8221; | Weight: 175 lbs | Shoots: Right</h3>
</blockquote>
<p>Healthy and playing to his full potential is the perfect description of Jonathan Lekkerimäki’s 2023-24 campaign.</p>
<p>Whether it was in the SHL, the AHL, or on the international stage, the sharpshooting winger commanded attention and reestablished his place as the top prospect within the Canucks’ pipeline.</p>
<p>Graduating to the Swedish Hockey League following a stellar playoff run in the Allsvenskan in the 2022-23 season, Lekkerimäki quickly made his mark. He kicked off 2023-24 with three goals in as many games and never looked back. Playing for Örebro, he quickly became one of the league&#8217;s premier goalscorers and maintained that status for the year&#8217;s entirety.</p>
<p>Scoring 19 goals and 31 points in 46 regular-season games, he led all U23 players and placed fifth league-wide despite being just 19 years of age. Leading his team in goals, he&#8217;d earn Team MVP honours — one of his many accolades for the year.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="sv" dir="ltr">Här prisas Jonathan Lekkerimäki som säsongens mest värdefulla spelare! <a href="https://t.co/YbGzPjHQSv">pic.twitter.com/YbGzPjHQSv</a></p>
<p>&mdash; Örebro Hockey (@orebrohockey) <a href="https://twitter.com/orebrohockey/status/1765803709076832558?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 7, 2024</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>His MVP performance stretched well beyond the statistics he posted throughout the year. He was also considered one of the club&#8217;s primary high-leverage minute players. Whether it was the final minutes of a third period, overtime, or as the final shooter in a shootout, the 19-year-old was typically the team’s go-to option. And in most cases, he delivered.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="fi" dir="ltr">Jonathan Lekkerimäki, overtime hero. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Canucks?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Canucks</a> <a href="https://t.co/KcRyhkdjhT">pic.twitter.com/KcRyhkdjhT</a></p>
<p>&mdash; Dave Hall (@hall1289) <a href="https://twitter.com/hall1289/status/1760759305127784623?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 22, 2024</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>On the international stage, Lekkerimäki represented Sweden at the 2024 World Junior Championships for the third and final time in his career, continuing his reign as one of the breakout prospects around the world. In seven games, he tied for most goals (7) and finished third in points (10) tournament-wide, leading to a Silver Medal in front of his home country. His phenomenal showing earned him the tournament MVP Award and a spot on the Media All-Star Team.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Every goal from tournament MVP (last won by Connor Bedard) Jonathan Lekkerimäki at the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldJuniors?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WorldJuniors</a></p>
<p>The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Canucks?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Canucks</a> 2022 1st-rounder finished with 7 goals (tied for the most) &amp; 3 assists in 10 games.</p>
<p>(Via YouTube/TSN) <a href="https://t.co/svTDJxGKN7">pic.twitter.com/svTDJxGKN7</a></p>
<p>&mdash; Rink Wide: Vancouver (@RinkWideVAN) <a href="https://twitter.com/RinkWideVAN/status/1743693919408607357?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2024</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>Returning to Örebro after a lost play-in round, the Swedish sniper crossed the pond to make his highly anticipated North American debut. It took him five games to score his inaugural AHL goal, but he did so in typical Lekkerimäki fashion.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="et" dir="ltr">Jonathan Lekkerimäki scores his first AHL goal! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Canucks?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Canucks</a> <a href="https://t.co/BcUX7AGsyK">pic.twitter.com/BcUX7AGsyK</a></p>
<p>&mdash; Dave Hall (@hall1289) <a href="https://twitter.com/hall1289/status/1776824889737138581?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 7, 2024</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>After a short stint in the AHL, where he started to gain offensive traction with points in back-to-back games, he returned to Sweden to embark on a month-long World Championship training camp. Lekkerimäki had been a staple member of Sweden’s national teams throughout his young career, and missing an opportunity to suit up in his first World Championship was simply out of the question.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, as the official tournament drew closer, Sweden added several NHL talents from their respective, eliminated clubs. On the outside looking in, he fell just short and wrapped up the year empty-handed.</p>
