Lekkerimäki’s volume is not just high; it’s remarkably diverse.

His thirst for shot generation is not static but dynamic in every way. He takes shots from every position on the ice – off the rush, in close, from the half-wall, on the powerplay, and at even strength. Lekkerimäaki keeps his feet in constant motion and shows offensive awareness by ducking off into the spaces to find the open ice to utilize that booming shot.

This versatility is crucial. While some forwards rely heavily on a single “spot” to generate shots, Lekkerimäki’s ability and willingness to shoot from anywhere makes him unpredictable for both defenders marking him and netminder stopping him.

While many are taken in his “office,” on the left side half-wall, the shot chart shows attempts from both wings, the high slot, and the outer limits of the slot.

His trigger-happy style of play was well-documented before his move to North America. Yet, finding the time and space to do so at the AHL level was the ultimate question. So far, the transition has been seamless.

Of course, there is one problem: Although dynamic, most of his chances and shot attempts have come from the perimeter rather than the hard-nosed middle of the ice. While he is not afraid to veer into the middle occasionally, most of his play continues to be pushed toward the outside, an element of his game that has and will continue to require work.

Let’s look at every single one of his shot attempts through seven games and get a little taste of what you can expect in his potential NHL debut on Tuesday.

Powerplay potential and constant movement

Vancouver’s powerplay has sometimes appeared stagnant, with players locked into set positions and offering little creativity. Lekkerimäki’s movement could shake things up as a prominent powerplay threat by nature. Simply put, he doesn’t allow defenders to settle as a player constantly shifting between the half-wall, circle, and below the goal line. This dynamic style means he can create space for teammates or find soft spots to unleash his quick-release shot.

Lekkerimäki combines effective head fakes, hip movements, and directional shifts with the puck to create separation. His ability to open up defenders and his knack for finding lanes could add another layer to Vancouver’s man advantage. Imagine him drawing defenders in, only to dish a quick pass or take advantage of a gap – he has brought an element of creativity to Abbotsford that could certainly boost the parent club.

The snapshot: Lekkerimäki’s signature weapon

By now, it doesn’t take long to decipher that Lekkerimäki’s snapshot is his bread and butter, accounting for four of his five goals this season. We saw it repeatedly in Sweden last season; now, he’s brought it to Abbotsford.

This isn’t your typical wrist shot; it’s a potent weapon that blends power with accuracy. Whether it’s a quick released snap or a powerful one-timer, his shot is challenging for goalies to read as he can pick spots with precision, even from a distance.

His hockey IQ is evident in the way he maneuvers into scoring areas or sets up teammates. He frequently opens his hips or uses subtle head fakes, luring defenders before threading a pass or switching positions to offer an open shooting lane. Even though his primary goal is often to shoot, he’s shown a willingness to pass or fake to keep defenders guessing.

In the final goal of the clip above, Lekkerimäki opens his hips to drift toward the middle of the ice, freezes the goaltender and defenders by selling a pass with a subtle fake, and then lets loose a pinpoint shot that threads its way through traffic.

This combination of deception and speed makes his shot lethal – and it’s the kind of weapon that could serve him well at the NHL level, where defenders and goalies react quicker and leave less room for error.

5-on-5 and defensive considerations

Offensive is and always will be the name of the game with Lekkerimäki. Yet, when looking at his current AHL ledger, a blaring deficiency hits you dead smack in the face.

He’s a mimus-8 on the year.

Some context is probably necessary, though. The team’s defence has struggled, and breakdowns often reflect a group breakdown rather than a specific individual upfront. Abbotsford sits at a minus-9 in goal differential as a team and carries just two active players in the positive plus/minus.

However, there have been moments where his coverage in the defensive zone has lapsed, massively contributing to goals against. Here’s a look at all 11 goals he has been on the ice for.

His defensive game hasn’t been egregious, but like most young, offensively driven players, it will benefit from continued experience and coaching – all as expected, really.

While Lekkerimäki has thrived on the powerplay, only one of his five goals has come at even strength. And, of course, there are certain non-negotiables to playing Rick Tocchet hockey – just ask Daniel Sprong – so developing as a consistent 5-on-5 threat will be necessary for his long-term impact.

It’s not so much that his play off the puck is poor, but there are certain limitations to his ability to impact the play in his own zone positively or when battling for the puck.

Physicality and puck battles

Lekkerimäki has and will need to work on his ability to win puck battles, particularly along the boards and in front of the net. We’ve seen his inability to win battles in the past, and that trend has continued over to North America.

While it’s not for lack of effort, he’s often outmuscled by opponents, which leads to several battles lost in all areas of the ice. Players like Conor Garland and Nils Höglander, who share his size but have stronger lower-body strength, serve as good comparisons for the kind of physical development he’ll need. But he’s simply not there yet.

Luckily, he’s a honey badger on the ice. He doesn’t shy away from puck battles and is willing to hound puck carriers in all areas of the ice. His work rate is strong, and he’s in constant motion to track offenders, but gaining the ability to withstand contact will help him sustain puck possession and keep plays alive.

Ready for his NHL debut?

That’s the million-dollar question and one that could be argued to exhaustion. Is he fully ready to thrive at the NHL level? Probably not. Is he ready to be injected into the NHL and gain firsthand experience of what it takes to thrive? Probably.

“It’s the old story, do you let him marinate blah, blah, blah.” Rick Tocchet told the media on Sunday. “But I think there are certain times when you want a guy to come up and get a taste of where he’s at. I really want to make sure we cocoon him with a good environment around him so that he’s got a lot of help.”

At the end of the day, Lekkerimäki brings exactly the offensive upside Vancouver needs, and his AHL performance shows he’s capable of generating high-danger chances and elevating his linemates. For a team in need of scoring – especially with Brock Boeser’s absence – Lekkerimäki’s promotion to Vancouver is a logical and deserving next step.

His first opportunity to make his NHL debut comes Tuesday against a divisional rival, the Calgary Flames. Whether this stint is brief or extended, Lekkerimäki’s forward debut is one of the more anticipated ones since…Elias Pettersson?