Vancouver Canucks recall Jonathan Lekkerimäki from Abbotsford AHL

The Vancouver Canucks have recalled Jonathan Lekkerimäki from their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate the Abbotsford Canucks.

Lekkerimäki has notched five goals and two assists for seven points in seven AHL games.

The 20-year-old was originally selected No. 15 overall in the 2022 NHL Draft by Vancouver and made his way over to North America at the end of last season. Lekkerimäki made his AHL debut and appeared in six games tallying two points in that frame.

Lekkerimäki spent the 2023-24 campaign in the Swedish SHL, playing with Orebro HK. In 46 games, the Tullinge native scored 19 goals and 31 points, putting up an assist in three SHL playoff contests.

Lekkerimäki also represented Sweden at the World Junior Championships. He led the tournament in goals with seven and was named the tournament’s most valuable player.

Vancouver is currently 7-3-1 and sits third in the Pacific Division with 17 points trailing the Los Angeles Kings and the Vegas Golden Knights. The Canucks are slated to face the Calgary Flames on Nov. 12, where Lekkerimäki could make his highly anticipated NHL debut.

Meanwhile, Vancouver also announced that Arshdeep Bains, Nils Åman and Artūrs Šilovs have been assigned to Abbotsford

Daily Faceoff’s Steven Ellis highlighted Lekkerimäki as a player to watch this season in the AHL, “After boasting great numbers in Sweden, and winning MVP honors at the World Juniors, Lekkerimäki is ready to embark on a big first campaign in North America”, said Ellis. “He finished last season with Abbotsford and will get a chance to play a bigger, leading role this year before challenging for the NHL squad. I love this shot, especially the way he gets into open space. While he’s not a physical threat, he doesn’t shy away from board battles much anymore.”