On today’s episode of Canucks Conversation, David Quadrelli and Harman Dayal were joined by prospect scout Dave Hall to discuss Jonathan Lekkerimäki’s impressive play, his future in Vancouver, and potential draft targets for the Canucks.

The discussion kicked off with Lekkerimäki’s strong game against the New Jersey Devils, where he scored a five-on-five goal and netted the shootout winner.

“His game was unreal,” said Hall. “It’s funny because he still plays sub-10 minutes, but just look at what he does when he’s given the opportunity. He’s ice cold. That’s what he does; he’s an offensive contributor. I’ve been harping for him to get minutes. I want him to be in Vancouver; that’s obviously the game plan here, but if you’re not going to use him in a spot where he’s going to do stuff like that, what’s the point of having him? Tocchet said postgame he’s got to find more minutes for him, and he’s completely right.”

Hall praised Lekkerimäki’s ability to find open ice and create scoring chances.

“The one thing you love about Lekkerimäki is even when he’s not scoring goals, he’s always trying to find an open spot to score. On his goal last night, he lurks in the darkness, cuts through out of nowhere, and finds the one open pocket. His ability to shoot from that off-angle as a right-handed shot is also really impressive.”

With the Canucks struggling to generate offence, Hall believes Lekkerimäki should have a bigger role, especially on the power play.

“He’s come as advertised and just needs more minutes, especially with the injuries happening right now. I think he also needs to be on PP1; he’s constantly moving and making things happen, moves the puck quick, and at this point, what are we doing not having him there? They need goal scoring, and he’s the guy to do that.”

The guys then moved on to draft targets. With the Canucks expected to pick in the mid-to-late first round, Hall outlined a few players he believes would be strong fits for Vancouver.

“Jake O’Brien is at the top of my list based on where they’re likely going to be picking for various reasons,” Hall said. “He’s 6’2″, a little bit on the slighter side, but he’s still so young and is one of those wildcards who, if he can gain 20 pounds in the next couple of years, could be the best pick in that 10-20 range. He’s one of the best playmakers in the entire draft class, so if he can get that 25-pound push in the next couple of years, he has real solid potential. Right-shot centre as well.”

Hall emphasized that while drafting the best player available is typically the best strategy, positional need should play a role in the Canucks’ decision.

“In drafts, I’m typically pushing for them to draft the best player available, but in this year’s case, I think the Canucks have to push for a forward and preferably a right-shot centre. The cupboards are barren there, so that’s one of my guys.”

Another option he highlighted was Caleb Desnoyers.

“If not O’Brien, Caleb Desnoyers is another guy who, like O’Brien, is on the taller side but has some filling out to do. A physical specimen who’s all over the ice, so he’s another guy I like.”

Hall also brought up Braeden Cootes from the Seattle Thunderbirds as another intriguing right-shot center option.

“Braeden Cootes is another real fun guy fans would have a nice time with, who’s another right-shot centre. Those are the three I’d be targeting first for the Canucks.”

If Vancouver opts to go with a defenseman, Hall mentioned Kashawn Aitcheson as a strong candidate.

“If you have to go defense, Kashawn Aitcheson is a guy from the Barrie Colts who played with Riley Patterson and Anthony Romani. He’s a nasty defenseman who’s been putting up points.”

With Lekkerimäki’s continued rise and the Canucks eyeing key draft targets, Vancouver has plenty of decisions ahead as they look to build a competitive future.