I think we could be looking at a Logan stankoven type situation where lekki starts in the AHL then gets called up for the back half of the season and playoffs once he lights up the AHL
Was hoping that was the case last playoffs when we didn’t trade for Guentzel or Toffoli or sign Kessel at the deadline. I really figured they had Lekkerimaki up their sleeve for the playoffs but that wasn’t the case. Maybe I’m wrong this year
Lekkerimaki and Willander becoming NHLers in the next year or two will be a huge step for the Canucks to take another step forward. Holloway and Broberg played well for the Oilers in their cup run for example. I think Lekkerimaki and Willander have a higher upside.
I never hear a thing about prospect Danila Klimovich. Is he considered a bust now? He's still young and was also a winger with a huge upside at the time we drafted him. He seems like a forgotten man.
This team is still rebuilding after the tire fire that was left by Benning. We are getting closer to having quality prospects in system that develop so that 3-4 per year graduate to the NHL club. That's when you've got a great system and are building a dynasty. That keeps the salary down enough to have a balanced lineup.
Don't be so optimistic! I think his playing style is very similar to Marcus Naslund with probably better skating. Naslund played 2-1/2 years between Pittsburgh and IHL and then eventually getting traded to the Canucks. He also spent 3 years in the Canucks team until he blossomed to the elite scorer. I still think Naslund had much stronger and accurate wrist shot than Lakkerimaki though.
