Canucks’ Lekkerimäki Ready To Part With Pettersson & DeBrusk – Hockey Writers – Vancouver Canucks

Jonathan Lekkerimäki, a 2022 first-round pick of the Vancouver Canucks, is becoming one of the most talked-about prospects in the organization. The 19-year-old midfielder has impressed with his attacking skills, especially his lethal shot and ability to score goals. Despite the excitement surrounding his potential, the Canucks are approaching his development with patience, recognizing that he may need more time before he becomes a full-time NHL player.

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Lekkerimäki’s performance at the Young Stars Tournament has fueled speculation about his chances of making the Canucks’ roster in training camp. With his skill, speed, and hockey sense, he is attracting the attention of the coaching staff and team management. However, the Canucks’ top-six depth means Lekkerimäki will need to prove he’s ready for the NHL. Whether he cracks the roster this season or continues to hone his game in the minors, his future with the Canucks looks incredibly promising.

Lekkerimäki Looks Good So Far In Camp

As the Canucks prepare for the new season, one interesting story coming out of camp is the chemistry that could develop between Elias Pettersson, Jake DeBrusk, and young Lekkerimäki. Pettersson and DeBrusk shared their thoughts on how the line is shaping up and their early impressions of the young Swede.

Pettersson, already a well-established player and team leader for the Canucks, spoke highly of Lekkerimäki, focusing on his balanced game and work ethic:

“I have known the player for a long time. He is a good two player who works hard. He also has the ability to combine and play physically. He doesn’t shy away from dirty places, which is impressive for a young boy. I think he has a good combination of physical play and smarts on the ice.”

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Pettersson’s praise for Lekkerimäki highlights his ability to be an impact player who can contribute offensively and defensively while being physically present.

Jake DeBrusk is happy about Lekkerimäki’s shooting

Young DeBrusk also shared his excitement about lining up with Pettersson and Lekkerimäki, focusing on the young player’s shooting:

“I’ve been skating with the guys for the past week, and I’ve been watching him play and trying to learn about him as much as I can. I am happy to be part of the line with him. I mean, you have a bad gun. It’s very good. I want to do whatever I can to help this line work. “

DeBrusk sees Lekkerimäki’s offensive prowess, especially his scoring ability, which could make the line a dynamic force for the Canucks this season.

Lekkerimäki’s Grit and Skill Earning Respect

Both Pettersson and DeBrusk were impressed with Lekkerimäki’s combination of skill and grit, praising his ability to get into tight spots on the ice while maintaining the mischievous charm that makes him such a promising young player. As they continue to build chemistry, the Canucks may have a more productive line this season.

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The combination of Lekkerimäki’s physicality, shooting, and intelligence, along with the experience of Pettersson and DeBrusk — both of whom have played 400-plus NHL games — could be a recipe for success as the Canucks head into the regular season. Although Lekkerimäki may not make the NHL roster this season and could be headed to the American Hockey League’s (AHL) Abbotsford Canucks, he is already making his presence known with the big club.

He has gained a large following from the players and is quickly gaining a strong following in Canucks Nation. All signs point to him being a solid NHL player, and even if it doesn’t happen this season, his time is definitely coming – and maybe soon. For Canucks fans, he is a prospect to watch in the near future.