Canucks draft Jonathan Lekkerimaki 15th overall

The Vancouver Canucks selected Jonathan Lekkerimaki with the 15th overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft.

Jonathan Lekkerimaki

Position: Left wing
Height: 5-foot-11
Weight: 172 lbs
Age: 17
Club: Djurgardens (SHL)
Nationality: Swedish

GP	G	A	P
26	7	2	9

(Stats source: EliteProspects.com)

Lekkerimaki split his draft year between Djurgardens' top-flight and under-20 squads. He didn't light up the scoresheet against his native country's top competition, but he posted 35 points in 26 games in the younger age group.

He made his name as a top 2022 draft prospect at the international level, where he best showcased his talents as a patient and dangerous offensive player. Lekkerimaki led the under-18 world championships with 15 points in six games to guide Sweden to a gold medal. His signature performance came in the final game as he buried four goals to defeat an American squad rife with fellow 2022 first-rounders.

He also had five goals in five games at this year's Hlinka Gretzky Cup.

What they're saying

The Athletic's Scott Wheeler ranked Lekkerimaki ninth on his final list of 100 draft-eligible prospects in early June.

"He's got one of the quickest catch-and-release motions in the draft. He's dynamic in control and threatening from anywhere in the offensive zone. He can beat you in an instant or hang onto pucks and make things happen himself. He's got a knack for hitting holes in the net, frequently beating goalies low-blocker and five-hole. He's got A-level hands, a deceptive release, and a slyness to his game that allows him to get to spots to score with and without the puck," Wheeler wrote.

"With the right development and patience, he's got clear upside as a top-six creator and finisher. His game can drift to the perimeter at times, but he's got the skill to play that way. You want the puck in his hands."

Tap here to watch some of Lekkerimaki's highlights.

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