Abbotsford Canucks | Season Starting

[Mr. Canucklehead]

Injured in some fashion but the organization gives us neither details nor timelines for injured players.

The injuries to key guys whom the Canucks would likely call up at this point is frustrating. Both Karlsson and PDG are injured, and Sammy Blais is injured too (the hope was he'd round into enough playing shape to merit a contract).

I wonder if the Canucks decide to send Lekkerimaki back for more seasoning and recall Nils Aman, who seems like the logical choice. I suppose Danila Klimovich could be considered to have earned a look based on his bounce back offensive season, but I can't imagine Tocchet enjoying his defensive game very much.

 

[MS]

The injuries to key guys whom the Canucks would likely call up at this point is frustrating. Both Karlsson and PDG are injured, and Sammy Blais is injured too (the hope was he'd round into enough playing shape to merit a contract).

I wonder if the Canucks decide to send Lekkerimaki back for more seasoning and recall Nils Aman, who seems like the logical choice. I suppose Danila Klimovich could be considered to have earned a look based on his bounce back offensive season, but I can't imagine Tocchet enjoying his defensive game very much.

Yeah, it would be really nice to know what the story was on Karlsson in particular because Lekkerimaki is clearly out of his depth and Karlsson is the logical guy that would/should be here instead.

 

[ManVanFan]

Yeah, it would be really nice to know what the story was on Karlsson in particular because Lekkerimaki is clearly out of his depth and Karlsson is the logical guy that would/should be here instead.

If Jason Robertson can spend 60 games in the AHL in his draft plus 3 season. Guentzal in his draft 3 played 11 regular season 10 playoffs and 33 the next year in the AHL. William Nylander 75 games. So can Lekkerimaki

 

[MS]

If Jason Robertson can spend 60 games in the AHL in his draft plus 3 season. Guentzal in his draft 3 played 11 regular season 10 playoffs and 33 the next year in the AHL. William Nylander 75 games. So can Lekkerimaki

This was not a criticism of Lekkerimaki.

If he can be a PPG player in the AHL this year and come back 10 lbs stronger and more explosive that's totally fine. But he clearly isn't ready now, which is what basically everyone expected heading into the season anyway.

 

[Blue and Green]

The injuries to key guys whom the Canucks would likely call up at this point is frustrating. Both Karlsson and PDG are injured, and Sammy Blais is injured too (the hope was he'd round into enough playing shape to merit a contract).

I wonder if the Canucks decide to send Lekkerimaki back for more seasoning and recall Nils Aman, who seems like the logical choice. I suppose Danila Klimovich could be considered to have earned a look based on his bounce back offensive season, but I can't imagine Tocchet enjoying his defensive game very much.

Aman, and maybe at some point give Sasson a look although I don't see him as a PKer in the NHL and he is also lacking in the physical aspect. Klimovich needs to stay where he is and just keep learning; he's a legitimate AHL second-line winger now but not first-line calibre which is where a guy really needs to be to warrant a call-up unless the injuries really start piling up.

Karlsson is a slug by NHL standards, and quite honestly I'm kind of happy in a way that he hasn't been playing because it moved Klimovich higher in the lineup and gave him a chance to run with it, which he did. Di Giuseppe is the guy that is missed; he's a better player plus there's no one at LW in the organization who is being blocked this season if both he and Bains are playing in Abbotsford at the same time.

 

[Blue and Green]

Yeah, it would be really nice to know what the story was on Karlsson in particular because Lekkerimaki is clearly out of his depth and Karlsson is the logical guy that would/should be here instead.

I don't think Lekkerimaki is any more out of his depth in the NHL at the moment than Karlsson would be. If it's a matter of having a guy as a spare forward or playing nine minutes per game on the fourth line, then of course I'd rather than Karlsson be the one; but if there's an opportunity to play in the top-9 it might as well be Lekkerimaki if the other option was Karlsson.

 

[Blue and Green]

By the way, the #1 issue with Klimovich is not his defensive game; it's definitely not up to NHL standards but it's not as poor as some claim. The real problem is bad giveaways.

 

[MS]

I don't think Lekkerimaki is any more out of his depth in the NHL at the moment than Karlsson would be. If it's a matter of having a guy as a spare forward or playing nine minutes per game on the fourth line, then of course I'd rather than Karlsson be the one; but if there's an opportunity to play in the top-9 it might as well be Lekkerimaki if the other option was Karlsson.

Karlsson is a fundamentally solid player who didn't look out-of-place in NHL playoff games last year.

Lekkerimaki is more talented but is simply too small/weak to get in positions to exploit that talent against NHLers right now, and his defensive game is simply not at the level required at this point.

By the way, the #1 issue with Klimovich is not his defensive game; it's definitely not up to NHL standards but it's not as poor as some claim. The real problem is bad giveaways.

