Photo credit: Sammi Silber - The Hockey News
Vancouver Canucks forward Elias Pettersson commented on playing on a line with top prospect Jonathan Lekkerimaki on Thursday at training camp.
During the first day of training camp on Thursday, the Vancouver Canucks had top prospect Jonathan Lekkerimaki playing on a line with his fellow countryman Elias Pettersson. After their skate, Pettersson spoke with the media and was asked about what he sees in Jonathan Lekkerimaki from playing with him on Thursday.
"His first skate, obviously I've seen highlights, but first practice with him today and I really like what I see. He's got skill, got a good shot and excited for the scrimmage tomorrow." Pettersson said."
Pettersson was also asked if he could be there, sort of as a mentor, for Jonathan Lekkerimaki especially since he's been through the same thing that is currently, several years ago - a top prospect, former first-round pick coming over from Sweden for his first professional season here and if he's given any advice to the 20-year-old.
"I'm just trying to, whatever I feel like I can help him with, I'll talk to him about it. And also if he ever wonders anything, he can always come to me and talk. But he's a good player and I'm sure he'll figure it out himself, but I'll always try to help him." Pettersson said.
Lekkerimaki looked very strong during the Canucks' Young Stars Classic tournament last weekend and put himself in a good position heading into training camp. He's going to get plenty of opportunity to show the team's coaching staff and management group that he's capable of being an NHLer right now and it's going to be interesting to see if he's on the opening night roster in early October.
For that to happen, he'll need to be lights out in the preseason in order to take a spot away from someone else. It seems more likely that he'll start the year in Abbotsford, but no one should underestimate the young Swede over the next couple of weeks.
