Vancouver Canucks Shake Up Lines Big Time at Practice - Signaling Dakota Joshua's Return

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Maverick Mitchell
November 10, 2024 (7:53 PM)

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After getting blown out by the Edmonton Oilers 7-3 on Saturday, the Vancouver Canucks have decided to make a slew of call-ups and demotions which will have a major impact on the lineup combinations moving forward.

The most noteworthy call-up is top-prospect Jonathan Lekkerimaki, who's NHL debut has been very much anticipated since he was drafted 15th overall back in 2022.

With star forward Brock Boeser still out with an injury since receiving a headshot by Los Angeles Kings forward Tanner Jeannot, Lekkerimaki is finally getting his shot, and by looks of it, he will be getting top line minutes playing alongside Pius Suter and J.T. Miller.

If this morning's lines are any indication, the 20-year-old Swede will be getting an enormous opportunity on Vancouver's first line alongside J.T. Miller and Pius Suter.

Lekkerimaki has been lighting the lamp this season for the AHL Abbotsford Canucks, scoring 5 goals and 2 assists for 7 points in 7 games. He also leads the entire AHL in shots on goal, which is something that will be surely welcomed on Tuesday if he makes his debut against the Calgary Flames.

Vancouver Canucks' shake up their lineup with young prospect Jonathan Lekkerimaki

Lines at today's practice:

Forwards

Suter-Miller-Lekkerimäki
DeBrusk-Pettersson-Garland
Heinen-Blueger-Sherwood
Höglander-Räty-Joshua

Defense

Hronek-Juulsen
Soucy-Myers
Brännström-Desharnais

Goalies

Lankinen
Demko
Youn

Although the lineup can easily change from now until Tuesday, clearly head Coach Rick Tocchet has a lot of confidence to play Lekkerimaki on the first line for his first NHL game.

Another big surprise was seen today at practice, Dakota Joshua was slotted in full practice taking reps and drills apart of the 4th line. Playing Alongside Aatu Raty and Nils Hoglander, todays lineup probably indicated that Dakota Joshua will be returning to the lineup as early as Tuesday.

Head Coach Rick Tocchet did say that he is going to have a conversation with Joshua to gauge where he is at, and there is a potential for him even to go down to the AHL for some rehab games.

«I thought [Joshua] looked good today,» Tocchet said. «I'll talk to [Joshua] either today or tomorrow and see where he's at. Whether he plays Tuesday or goes to Abbotsford for conditioning, we don't know yet, but we're going to have to make these decisions in the next day or two.»