It's everything off the puck. Atrocious puck management, poor defensive reads, awful giveaways, dumb penalties. 'Bad defensively' is just an easy way of saying all of this.

 

[Blue and Green]

Karlsson is a fundamentally solid player who didn't look out-of-place in NHL playoff games last year.

Lekkerimaki is more talented but is simply too small/weak to get in positions to exploit that talent against NHLers right now, and his defensive game is simply not at the level required at this point.

Karlsson can't skate anywhere close to NHL standards and a few minutes here and there on the fourth line is the best that he can do. Lekkerimaki is better with the puck on his stick and is smart enough for the NHL. Already his warts aren't any worse than Karlsson's and it would be dependent upon the situation and who was being replaced as to which guy I'd want called up at present.

 

[Blue and Green]

It's everything off the puck. Atrocious puck management, poor defensive reads, awful giveaways, dumb penalties. 'Bad defensively' is just an easy way of saying all of this.

I've watched all of his games this season and it's not so bad anymore on his defensive reads. Maybe two bad penalties. Puck management is the bigger problem.

 

[MS]

Karlsson can't skate anywhere close to NHL standards and a few minutes here and there on the fourth line is the best that he can do. Lekkerimaki is better with the puck on his stick and is smart enough for the NHL. Already his warts aren't any worse than Karlsson's and it would be dependent upon the situation and who was being replaced as to which guy I'd want called up at present.

Karlsson can play minutes without hurting you, and can play PP2.

Lekkerimaki is hurting you at this point. He's been out of his depth the past two games. He's not ready.

I've watched all of his games this season and it's not so bad anymore on his defensive reads. Maybe two bad penalties. Puck management is the bigger problem.

I've seen about 5 games he's played between the preseason and the AHL (and 100+ games over the prior 3 seasons) and the defensive play isn't good enough. Of course the bigger problem has always been puck management but that falls under the general umbrella of 'defensive play' as well.

 

[Blue and Green]

Karlsson can play minutes without hurting you, and can play PP2.

Lekkerimaki is hurting you at this point. He's been out of his depth the past two games. He's not ready.

We'll have to agree to disagree about Karlsson because I am not swayed.

 

[MS]

We'll have to agree to disagree about Karlsson because I am not swayed.

He took a big step forward in the back half of last season and knows how to play pro hockey, where to be defensively, how to manage the puck. Lekkerimaki does not at this point. But yeah we'll have to agree to disagree there.

 

[VanJack]

I know there's a lobby on these boards that Lekkerimaki needs to be shipped back to Abbotsford.

Problem is, who do they call up right now to replace him? Bains is already up. I think Karlsson is still hurt. Di Giuseppe might be a consideration as a Tocchet favorite, but I think he's injured too. Blais doesn't even have an NHL contract.

The only guy I could see potentially coming up right now is Sasson, but he's probably better off playing his natural position of center in the AHL.

So until Boeser amd Miller get back, I doubt Lekkerimaki is going anywhere.

 

[kanucks25]

I know there's a lobby on these boards that Lekkerimaki needs to be shipped back to Abbotsford.

Problem is, who do they call up right now to replace him? Bains is already up. I think Karlsson is still hurt. Di Giuseppe might be a consideration as a Tocchet favorite, but I think he's injured too. Blais doesn't even have an NHL contract.

The only guy I could see potentially coming up right now is Sasson, but he's probably better off playing his natural position of center in the AHL.

So until Boeser amd Miller get back, I doubt Lekkerimaki is going anywhere.

Sounds like Boeser is close, Lekk will be sent down once Brock is back.

 

[orcatown]

By the way, the #1 issue with Klimovich is not his defensive game; it's definitely not up to NHL standards but it's not as poor as some claim. The real problem is bad giveaways

I've watched all of his games this season and it's not so bad anymore on his defensive reads. Maybe two bad penalties. Puck management is the bigger problem.

Agree. Just the choices he makes. Right now he is throwing everything on net (which isn't a bad idea) and you have to think the coaches have told him to it. Trouble is there are times when that's the right play but at other times when it isn't. Just one indication that his decision-making is not instinctive. There are some players that are just clever and naturally figure how to adjust to situations while others need to be almost programed.

Had that feeling about Virtanen. He just didn't change his game to adapt to situations. Often said that these types of players have low Hockey IQ.

Klimo has made big steps this year in many aspects of his play. He gets back defensively and gets in lanes to deflect passes away and he's much more on the right side of the puck defensively and on the forecheck. Nor is he driving the puck into traffic or defensive traps as much. And probably most important, he is playing with his head up and is less tunnel visioned. But whether he can adjust on the fly and make the right decisions on and off the puck is still open to question.

IMO has he has gone from being a write-off to something of a prospect.

 

[Mr. Canucklehead]

I know there's a lobby on these boards that Lekkerimaki needs to be shipped back to Abbotsford.

