Prospect Info: Jonathan Lekkerimaki, #15 Overall, 2022 NHL Draft

[PuckMunchkin]

It literally came from a sportsnet analyst that never watched him play and then everyone watching his highlights that only featured him scoring goals from his wicked shot.

Then people here started comparing him to Boeser, then suddenly Lekkerimäki is a flawed skater.

Too many bullshit artists here.

Yeah.

He is a fast playmaker.


edit.

There are skating issues and he can naturally disappear, especially when stronger opponents are on the ice, but that’s hardly uncommon for a kid his age on a bottom-feeder.

2022 NHL DRAFT: SWEDEN – Jonathan Lekkerimäki, RW, Djurgarden, SHL

McKeen's Chapin Landvogt profiles 2022 NHL Draft prospect Jonathan Lekkerimaki

www.mckeenshockey.com

He also has good hands but skating is something he needs to work on.

Canucks select Jonathan Lekkerimäki with 15th overall pick

The Vancouver Canucks took Swedish right-winger Jonathan Lekkerimäki with their first round pick which was at 15th overall.

thecanuckway.com

In terms of areas that could use improvement, Lekkerimäki could strengthen the physical aspect of his game. His skating is also lacking that “wow” factor compared to the rest of his game, such as his shooting and playmaking. His average skating ability is likely in part due to his age and development status, but this is not something that holds him back or makes him a less desirable player.

Red Wings Draft Targets: Jonathan Lekkerimäki - The Hockey Writers Detroit Red Wings Latest News, Analysis & More

As the 2022 NHL Entry Draft draws closer, Jonathan Lekkerimäki is a player that the Detroit Red Wings could be interested in.

thehockeywriters.com

The thing is that Lekkerimäki isn’t really great at everything else. He is average at best when it comes to skatin...

2022 NHL Draft prospect profile: Jonathan Lekkerimäki is one of the draft’s best shooters

The winger has few peers in terms is his shot power, but that’s his only true ability.

www.habseyesontheprize.com

When it comes to skating, Lekkerimaki isn’t the fastest skater at full stride but he looks fluid with his movement through the neutral zone and uses his agility to do an excellent job of carrying the puck in the offensive zone.

Jonathan Lekkerimaki arguably has the best shot in the draft: Realistic draft options for the Canucks at 15

As we approach the NHL Entry Draft, we at CanucksArmy want to preview...

canucksarmy.com

 

[TryamkinPleaseReturn]

Yeah.

He is a fast playmaker.


edit.

Why do I get the feeling you aren't too thrilled about the pick PuckMunchkin?

His skating is also lacking that “wow” factor compared to the rest of his game, such as his shooting and playmaking.

I think with his skating, he doesn't have that breakaway speed, at least not yet, but he isn't slow the way I would describe Geekie or McGroarty. He just doesn't have that extra gear. As of now. But he does have good skating, good edges and good balance.

 

[PuckMunchkin]

Why do I get the feeling you aren't too thrilled about the pick PuckMunchkin?



I think with his skating, he doesn't have that breakaway speed, at least not yet, but he isn't slow the way I would describe Geekie or McGroarty. He just doesn't have that extra gear. As of now. But he does have good skating, good edges and good balance.

I like the pick.

Think we got great value for where we picked.

I also believe his skating issue is something that he can likely improve.

 

[TryamkinPleaseReturn]

I like the pick.

Think we got great value for where we picked.

I also believe his skating issue is something that he can likely improve.

Holy crap, this is the level of sarcasm you have when you're pleased with a pick... thank God we didn't take Reid Schaefer

 

[PuckMunchkin]

Holy crap, this is the level of sarcasm you have when you're pleased with a pick... thank God we didn't take Reid Schaefer

Rutherplan is pushing this idea that questions about Lekkerimäki's skating is a nonstory.

Im not sarcastic about the prospect.

 

[CanucksMJL]

Rutherplan is pushing this idea that questions about Lekkerimäki's skating is a nonstory.

Im not sarcastic about the prospect.

Here is the nearly full transcript from the Mckeens write-up on his skating. I removed the parts that were lead-ins for video clips. Your selected clip paints a very different picture.

