Canucks' roster seemingly set already: Bad news for Jonathan Lekkerimäki?
In one week, the Vancouver Canucks are set to open training camp in Penticton, BC, and for the first time in a while their lineup looks to be nearly set in stone.
On the Canucks Conversation podcast, host David Quadrelli spoke with Jeff Paterson about the fact that so few jobs are up for grabs in camp.
Paterson said training camp for the Canucks is almost more about who slots where in the lineup than who ultimately makes it.
It's more about who fits where but knowing the names of really the 14 forwards who are going to be vying for 12 jobs on opening night.
Paterson pointed to conversations around who will be the 3rd line center as battles to watch in camp, but doesn't believe there will be jobs to grab for exciting young prospects like Jonathan Lekkerimäki.
The 20 year old played 6 games with Abbotsford last year after an impressive season with Orebro HK in the SHL, but it appears he'll be on the outside looking in at training camp.
The Canucks said goodbye to some depth forwards like Sam Lafferty, but UFA signings like Daniel Sprong, Danton Heinen, and Kiefer Sherwood leave little to no room for young players like Lekkerimäki to find a spot in the lineup.
If he forces the Canucks' hand, it will be a good problem to have.
POLL |
Do you see Jonathan Lekkerimäki in the NHL this season? |
Yes, he'll make the team | 23 | 15.4 % |
No, he needs seasoning | 26 | 17.4 % |
He'll play some games, but mostly AHL | 100 | 67.1 % |
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Previously on CanucksDaily