Skip to content

LEAGUES News

Canucks demote top prospect Lekkerimaki

Derek Cain / Getty Images Sport / Getty

The Vancouver Canucks assigned forward Jonathan Lekkerimaki to their AHL affiliate, the Abbotsford Canucks, on Thursday.

Lekkerimaki, the organization's top prospect, made his NHL debut in a win over the Calgary Flames on Nov. 12. He scored his first goal in the league two nights later in a loss to the New York Islanders. However, he failed to notch any other points over five games in total.

The 20-year-old has five goals and two assists across seven games with Abbotsford this season.

Lekkerimaki, who the Canucks drafted 15th overall in 2022, starred for Sweden at the 2024 World Junior Championship.

He scored the game-winner against Czechia to help the Swedes advance to the gold-medal game, which they lost to the United States. However, Lekkerimaki was named tournament MVP after tying for the goal-scoring lead among all skaters with seven in seven contests.

The Canucks recalled forward Max Sasson in a corresponding move Thursday. The 24-year-old hasn't yet played in the NHL. He has four goals and five assists in 16 games with Abbotsford in 2024-25, his third campaign with the farm club.

RELATED NEWS

ANTHONY EDWARDS IN THE CLUTCH 😤
Edwards bids Lakers goodnight in Game 3 with dagger step-back trey 🗣️
The Rays win on a GAME-ENDING double play in San Diego 🤯
Rays' Misner lays out for great catch, throws to 1B for game-ending double play 🤯
NEMO-T HERO
Nemec cuts Hurricanes' series lead to 2-1 with slick 2OT winner 😈
TREVOR MOORE ONE-HANDED GOAL 🥵 He scores just nine second...
Moore scores incredible one-handed goal 9 seconds after Oilers tied it 😳
OH MY GOODNESS ANT 😳 STEALS IT AND TAKES IT BASELINE FOR T...
Ant steals it, drives baseline for acrobatic two-hand slam over Luka 💥
DON'T LET HIM GET HOT 🔥
Who the heck is Jordan Beck? Rockies OF blasts 5th HR in 2 days
GARY TRENT JR. WAS SCORCHING FROM DISTANCE IN GAME 3! 🔥 37...
Trent drains 9 treys vs. Pacers, ties Bucks' single-game playoff record 🎯