A top prospect of the Vancouver Canucks had to leave last night’s AHL game after a scary-looking play.
The Abbotsford Canucks were able to take a 6-2 victory over the Tuscon Roadrunners, but it wasn’t before Jonathan Lekkerimäki was forced to leave the game after colliding head-first into the end boards.
Lekkerimäki crashes head first into the boards, his night looks over #Canucks pic.twitter.com/fkgZrYW6Az
— Scott Spitters (@scott_spitters) January 26, 2025
The 20-year-old Lekkerimäki has been one of the Canucks’ bright spots in what has been a difficult season so far. After being drafted 15th overall by Vancouver in 2022, the Swede has been able to garner a large amount of hype from the fanbase.
This is his first full season playing in North America, and the results have been encouraging. Though he did make his NHL debut with the Canucks earlier this season, scoring two goals and three points in 11 games, it’s his play with Abbotsford that has been even more impressive.
Lekkerimäki has been one of the team’s most consistent scorers in the AHL, notching 14 goals and 21 points in just 24 games. That is good enough for third on the team behind only Aatu Räty and Nils Åman.
No update has been provided by the team on Lekkerimaki’s condition yet. It would be a real shame to have an injury interrupt what has been an impressive season for the young Swede. As the Canucks enter a tight playoff race, having Lekkerimaki as a skilled call-up option would be a big boost for this team down the stretch.
Canucks fans will be crossing their fingers hoping that Lekkerimaki escaped the situation without any major injuries.