Polarizing Canucks player faces an uncertain future as the rebuild takes shape

Jonathan Lekkerimaki lost a puck to the forecheck Saturday night, and Canucks fans decided that was the whole story.

Here's the problem with that reaction. Lekkerimaki finished the night with 2 assists.

Vancouver scored twice, and he had a hand in both goals, including one on the power play, while also putting 2 shots on net across 17:16 of ice time.

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That's not the stat line of a disaster. One clip traveling faster than the box score doesn't make it an accurate scouting report.

Lekkerimaki posted just 3 points in 13 games with Vancouver last season, limited heavily by a shoulder injury that eventually required February surgery.

This season carries real stakes. At 22 years old, his waivers-free period ends at the start of next year, making this a genuine make-or-break development window.

Why this season matters more than any highlight clip

Head coach Manny Malhotra coached Lekkerimaki in Abbotsford the previous two seasons, giving him real familiarity heading into this critical year.

"I've seen the growth over the course from last year to this year," Malhotra said. "He's playing with a lot of confidence."

Liam Ohgren, Lekkerimaki's close friend and former junior teammate, posted 18 points in 69 games last season and has already established himself as an NHL regular.

"He's an unbelievable skill player, he has a great shot," Ohgren said. "If he can stay healthy, he's going to have a long and great career."

Vancouver's prospect pool has gotten deeper around him too, with Braeden Cootes, Marco Rossi, and Tom Willander all pushing Lekkerimaki further down the pecking order on paper.

Willander posted 21 points in 70 games last season and has already become a full-time NHL regular, a reminder of how quickly the depth chart has shifted since Lekkerimaki was drafted 15th overall.

There is still time for Jonathan Lekkerimäki to build a successful NHL career, but the clock is starting to tick.

With his waiver-exempt status set to expire at the start of next season, this becomes a pivotal development year for the young Canucks forward.

How he responds to that pressure and takes advantage of his opportunities could go a long way toward determining what comes next.

Vancouver heads to Calgary next for its second preseason game. Whatever happened Saturday, one bad-looking clip isn't the full account of the player Lekkerimaki actually was on the ice.

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