"Skating
We won’t hesitate to say that this is the part of his game that you’ll see receiving the greatest amount of critique. Yes, it’s warranted, especially when compared to the rest of his game. But no, it’s not something that’s going to hold him back. He’s still growing, and close analysis says it’s more an issue of teenage coordination and strength than any technical deficiencies. In fact, when it comes to agility and tight corner turns, he’s an above average skater.

He also seems to possess a deceptive speed that becomes more apparent when he actually has the puck, a time in which many other players have to slow things down. Not Lekkerimäki. That’s when he’s dancing or off to the races.

Some players like to skate past or deke out opposing defensemen, but Lekkerimäki has been known to combine both of these things with hopping past them on his way to the net as well

Then there are situations in which a player is primed to be plastered on the boards, but uses skating acumen to not only avoid suffering such a hit, but to do so while maintaining puck control and eventually creating a scoring opportunity

He will continue to have detractors when viewing his skating on whole or especially in comparison to some other players, but there have been plenty of effective NHLers over the years who didn’t possess his straightforward speed or agility. He’s very solid and composed on his skates despite his youth and slight build. It’s not going to be an issue over the long run."

Source #2 is thecanuckway.com. It's clear from the article that they are simply an echo chamber for someone else's opinion. Sourcing them is as credible as quoting a poster here.

Source #3 is thehockeywriters.com. Again it's clear from the article that their "opinion" is a reworded regurgitation of information from an actual source or sources. Even then, the synopsis of their research concluded that his skating was not at the elite level of his shot. If he were an elite skater with elite hands and an elite shot we wouldn't be having this conversation because he'd have gone 1st overall.

Source #4 is habseyeontheprize.com. It's hard to tell whether this is based on first hand scouting or not, but his skating is referred to as average at best.

Source #5 is canucksarmy.com. Like the above this is a source barely above HF posters. Despite that their take on his skating is not exactly critical.
"When it comes to skating, Lekkerimaki isn’t the fastest skater at full stride but he looks fluid with his movement through the neutral zone and uses his agility to do an excellent job of carrying the puck in the offensive zone. He has a nice touch in the neutral zone and even in the SHL, he shows an ability to have multiple ways of beating defenceman at the blue line. Lekkerimaki shows a lot of skill when he chips a puck around a defenceman or simply sneaks by a defenceman on the boards by using his agility."

Personally, I've only seen highlight packs and his skating looked fine. The idea that he is slow or a bad skater is complete nonsense.

 

[PuckMunchkin]

Here is the nearly full transcript from the Mckeens write-up on his skating. I removed the parts that were lead-ins for video clips. Your selected clip paints a very different picture.

"Skating
We won’t hesitate to say that this is the part of his game that you’ll see receiving the greatest amount of critique. Yes, it’s warranted, especially when compared to the rest of his game. But no, it’s not something that’s going to hold him back. He’s still growing, and close analysis says it’s more an issue of teenage coordination and strength than any technical deficiencies. In fact, when it comes to agility and tight corner turns, he’s an above average skater.

He also seems to possess a deceptive speed that becomes more apparent when he actually has the puck, a time in which many other players have to slow things down. Not Lekkerimäki. That’s when he’s dancing or off to the races.

Some players like to skate past or deke out opposing defensemen, but Lekkerimäki has been known to combine both of these things with hopping past them on his way to the net as well

Then there are situations in which a player is primed to be plastered on the boards, but uses skating acumen to not only avoid suffering such a hit, but to do so while maintaining puck control and eventually creating a scoring opportunity

He will continue to have detractors when viewing his skating on whole or especially in comparison to some other players, but there have been plenty of effective NHLers over the years who didn’t possess his straightforward speed or agility. He’s very solid and composed on his skates despite his youth and slight build. It’s not going to be an issue over the long run."

Source #2 is thecanuckway.com. It's clear from the article that they are simply an echo chamber for someone else's opinion. Sourcing them is as credible as quoting a poster here.

Source #3 is thehockeywriters.com. Again it's clear from the article that their "opinion" is a reworded regurgitation of information from an actual source or sources. Even then, the synopsis of their research concluded that his skating was not at the elite level of his shot. If he were an elite skater with elite hands and an elite shot we wouldn't be having this conversation because he'd have gone 1st overall.

Source #4 is habseyeontheprize.com. It's hard to tell whether this is based on first hand scouting or not, but his skating is referred to as average at best.

