Breaking Down Vancouver Canucks High Prospect Jonathan Lekkerimäki's NHL Debut

Jonathan Lekkerimäki had a memorable NHL debut. Whereas the Vancouver Canucks 2022 first-round choose did not find yourself on the scoresheet, he was in a position to generate some probabilities within the offensive zone whereas additionally enjoying robust defensively. In the end, Lekkerimäki did not look misplaced within the 14:07 he performed in opposition to the Calgary Flames.

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Beginning with Lekkerimäki’s offensive sport, he completed the evening with two pictures and featured on Vancouver’s first energy play unit. In line with Natural Stat Trick, he additionally registered a person high-danger likelihood whereas recording an xGF% of 76.23. With an even-strength zone time proportion of 47.1%, the analytics present that for almost all of Lekkerimäki’s ice time, the Canucks have been in a position to maintain onto the puck and create probabilities within the offensive zone.

An underrated a part of Lekkerimäki’s sport final evening was his work within the defensive zone. He did not float round whereas within the zone and was aggressive whereas pursuing puck carriers. Lekkerimäki was additionally featured late within the sport when the Flames internet was empty, indicating that his robust efficiency had earned Rick Tocchet’s belief.

As for Tocchet’s ideas on Lekkerimäki, he had nothing however constructive issues to say in regards to the rookie. When requested about his play within the defensive zone, Tocchet mentioned, That is one sport for him… however for him, there is a conscience there. You wish to press the envelope, you wish to rating, you wish to be inventive, however there’s occasions whenever you bought to be in a spot. For us, that is essential. You must present a conscience. If you happen to’re the reload man, two guys dive in, and also you’re probably not reloading. You are type of coming again sluggish. I’ve a troublesome time with these forms of gamers. If you happen to do, you higher rating 60 targets. That is simply my rule. I believe the child has a conscience… He is obsessive about his sport. I believe he actually desires to be obsessive about his play with out the puck, however I am nuts. I need him to be inventive.”

J.T. Miller was additionally impressed along with his new linemate, saying, “He performed very well right this moment. Makes quite a lot of little delicate performs, and, yeah, I imply, he performed quick. He appeared to be in the best spot more often than not. So actually good. Very impressed, and hopefully, he can get increasingly more comfy as we go.”

The largest takeaway from Lekkerimäki’s NHL debut is that he did not look misplaced. He carried out nicely as a member of the highest six and located methods to affect the sport at each ends of the ice. In the end, Lekkerimäki’s first sport within the NHL ought to be categorised as successful and could possibly be an indicator of what the 20-year-old may convey to the lineup on a nightly foundation.