Although the final statline may not show it, Jonathan Lekkerimäki’s first taste of the NHL was a success.
After seven AHL games, the Vancouver Canucks decided that it was time to get Jonathan Lekkerimäki a look. After all, the sharpshooting winger had already tallied five goals and two assists in those seven games, and coupled with the high shooting volume, it seemed clear Lekkerimäki was at least ready for a look.
And a look he got. Lekkerimäki began his NHL career on a top six line alongside JT Miller, and after a solid showing in game one, he wasted little time before getting on the board in game two against the New York Islanders:
In the three games that followed, Lekkerimäki showed positive signs, but it also became clear that he wasn’t quite at the level where he’d be ready to stick at the NHL level full time for the rest of this season. And of course, that’s perfectly fine for a 20-year-old who now has a clear idea of what needs to work on at the AHL level.
“It’s a lot of wall play,” Lekkerimäki told CanucksArmy prior to his AHL demotion earlier this week. “I think the defence has been good, but I think I can create more offence and get some more shots at the net, too.”
“You play against the best players in the world so you’ve got to think faster and do everything faster so I think I can learn from those games that I played and try to get some shots every time I get the chance.”
Wall play was a common theme with Lekkerimäki, with the youngster admitting he feels he can be better at winning plays along the walls and then getting to the net. As for how he’ll find success at the NHL level, Lekkerimäki knows he’ll need to rely on his hockey IQ and natural abilities in the long run.
“It’s tough. They’re big and strong so you’ve got to be smarter than them and hit them with speed or good patience. I think I can learn from those games I played… I think I can play at this level.”
Lekkerimäki defined his first NHL stint as “really good”, and spoke glowingly about his teammates, who he says had been taking good care of him. With that in mind, Lekkerimäki also knows there is another level for him to reach in order to stick at the NHL level, and despite the offensive output not being there quite yet, he didn’t sound discouraged at all when we caught up with him.
“I think I can play at this level… It was nice to get the first one too. I just need to find my game and keep it going.”
Lekkerimäki heads back down to an Abbotsford Canucks team where he will once again get the chance to produce and play big minutes… And work on his wall work, of course.