<p>Overall, his season was a huge success. After being written off by many just one year prior, Lekkerimäki posted one of the most impressive lists of accolades in a single season’s work:</p>
<ul>
<li>SHL Best Junior (EliteProspects.com Award)</li>
<li>SHL Most Goals by Junior (19)</li>
<li>SHL Most Points by Junior (31)</li>
<li>Örebro Most Valuable Player</li>
<li>Swedish Junior Hockey Player of the Year</li>
<li>U20 WJC All-Star Team</li>
<li>U20 WJC Most Valuable Player</li>
<li>U20 WJC Silver Medal</li>
</ul>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="et" dir="ltr">Folks, we have a Jonathan Lekkerimäki lacrosse goal ‼️ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Canucks?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Canucks</a> <a href="https://t.co/jI2sFXQtRS">pic.twitter.com/jI2sFXQtRS</a></p>
<p>&mdash; Dave Hall (@hall1289) <a href="https://twitter.com/hall1289/status/1763293669233463551?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 29, 2024</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>Beyond the trophies and offensive numbers, the overall improvements in his all-around game truly caught our eye. In addition to his already potent release, he showcased an added gear to his motor, providing forechecks and hounding puck carriers. At 175 lbs, he’s still slight, and his efforts don’t always lead to hits or getting opponents off pucks, but the effort is there. His ability to win battles shone from time to time, and his willingness to drive into the middle of the ice was much more prevalent than in years past.</p>
<p>“There’s still work to be done and weight needed, but the progress taken this season was paramount,” said Lekkerimäki in an interview with <a href="https://www.nhl.com/canucks/news/jonathan-lekkerimaki-joins-abbotsford-canucks">Canucks.com’s Chris Faber.</a> “One-on-one battles on the boards and play around the net. I want to find areas that I can shoot as soon as I get the puck, so I think I need to move my feet to get to those areas. I want to be stronger without the puck and stronger defensively. I’ll be taking away the body more and more.”</p>
<p>With Sweden in his rearview, the big question on everyone’s mind is if he’s NHL-ready. There is no denying his ability to shoot the puck and score from any angle. Although, as expected, his quick stint in Abbotsford showed us the adjustments needed to acclimate his game to properly find space and time to let that incredible release fly. Remember, he&#8217;s still a freshly turned 20-year-old (July 24th) with just six North American games under his belt.</p>
<p>There are two arguments to be had here. One, he’s on a cheap ELC ticket, and if he shows up to knock the Youngstars showcase and Exhibition slate out of the park, why not try his luck in a top-six role to start the season? Perhaps, place him with Elias Pettersson and let him figure things out on the fly.</p>
<p>The other argument, and likely the one that makes the most sense, is for him to begin in the AHL to see ample time as one of the team’s top-six threats. Have him playing in his typical trigger spot on the power play and ensure that he’s taking shots like it’s no one’s business. If he scores 10 goals by Christmas and commands a look at the NHL by then, the team can do so comfortably, knowing that he’s confident in his ability and ready to give it a go.</p>
<p>The club has more than enough capable bodies among the big club, and as one of the organization&#8217;s &#8220;must hit&#8221; prospects, it&#8217;s going to be important to navigate his confidence and development appropriately.</p>
<p>Either way, he’s North American bound, and the road to Vancouver’s lineup is within striking distance. Now, it’s about taking a hands-on approach to his development and working toward carving out his top-six potential locally.</p>
<p><strong>Ceiling:</strong> Lekkerimäki has the package to become a full-fledged top-six threat at the NHL level. The upside likely never hits star-level status, but as a natural triggerman who thrives off scoring goals, there is no denying the upside.</p>
<p><strong>Floor:</strong> Even if he doesn’t reach his top-six potential, Lekkerimäki should still carve out a role as a middle-six forward with power play utility. His shooting and scoring ability will always make him a valuable asset, and with an ever-growing willingness to play the pressure game, he could become a serviceable everyday NHLer.</p>
<p><strong>ETA:</strong> As we&#8217;ve mentioned, there’s a chance that Lekkerimäki will get a look out of camp this fall. However, starting the year in the AHL to get more accustomed to the North American style of play might be the best route. Regardless of his starting home, you can probably expect him to play games in a Vancouver Canucks&#8217; sweater next season.</p>
<p><strong>Sponsored by bet365</strong></p>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


