Top Prospect Jonathan Lekkerimaki Reportedly on His Way Back to the NHL

The Vancouver Canucks will take to the ice on Friday for their first game at Rogers Arena since embarking on a six-game road trip back on November 23rd and will be doing so with their top prospect on the roster.

It was a solid road trip for Rick Tocchet's group as they went 4-1-1, with their only two losses coming against the Pittsburgh Penguins and last night against the Minnesota Wild.

Playing on the road has been an area of strength for the Vancouver Canucks this season as they have one of the best records away from home at 10-2-1 in 13 games.

However when it comes to playing at home, it hasn't been very kind to the Vancouver Canucks.

Vancouver currently only has three wins at home this season, the lowest in the entire National Hockey League and the Canucks are hoping to get a bit of a boost for Friday's game with the call-up of their top prospect.

Jonathan Lekkerimaki reportedly being called up

The Vancouver Canucks announced a roster move on Wednesday afternoon, assigning forward Max Sasson to the American Hockey League's Abbotsford Canucks, but didn't announce a call-up.

Well, it appears that we have the answer as to who will be replacing Max Sasson on the National Hockey League roster.

According to Irfaan Gaffar, the Vancouver Canucks will be calling up 2022 first-round pick Jonathan Lekkerimaki for his second stint in the National Hockey League.

'With Sasson going down to Abbotsford believe Jonathan Lekkerimäki will be called up.' Gaffar said.

Lekkerimaki, 20, appeared in five games during his first stint in the National Hockey League in the middle of last month, scoring his first career goal on November 14th against the New York Islanders.

Just before the Canucks left on their six-game road trip, they decided to assign Jonathan Lekkerimaki to the American Hockey League where he would get big minutes in Abbotsford.

In 12 games in the AHL this season, the Tullinge, Sweden native has registered eight points (six goals, two assists), no penalty minutes and is a minus-ten.

Lekkerimaki and the Vancouver Canucks will begin a six-game homestand on Friday night as they welcome the Columbus Blue Jackets to town, with puck drop set for 7 pm PT on Sportsnet Pacific.