Source #5 is canucksarmy.com. Like the above this is a source barely above HF posters. Despite that their take on his skating is not exactly critical.
"When it comes to skating, Lekkerimaki isn’t the fastest skater at full stride but he looks fluid with his movement through the neutral zone and uses his agility to do an excellent job of carrying the puck in the offensive zone. He has a nice touch in the neutral zone and even in the SHL, he shows an ability to have multiple ways of beating defenceman at the blue line. Lekkerimaki shows a lot of skill when he chips a puck around a defenceman or simply sneaks by a defenceman on the boards by using his agility."

Personally, I've only seen highlight packs and his skating looked fine. The idea that he is slow or a bad skater is complete nonsense.

As long as we agree that its not a single source that is saying his skating needs to improve.


And lets hope you are correct that there is nothing there to improve and he just fell for no reason.



Here is another one but I can already guess what your response will be.

 

[Orca Smash]

After watching alot of ostlund and lekkerimaki video of recent footage, this one is going to be interesting.

Ostlund seems to have a non stop motor, great stickhandling, and passing. A good shot to, he is raw though and smaller then lekkerimaki. Stickhandling sometimes to much and getting drilled by better teams when he tries to go around them.

Lekkerimaki plays a very smart pro game, his skating and IQ looked good to me in the SHL, i was surprised at how good his game looked at the pro level. Often makes quick passes and does not try to do to much typically.


Lekkerimaki in my opinon playstyle is more like pettersson then boeser imo (not saying he has pettersson ceiling). He can skate, but he often evaluates the play and then produces flashes, with ostlund its more non stop motor always skating. I dont know if lekkerimaki has the incredible overall skillset petey had, but his pace and how he plays is similar in my eyes and there are also flashes of high end skill. I see no IQ or glaring skating issues. What I would like to see however is more of a motor and and him just keeping busy more, I say the same with petey. But i dont consider them slow.

Ostlund really has alot of raw talent and a high ceiling, he could be as good as aho, nylander (hes more raw and unpolished then nyalnder at the same age though) or arvidsson, or he could struggle to crack the nhl like berggren (although berggren could still make an impact in the ahl).

These two are so very different. I find it interesting lekkerimaki plays such a pro level game for his age, but does that also mean there's more high levels he can reach (he can for sure get better, just how much?) Or take it as a great sign he did not look out of place at 17 in the shl. Ostlund plays a high skilled game, but will need to adapt to do that at higher levels. I can see him being a longer project and struggling at first at the pro level given he loves to carry the puck and dangle around players until he figures it out.

This one would be really tough to evaluate.

 

[RutherPlan]

After watching alot of ostlund and lekkerimaki video of recent footage, this one is going to be interesting.

Ostlund seems to have a non stop motor, great stickhandling, and passing. A good shot to, he is raw though and smaller then lekkerimaki. Stickhandling sometimes to much and getting drilled by better teams when he tries to go around them.

Lekkerimaki plays a very smart pro game, his skating and IQ looked good to me in the SHL, i was surprised at how good his game looked at the pro level. Often makes quick passes and does not try to do to much typically.


Lekkerimaki in my opinon playstyle is more like pettersson then boeser imo (not saying he has pettersson ceiling). He can skate, but he often evaluates the play and then produces flashes, with ostlund its more non stop motor always skating. I dont know if lekkerimaki has the incredible overall skillset petey had, but his pace and how he plays is similar in my eyes and there are also flashes of high end skill. I see no IQ or glaring skating issues. What I would like to see however is more of a motor and and him just keeping busy more, I say the same with petey. But i dont consider them slow.

Ostlund really has alot of raw talent and a high ceiling, he could be as good as aho, nylander (hes more raw and unpolished then nyalnder at the same age though) or arvidsson, or he could struggle to crack the nhl like berggren (although berggren could still make an impact in the ahl).

These two are so very different. I find it interesting lekkerimaki plays such a pro level game for his age, but does that also mean there's more high levels he can reach (he can for sure get better, just how much?) Or take it as a great sign he did not look out of place at 17 in the shl. Ostlund plays a high skilled game, but will need to adapt to do that at higher levels. I can see him being a longer project and struggling at first at the pro level given he loves to carry the puck and dangle around players until he figures it out.

