Monday was a big day for the Vancouver Canucks organization, as Patrik Allvin announced that top prospect Jonathan Lekkerimaki will be joining the team's American Hockey League affiliate in Abbotsford.
Ben Lypka, a reporter for the AHL's Abbotsford Canucks, shared on his X account that the team's website has Jonathan Lekkerimaki listed as wearing number 44, which hasn't been worn since Matt Alfaro in the 2021-22 season.
It's unclear why Lekkermaki has chosen to wear the number 44. Lekkerimaki wore number 88 this past season with Orebro HK in Sweden and while Nils Aman is on the Vancouver Canucks roster at this present time, that is the number he has in Abbotsford, so it isn't available, forcing the Swede to half that and go with 44.
Lekkerimaki, a native of Tullinge, appeared in 46 games this season for Orebro HK of the Swedish Hockey League where recorded had 31 points (19 goals, 12 assists), ten penalty minutes and was a plus-six. The 19-year-old also had one assist in three games as Orebro HK lost in the opening round of the SHL Playoffs to Lulea HF.