Welcome back to CanucksArmy's top 20 Vancouver Canucks prospect rankings.

We did it, folks. We've made it to our top-ranked Canucks prospect. It's been a long road, and if you've missed any of our placements, do not fret. We will be recapping everything with a final wrap-up piece tomorrow.
<div class="bam-inline-promotion-block" data-max-length="2" data-placement-id="2111" data-context="web-content-promocard" data-property-id="329"></div>
&nbsp;

Today, however, we focus on a sharpshooting Swede who just wrapped up a bounce-back season for the ages. From scoring goals to amassing an impressive list of trophies, it was a season to remember for Jonathan Lekkerimäki.
<blockquote>
<h3>Jonathan Lekkerimäki
Team: Abbotsford Canucks | Age: 19 | Position: Right Wing | Height: 5'11" | Weight: 175 lbs | Shoots: Right</h3>
</blockquote>
Healthy and playing to his full potential is the perfect description of Jonathan Lekkerimäki’s 2023-24 campaign.

Whether it was in the SHL, the AHL, or on the international stage, the sharpshooting winger commanded attention and reestablished his place as the top prospect within the Canucks’ pipeline.

Graduating to the Swedish Hockey League following a stellar playoff run in the Allsvenskan in the 2022-23 season, Lekkerimäki quickly made his mark. He kicked off 2023-24 with three goals in as many games and never looked back. Playing for Örebro, he quickly became one of the league's premier goalscorers and maintained that status for the year's entirety.

Scoring 19 goals and 31 points in 46 regular-season games, he led all U23 players and placed fifth league-wide despite being just 19 years of age. Leading his team in goals, he'd earn Team MVP honours — one of his many accolades for the year.

https://twitter.com/orebrohockey/status/1765803709076832558

His MVP performance stretched well beyond the statistics he posted throughout the year. He was also considered one of the club's primary high-leverage minute players. Whether it was the final minutes of a third period, overtime, or as the final shooter in a shootout, the 19-year-old was typically the team’s go-to option. And in most cases, he delivered.

https://twitter.com/hall1289/status/1760759305127784623

On the international stage, Lekkerimäki represented Sweden at the 2024 World Junior Championships for the third and final time in his career, continuing his reign as one of the breakout prospects around the world. In seven games, he tied for most goals (7) and finished third in points (10) tournament-wide, leading to a Silver Medal in front of his home country. His phenomenal showing earned him the tournament MVP Award and a spot on the Media All-Star Team.

https://twitter.com/RinkWideVAN/status/1743693919408607357

Returning to Örebro after a lost play-in round, the Swedish sniper crossed the pond to make his highly anticipated North American debut. It took him five games to score his inaugural AHL goal, but he did so in typical Lekkerimäki fashion.

https://twitter.com/hall1289/status/1776824889737138581

After a short stint in the AHL, where he started to gain offensive traction with points in back-to-back games, he returned to Sweden to embark on a month-long World Championship training camp. Lekkerimäki had been a staple member of Sweden’s national teams throughout his young career, and missing an opportunity to suit up in his first World Championship was simply out of the question.

Unfortunately, as the official tournament drew closer, Sweden added several NHL talents from their respective, eliminated clubs. On the outside looking in, he fell just short and wrapped up the year empty-handed.

