Jonathan Lekkerimaki - Arrived in Abbotsford

[PuckMunchkin]

I just don't think Miller is the best center for Lek, even though he assisted on his first-ever NHL goal tonight. But there was another cross crease pass, where if Miller had put it into his wheelhouse, it would have been another rocket. Instead it was in his feet and he almost whiffed.

When Boeser is back they need to drop Lekerrimaki down to pay with Pettersson and Garland. That could be a dynamite second line.

If Miller was healthy and firing on all cylinders I think he would be great with Lek.

 

[VanJack]

I really hope Lekkerimaki spends the year in Vancouver. Even if they have to sit him down occasionally, he'll learn a ton more playing the NHL game than he will lighting it up in Abbotsford.

 

[arttk]

Very encouraging that he managed to get 3 shots on goal in a game when we didn’t do shit. If he can average 3-4 shots per game he’s going to be a 30 goal scorer easy

 

[Blue and Green]

I really hope Lekkerimaki spends the year in Vancouver. Even if they have to sit him down occasionally, he'll learn a ton more playing the NHL game than he will lighting it up in Abbotsford.

There's plenty that he can still learn in Abbotsford and he'll get more ice time to do that learning. It will also give him time to get stronger and faster before becoming a full-time NHLer.

 

[Bertuzzzi44]

Smart skilled player but should be dominating the AHL this season playing in every key situation, needs to strengthen up a tad and round out his game, 5-on-5 gets pushed off the puck easily.

 

[VanJack]

Smart skilled player but should be dominating the AHL this season playing in every key situation, needs to strengthen up a tad and round out his game, 5-on-5 gets pushed off the puck easily.

Tonight the Preds were keying on him and taking the body. Problem is, his center Miller was having one of his worst nights as a Canuck.

Lekkermaki is a shooter. He needs a center who can get him the puck in shooting areas. He's just not the kind of kid at 20 years old who's going to go in on a dump and chase forecheck and win a ton of puck battles.

But obviously Tocchet still trusts him in the defensive zone. He's still throwing him over the boards, even late in games.

 

[JT Milker]

Not close, looks positively tiny out there. Need Boeser back badly.

 

[RobertKron]

Not close, looks positively tiny out there. Need Boeser back badly.

Yeah, he wants to get to the right spots and tries to do the right things, but needs to either get significantly stronger or gain a step or two.

 

[MS]

This stint has been overall quite positive as he hasn't looked horribly out-of-place or anything but he's very clearly not ready and needs a full year dominating the AHL, a big offseason next year, and to come back with an extra 10 lbs of muscle and explosiveness.

 

[RobertKron]

This stint has been overall quite positive as he hasn't looked horribly out-of-place or anything but he's very clearly not ready and needs a full year dominating the AHL, a big offseason next year, and to come back with an extra 10 lbs of muscle and explosiveness.

Yeah, the decision making is fine enough and he has the instincts and obviously the skillset, but he just can't get himself on the right side of bodies with any type of consistency.

IMO, I don't think it's really doing anyone any good keeping him up - even with Boeser out, but now that I've said that I'm sure he'll score eight goals next game so you're welcome everyone.

 

[Ernie]

He looks like a player who is used to having the space of a bigger sheet of ice. I don't know if a lot of time in the AHL is going to be of much use as there isn't really anyone down there for him to play with but he does need to get better at finding holes in coverage.

 

[bossram]

He's very slight/light. He's just not physically ready to battle guys in the NHL. That's not a knock on Lekk right now, he just needs more time. He'll have to be able to work his way in from the perimeter and he's gonna need more strength and athleticism to do it.

 

[Oliewud]

I've seen him throw the body and separate his check a few times. He may not have the size, but he has the tenacity.

Once he starts processing the game a little faster he'll be more productive.

 

[beachcomber]

Tonight the Preds were keying on him and taking the body. Problem is, his center Miller was having one of his worst nights as a Canuck.

Lekkermaki is a shooter. He needs a center who can get him the puck in shooting areas. He's just not the kind of kid at 20 years old who's going to go in on a dump and chase forecheck and win a ton of puck battles.

But obviously Tocchet still trusts him in the defensive zone. He's still throwing him over the boards, even late in games.

To add, I think he has displayed pretty good hockey sense at this level and seems to process the game quickly so I'm cautiously optimistic for his future. I still think Willy is going to burst onto the scene here and give fans hope in pretty short order.

 

[LordBacon]

To add, I think he has displayed pretty good hockey sense at this level and seems to process the game quickly so I'm cautiously optimistic for his future. I still think Willy is going to burst onto the scene here and give fans hope in pretty short order.

 

[BluesyShoes]

Agree I'd like to see him sent down. The lack of experience in NA hockey is pretty evident, along with his need to add strength. He's been good otherwise and I am enjoying watching him play, but its clear he doesn't know the system and the basic run of play well enough at this level. Despite his size, he's been decent at competing for pucks, but if he wins it, he doesn't move it quickly enough or he makes an indecisive play. I'd prefer him in the AHL getting his reps in and building that game sense.