This one would be really tough to evaluate.

There are three things about Ostlund that are high risk, he measured 5 foot 10, 165lbs at the combine, his game relies heavily on puck possession and that type of game doesn't translate in the NHL as well because you have to make quick second decisions with the puck. You don't nearly have as much time or space against NHL defenceman so efficiency is absolutely vital. Lastly, his shot, and its something very fixable, lacks a lot of finish.

 

[CanucksMJL]

As long as we agree that its not a single source that is saying his skating needs to improve.


And lets hope you are correct that here is nothing there there improve and he just fell for no reason.



Here is another one but I can already guess what your response will be.

My issue with your post was that it seemed to be pushing a narrative rather than seeking the truth. The reality is that this player fell to the Canucks despite an evident ability to shoot the puck and more generally put the puck in the net. So why did he fall? What is the critical factor? Skating has been suggested, but I have not seen any compelling evidence to corroborate that suggestion and I've actually seen evidence that counters that argument entirely.

We're here trying to project a player's future as best we can. I haven't seen or heard anything to suggest he is an elite skater or that he can't improve, but it isn't the critical factor. There do seem to be other more relevant issues with this player that could hold him back. The one that jumps off the page is "compete", which he has himself conceded is a weakness. I prefer the word tenacity, but YMMV. I honestly don't know how you work on that.

edit: Scouching is legit. It seems evident that he puts in a ton of actual scouting and analytical evaluation work. I'm not sure what you expected.
IMO he is overly reliant on whatever analytics he uses, but I have no idea how else someone could even attempt to evaluate large numbers of players otherwise.

 

[PuckMunchkin]

My issue with your post was that it seemed to be pushing a narrative rather than seeking the truth. The reality is that this player fell to the Canucks despite an evident ability to shoot the puck and more generally put the puck in the net. So why did he fall? What is the critical factor? Skating has been suggested, but I have not seen any compelling evidence to corroborate that suggestion and I've actually seen evidence that counters that argument entirely.

We're here trying to project a player's future as best we can. I haven't seen or heard anything to suggest he is an elite skater or that he can't improve, but it isn't the critical factor. There do seem to be other more relevant issues with this player that could hold him back. The one that jumps off the page is "compete", which he has himself conceded is a weakness. I prefer the word tenacity, but YMMV. I honestly don't know how you work on that.

edit: Scouching is legit. It seems evident that he puts in a ton of actual scouting and analytical evaluation work. I'm not sure what you expected.
IMO he is overly reliant on whatever analytics he uses, but I have no idea how else someone could even attempt to evaluate large numbers of players otherwise.

What is my secret motive for pushing this narrative?

 

[Diversification]

My issue with your post was that it seemed to be pushing a narrative rather than seeking the truth. The reality is that this player fell to the Canucks despite an evident ability to shoot the puck and more generally put the puck in the net. So why did he fall? What is the critical factor? Skating has been suggested, but I have not seen any compelling evidence to corroborate that suggestion and I've actually seen evidence that counters that argument entirely.

We're here trying to project a player's future as best we can. I haven't seen or heard anything to suggest he is an elite skater or that he can't improve, but it isn't the critical factor. There do seem to be other more relevant issues with this player that could hold him back. The one that jumps off the page is "compete", which he has himself conceded is a weakness. I prefer the word tenacity, but YMMV. I honestly don't know how you work on that.

edit: Scouching is legit. It seems evident that he puts in a ton of actual scouting and analytical evaluation work. I'm not sure what you expected.
IMO he is overly reliant on whatever analytics he uses, but I have no idea how else someone could even attempt to evaluate large numbers of players otherwise.

If you like Will Scouch’s take, he also makes it a point that the 3 players benefit from the chemistry they have as a long term line. He doesn’t like Lekkerimaki’s play-driving potential (dropping him to 2nd with Ostlund 3rd) , which is why he favored Liam Oghren’s higher floor.

When I watched that clip, I was struck by the parallels between Djurgarden’s line and the WCE with Ostlund reprising the role of BMo, Oghren as Bertuzzi (okay, maybe a stretch) and Lekk as Naslund.

It’s something to think about as Lekkerimaki makes his way onto the team - the types of players he plays optimally with.

