"We feel he can be a lighter Lucas Raymond:" Canucks get their man with Jonathan Lekkerimäki at 15th overall

Don't let his draft position fool you. Jonathan Lekkerimäki has among the highest pure offensive upside in the entire 2022 NHL Draft.

He’s also one of the youngest players in the group. The newest Vancouver Canuck won’t turn 18 until later this month, but that didn’t stop him from spending half of his draft year with Djurgårdens IF of the Swedish Hockey League -- the country's highest level of competition.

The 5-foot-11, 174-pound right-winger led all draft-eligible SHL skaters in goals (seven) and points-per-game (0.35). He was given offensive opportunities at the professional level for two reasons: Firstly, he can hang with that level of talent and bring speed, skill and a rocket of a release. Secondly, because his game is all about offence. Djurgårdens put him in a position to succeed with their top-six forward group.

You have to think the Canucks will recognize the same thing and when they get him into their lineup will give him the same courtesy.

Lekkerimäki terrorized netminders and the opposition on a nightly basis in the J20 Nationell. He recorded 20 goals and 35 points in 26 games. To go along with another five goals and 15 points in just six U18 World Hockey Championship contests -- a mark that led the tournament in scoring and helped lead his country to a gold medal. 

This is a player that knows his way around the scoresheet.