2022 first-round pick Jonathan Lekkerimaki will play in SHL in 2023-24

Despite signing his entry-level contract earlier this month, Vancouver Canucks prospect Jonathan Lekkerimaki won’t play for the organization this season. Orebro HK has announced a contract with the young forward, one that extends through the 2024-25 season.

In the release, the team explains that Lekkerimaki will travel to Vancouver for training camp in the summer but return to Sweden before the season begins. That same process will be repeated the following year, though the Canucks will have the option to put him on the NHL roster if they feel he is ready.

Lekkerimaki will be joined in this exercise by fellow Swedish prospect Elias Pettersson (no, not that Elias Pettersson), who signed his entry-level deal in April. Both players can continue to develop overseas while their contracts slide forward, maintaining team control.

Selected 15th overall in 2022, the 18-year-old Lekkerimaki has still not found consistent success at the highest level in Sweden. While there were encouraging signs in 2021-22 with Djurgardens IF, the club was relegated the following season, meaning he was limited to Allsvenskan competition.

Now joining Orebro gives him a chance to compete in the SHL once again, challenging his development and preparing him for life in the NHL.