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Max Miller
Sep 14, 2024
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When Brock Boeser was forced out of the Vancouver Canucks lineup late in their series against the Edmonton Oilers, Jonathan Lekkerimaki was a candidate to replace him.

When Brock Boeser was forced out of the Vancouver Canucks lineup late in their series against the Edmonton Oilers, Jonathan Lekkerimaki was a candidate to replace him.

In a story by Iain MacIntyre, Canucks assistant general manager Ryan Johnson posed the question to the rest of the team. 

"If we go into Dallas, can he help?" Canucks assistant general manager Ryan Johnson told MacIntyre on Friday about what the thought process was back in May. "I mean, Brock Boeser's injured and we have this right-shot winger right here. Who knows where things would have gone had we continued on."

The 2022 first-round pick was terrific in the Canucks rookie game against the Edmonton Oilers yesterday despite not scoring a goal. He showcased his elite hands and offensive creativity. 

Canucks President told Sportsnet in June that if Lekkerimaki has a good camp, he has a chance to crack the opening night roster. 

Despite Vancouver's offseason signings of Jake DeBrusk, Danton Heinen, and Daniel Sprong, Lekkerimaki is confident in the Canucks plan for his development and path to the NHL. 

"I saw that. I don't know (if it changes anything)," Lekkerimaki said. "I think the organization has a good plan for me."

The young winger is arguably the top prospect for the Canucks right now. His development is critical to the Canucks future success.