The Vancouver Canucks’ top two prospects got some love from Daily Faceoff prospect expert Steven Ellis on Monday.
Ellis put out his annual list of the top 75 NHL-affiliated skater prospects heading into 2024-25, and both Jonathan Lekkerimäki and Tom Willander were featured on the list.
On Lekkerimäki, who Ellis had at 28th, up 36 spots from his ranking at 64th last year:
Lekkerimäki needed a big Draft+2 season and he delivered in a huge way. It was highlighted by winning MVP at the World Juniors on home ice, and it continued with 19 goals and 31 points in 46 games with Orebro. Given he had just nine points in the Allsvenskan regular season last year before finishing off strong during the postseason, it helped put Lekkerimäki back on the right track – especially since he was healthy. Lekkerimäki finished the season with Abbotsford and will get a chance to play a bigger, leading role this year before challenging for the big squad. I love his shot and the way he gets into open space. While he’s not much of a physical threat, he doesn’t shy away from board battles as often anymore.-Steven Ellis
Lekkerimäki’s rise has been well-documented here at CanucksArmy, as the Swedish sniper was a regular feature in Dave Hall’s weekly Blackfish report, where we keep you up to date on every Vancouver Canucks prospect all season long. Lekkerimäki finished in the top spot on Hall’s rankings of the top 20 Canucks prospects, which you can read by clicking here.
Willander, who finished at number two in our rankings, came in at the number 63 spot on Ellis’ list. Here’s what he wrote about the right-shot defenceman:
Willander took the unusual route for a Swede by going to the NCAA last year and it paid off massively. He established himself as one of the best young defensemen in college, earning a spot on the Hockey East second all-star team. He also played a leading role on Sweden’s silver medal effort at the WJC and will be even more prominent as the team looks to stand on the top step of the podium this winter. The speedy, two-way blueliner has all the makings of an impact top-four option for the Canucks in the long run and BU will be in good shape with him taking on an even more impactful role this year.-Steven Ellis
Canucks fans are certainly hoping that these two prospects realize their potential and become impact players for years to come, and it will be interesting to see how each progresses this season. Lekkerimäki remains a dark horse to make the Canucks’ roster out of training camp, but most agree that the best place for him is likely down in the AHL with the Abbotsford Canucks, where he’ll get the chance to be “the guy” and hone his skills in North America.
Vancouver’s Macklin Celebrini came in at the number one spot of Ellis’s list, which you can read by clicking here!
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