Overall, his season was a huge success. After being written off by many just one year prior, Lekkerimäki posted one of the most impressive lists of accolades in a single season’s work:
<ul>
 	<li>SHL Best Junior (EliteProspects.com Award)</li>
 	<li>SHL Most Goals by Junior (19)</li>
 	<li>SHL Most Points by Junior (31)</li>
 	<li>Örebro Most Valuable Player</li>
 	<li>Swedish Junior Hockey Player of the Year</li>
 	<li>U20 WJC All-Star Team</li>
 	<li>U20 WJC Most Valuable Player</li>
 	<li>U20 WJC Silver Medal</li>
</ul>
https://twitter.com/hall1289/status/1763293669233463551

Beyond the trophies and offensive numbers, the overall improvements in his all-around game truly caught our eye. In addition to his already potent release, he showcased an added gear to his motor, providing forechecks and hounding puck carriers. At 175 lbs, he’s still slight, and his efforts don’t always lead to hits or getting opponents off pucks, but the effort is there. His ability to win battles shone from time to time, and his willingness to drive into the middle of the ice was much more prevalent than in years past.

“There’s still work to be done and weight needed, but the progress taken this season was paramount,” said Lekkerimäki in an interview with <a href="https://www.nhl.com/canucks/news/jonathan-lekkerimaki-joins-abbotsford-canucks">Canucks.com’s Chris Faber.</a> “One-on-one battles on the boards and play around the net. I want to find areas that I can shoot as soon as I get the puck, so I think I need to move my feet to get to those areas. I want to be stronger without the puck and stronger defensively. I’ll be taking away the body more and more.”

With Sweden in his rearview, the big question on everyone’s mind is if he’s NHL-ready. There is no denying his ability to shoot the puck and score from any angle. Although, as expected, his quick stint in Abbotsford showed us the adjustments needed to acclimate his game to properly find space and time to let that incredible release fly. Remember, he's still a freshly turned 20-year-old (July 24th) with just six North American games under his belt.

There are two arguments to be had here. One, he’s on a cheap ELC ticket, and if he shows up to knock the Youngstars showcase and Exhibition slate out of the park, why not try his luck in a top-six role to start the season? Perhaps, place him with Elias Pettersson and let him figure things out on the fly.

The other argument, and likely the one that makes the most sense, is for him to begin in the AHL to see ample time as one of the team’s top-six threats. Have him playing in his typical trigger spot on the power play and ensure that he’s taking shots like it’s no one’s business. If he scores 10 goals by Christmas and commands a look at the NHL by then, the team can do so comfortably, knowing that he’s confident in his ability and ready to give it a go.

The club has more than enough capable bodies among the big club, and as one of the organization's "must hit" prospects, it's going to be important to navigate his confidence and development appropriately.

Either way, he’s North American bound, and the road to Vancouver’s lineup is within striking distance. Now, it’s about taking a hands-on approach to his development and working toward carving out his top-six potential locally.

<strong>Ceiling:</strong> Lekkerimäki has the package to become a full-fledged top-six threat at the NHL level. The upside likely never hits star-level status, but as a natural triggerman who thrives off scoring goals, there is no denying the upside.

<strong>Floor:</strong> Even if he doesn’t reach his top-six potential, Lekkerimäki should still carve out a role as a middle-six forward with power play utility. His shooting and scoring ability will always make him a valuable asset, and with an ever-growing willingness to play the pressure game, he could become a serviceable everyday NHLer.

<strong>ETA:</strong> As we've mentioned, there’s a chance that Lekkerimäki will get a look out of camp this fall. However, starting the year in the AHL to get more accustomed to the North American style of play might be the best route. Regardless of his starting home, you can probably expect him to play games in a Vancouver Canucks' sweater next season.

<strong>Sponsored by bet365</strong>
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CA’s top 20 Vancouver Canucks prospect rankings: #1 Jonathan Lekkerimäki

Pius Suter during day one of Vancouver Canucks training camp from Penticton, BC. Sep. 19, 2024

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