One more thing from Scouching that was interesting for me: Lekkerimaki’s offensive zone transition numbers are surprisingly good. Given his sort of passive style of play, it indicates a good level of on-ice IQ.

 

[CanucksMJL]

What is my secret motive for pushing this narrative?

How would I know? It's a secret.

 

[CanucksMJL]

If you like Will Scouch’s take, he also makes it a point that the 3 players benefit from the chemistry they have as a long term line. He doesn’t like Lekkerimaki’s play-driving potential (dropping him to 2nd with Ostlund 3rd) , which is why he favored Liam Oghren’s higher floor.

When I watched that clip, I was struck by the parallels between Djurgarden’s line and the WCE with Ostlund reprising the role of BMo, Oghren as Bertuzzi (okay, maybe a stretch) and Lekk as Naslund.

It’s something to think about as Lekkerimaki makes his way onto the team - the types of players he plays optimally with.

One more thing from Scouching that was interesting for me: Lekkerimaki’s offensive zone transition numbers are surprisingly good. Given his sort of passive style of play, it indicates a good level of on-ice IQ.

I don't know if I agree with him or not. I do respect that his assessments are his own and he explains the rationale. That is in contrast to the many who copied their homework and changed the wording to pass it off as original.

 

[Prntscrn]

If you like Will Scouch’s take, he also makes it a point that the 3 players benefit from the chemistry they have as a long term line. He doesn’t like Lekkerimaki’s play-driving potential (dropping him to 2nd with Ostlund 3rd) , which is why he favored Liam Oghren’s higher floor.

When I watched that clip, I was struck by the parallels between Djurgarden’s line and the WCE with Ostlund reprising the role of BMo, Oghren as Bertuzzi (okay, maybe a stretch) and Lekk as Naslund.

It’s something to think about as Lekkerimaki makes his way onto the team - the types of players he plays optimally with.

One more thing from Scouching that was interesting for me: Lekkerimaki’s offensive zone transition numbers are surprisingly good. Given his sort of passive style of play, it indicates a good level of on-ice IQ.

Tbf I think Lekkerimäki held his own on pretty much any line he played. Didn't matter if it was 2nd line with Eklund and Axelsson or 4th line with more energy type of players

 

[vadim sharifijanov]

The flipside is it is not clear to me how important it is to have your best players play centre, all else equal. I suspect that strong play driving wingers are probably a bit undervalued.

the interesting thing to me is whether the league has shifted and this is now true

i don’t think we’ve ever ever seen a scoring race so dominated by smallish play driving wingers: gaudreau, kaprizov, marner, panarin, p kane, forsberg, plus half a season of kuch.

 

[PuckMunchkin]

How would I know? It's a secret.

Intriguing

 

[Bougieman]

According to the Athletic, Yzerman and the Wings seriously considered taking him at 8. That's good enough for me.

Now that's what I like to hear. Yzerman has proven consistantly through his actions that he knows what the heck he's doing at this whole drafting thing.

 

[PuckMunchkin]

Now that's what I like to hear. Yzerman has proven consistantly through his actions that he knows what the heck he's doing at this whole drafting thing.

 

[strattonius]

Now that's what I like to hear. Yzerman has proven consistantly through his actions that he knows what the heck he's doing at this whole drafting thing.

Everyone is in love with Yzerman.

He reached for Seider. Amazing pick kudos to him. He passed on Hughes for Zadina. And at the end of the day the Red Wings still suck. Until they get some results I don't get the love fest.

 

[Nazzlind]

Everyone is in love with Yzerman.

He reached for Seider. Amazing pick kudos to him. He passed on Hughes for Zadina. And at the end of the day the Red Wings still suck. Until they get some results I don't get the love fest.

Zadina was a Holland pick

 

[strattonius]

Zadina was a Holland pick

I stand corrected.




...That Yzerman guy is unreal!!!

 

[Orca Smash]

I had Kasper as one of the best players in the draft. Figures he would not get passed yzerman.

 

[krutovsdonut]

Why do I get the feeling you aren't too thrilled about the pick PuckMunchkin?

a player with a finnish last name who plays for sweden is pretty sus.

 

[Hansen]

a player with a finnish last name who plays for sweden is pretty sus.

Is he a fennoswede or a ruotsinsuomalaiset/sverigefinnar?