Welcome back to our Vancouver Canucks 2024–25 Report Card series, where we take an in-depth look at individual players’ performances throughout the season. Today, the spotlight is on top prospect Jonathan Lekkerimäki and his first full season playing professional hockey in North America.
After joining the Canucks organization in 2023, Lekkerimäki only saw limited North American action last year, appearing in six games with the Abbotsford Canucks at the tail end of the 2023–24 AHL season. But the 2024–25 campaign was a completely different story, as Lekkerimäki finally got the chance to fully immerse himself in the North American game, splitting time between Abbotsford in the AHL and the Vancouver Canucks in the NHL.
Lekkerimäki’s first official AHL game of the season came on October 25, when Abbotsford held their home opener. The young Swedish winger made an immediate impact, picking up an assist and firing three shots on goal. Over his first seven games in Abbotsford, he showcased his offensive skill and goal-scoring touch, tallying five goals and two assists while recording an impressive 39 shots. His quick release and willingness to shoot from all angles quickly became a highlight of his game.
However, his time in Abbotsford didn’t last long. With injuries piling up on Vancouver’s NHL roster early in the season, Lekkerimäki received a call-up in early November. On November 12, he made his highly anticipated NHL debut against the Calgary Flames. Despite the nerves and adjustment to the faster NHL pace, Lekkerimäki held his own, logging 14:07 of ice time and getting two shots on goal.
Just two nights later, on November 14, Lekkerimäki found the back of the net for the first time in the NHL. Facing the New York Islanders, he scored a highlight-reel goal off the rush, beating star goaltender Ilya Sorokin with a precise, quick-release shot. The goal was a major milestone in his young career and a glimpse of the offensive upside that made him a first-round pick.
Lekkerimäki stayed in Vancouver’s lineup for three more games before being reassigned to Abbotsford. Back in the AHL from mid-November through early January, he continued to contribute offensively, recording seven goals and three assists over a 14-game stretch. Notably, he had back-to-back three-point games on December 7 and 8, further solidifying his reputation as a dynamic scorer.
Despite his scoring touch, his offensive production did slow slightly during this period compared to his hot start. Nevertheless, Lekkerimäki consistently maintained a high shot rate, averaging around three shots per game, proving his commitment to playing an aggressive, shoot-first style.
In early January, the Canucks once again found themselves dealing with injuries, and Lekkerimäki got another chance at the NHL level. On January 6, he returned to Vancouver’s lineup against the Montréal Canadiens in a thrilling 5–4 overtime loss. Lekkerimäki stood out in the game, contributing a goal and an assist in just under 14 minutes of ice time.
Overall, Jonathan Lekkerimäki’s 2024–25 season was filled with promising signs of growth and development. From scoring in his first NHL stint to producing consistently in the AHL, the young winger took significant steps forward. While there is still room for refinement in his all-around game, his ability to generate offense and his fearless shooting mentality suggest a bright future in Vancouver.