Problem is, who do they call up right now to replace him? Bains is already up. I think Karlsson is still hurt. Di Giuseppe might be a consideration as a Tocchet favorite, but I think he's injured too. Blais doesn't even have an NHL contract.

The only guy I could see potentially coming up right now is Sasson, but he's probably better off playing his natural position of center in the AHL.

So until Boeser amd Miller get back, I doubt Lekkerimaki is going anywhere.

Nils Aman is down there, but it might be a question of fit and role. Lekkerimaki is filling a spot in the top six because even though he's raw, he has high end ability. Aman is better employed as a fourth line player who kills penalties.

There aren't really many options right now to plug into the top six. Maybe Klimovich, if you want to reward him for a solid start, but I think his play off the puck would get him benched pretty darn quick.

 

[Snatcher Demko]

I'm surprised Aman hasn't gotten a call up considering his defensive game is at least decent and he can PK in a pinch. Sasson will be interesting though I'm looking forward to seeing him play.

 

[VanJack]

I'm surprised Aman hasn't gotten a call up considering his defensive game is at least decent and he can PK in a pinch. Sasson will be interesting though I'm looking forward to seeing him play.

Apparently, recalls from Abbotsford are mostly based on recommendations from the coaching staff, and are 'merit based'.

Unfortunately for him, Aman hasn't been all that good since his demotion. So in recent outings, Sasson has been the better player.

 

[quat]

By the way, the #1 issue with Klimovich is not his defensive game; it's definitely not up to NHL standards but it's not as poor as some claim. The real problem is bad giveaways.

ouch

 

[kanucks25]

Sasson over Aman is the right call, especially if the organization believes Sasson has any real NHL 4th line upside.

Might as well give him a taste just like they did with Lekk so the player knows what he has to work towards. With Boeser being close it's probably only going to be a game or two anyway.

Aman has completely stagnated and the team has enough PKers.

 

[docbenton]

Agree. Just the choices he makes. Right now he is throwing everything on net (which isn't a bad idea) and you have to think the coaches have told him to it. Trouble is there are times when that's the right play but at other times when it isn't. Just one indication that his decision-making is not instinctive. There are some players that are just clever and naturally figure how to adjust to situations while others need to be almost programed.

Had that feeling about Virtanen. He just didn't change his game to adapt to situations. Often said that these types of players have low Hockey IQ.

Klimo has made big steps this year in many aspects of his play. He gets back defensively and gets in lanes to deflect passes away and he's much more on the right side of the puck defensively and on the forecheck. Nor is he driving the puck into traffic or defensive traps as much. And probably most important, he is playing with his head up and is less tunnel visioned. But whether he can adjust on the fly and make the right decisions on and off the puck is still open to question.

IMO has he has gone from being a write-off to something of a prospect.

He does have a lot of Virtanen in him...fantastic speed, shot, size and very good puck skills.

Despite all his on-ice stupidity Virtanen at his best was a pretty effective NHL player. It was the off-ice stupidity and lack of commitment to improvement that spelled his downfall. He also was never a great forechecker despite being fast and strong, just didn't understand body position or stick work.

If Klimovich can keep improving his elite tools can allow him to be an NHL player. He's already a pretty good forechecker at the AHL level. IMO you have to do 2 out of 3 things well to stick in the NHL: score, forecheck or defend. Forechecking ability is not talked about nearly enough, but it's absolutely crucial to a forward's effectiveness, more than defensive ability IMO.

 

[VanJack]

Said it before.....Klimovich was placed in an almost impossible position by the outgoing Benning regime.

Selected in the second round of the 2021 entry draft out the Belarussian junior leagues, he was inexplicably dropped from the sky into Abbotsford as basically an 18-year old. The struggles and loss of confidence were almost inevitable.

If they'd only done with him what the current Canucks front office did with Vilmer Arliksson--send him to the OHL for a couple of years--undoubtedly Klimovich would be well ahead of where he is now.

But to his credit, the kid stuck with it in Abbotsford, and at 21 we might be finally seeing him realize that potential. Still debatable if he's a legit NHL prospect, but looks poised for a breakout year in the AHL.

 

[RobertKron]

. . . he was inexplicably dropped from the sky into Abbotsford as basically an 18-year old. The struggles and loss of confidence were almost inevitable.

If they'd only done with him what the current Canucks front office did with Vilmer Arliksson--send him to the OHL for a couple of years--undoubtedly Klimovich would be well ahead of where he is now. . . .

Unless the Dynamo Minsk coach was just blowing smoke, claiming that Klimovich was a top-six winger in the KHL, then he's a lock to stick with the Abby Canucks.

Frankly the coaching he'd get in the AHL would be far superior to anything he'd ever get in junior. So in order of preference, it's the AHL first; the KHL second; and third, major junior in N.A.

 

[VanJack]

Every opinion changes with the benefit of highsight.....so what? I suppose we should have known that any strategy employed by Jim Benning in terms of prospect development would be a flop.