Canucks: How Jonathan Lekkerimaki acquired growth help from Mikael Samuelsson

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Mikael Samuelsson is aware of the highway to NHL success is filled with potholes.

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The previous Vancouver Canucks proper winger, who serves because the membership’s growth coach based mostly in Sweden, received a Stanley Cup with the Detroit Crimson Wings in 2008. He additionally received popularity of his frank method and never pouring sugar on a bitter scenario, and even complaining a few nagging harm.

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He would minimize to the chase, and if that upset anyone, too unhealthy.

In that respect, Samuelsson is the proper pitchman to information prized prospect Jonathan Lekkerimaki via the ascent to ultimately develop into an NHL mainstay. He warns that it received’t be straightforward, however that the journey can also be the journey, and overcoming adversity would be the true check of mettle.

So, what has he informed Lekkerimaki?

“Initially, you’re gifted to get right here and we have to enhance your recreation,” Samuelsson mentioned Monday following a growth camp session at UBC. “The way in which I work, I’m by no means glad. There’s all the time room for enchancment and it could possibly be somewhat irritating.

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“I’ve heard that earlier than from Swedish organizations I used to be in, so I do know he (Lekkerimaki) doesn’t need get annoyed, initially. I’m very sincere. And that’s the advantage of participant growth. He has an amazing shot, and I noticed lots of issues, however I additionally noticed a younger boy.

“Numerous issues occurred to him final summer season.”

For Lekkerimaki, the fifteenth total choice within the 2022 draft, it began with mononucleosis final summer season on the World Junior Championship. Then got here a November concussion from a excessive hit and a month on the sidelines.

He then had a poor 2023 World Junior tourney with only one objective in 4 video games and was benched as Sweden completed fourth. His common season resulted in early February after struggling a foot harm in follow.

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“At the moment is was unhealthy, in fact, with unhealthy luck,” Lekkerimaki recalled Monday. “We talked quite a bit about that after I was injured. He (Samuelsson) informed me that if you work exhausting and are available again from harm, no person goes to know you had been injured.”

Samuelsson was proper.

After proper winger Lekkerimaki managed simply 9 factors (3-6) in 29 video games with Djurgardens IF of Stockholm within the second-tier Allsvenskan league, he had 15 factors (5-10) in 15 playoff video games.

“Perhaps it was simply my confidence,” mentioned Lekkerimaki. “When the primary puck went in, I simply saved taking part in and I simply saved going with the circulate. I realized quite a bit. Typically, issues occur. The ups and downs in your profession. It was an amazing 12 months in that method to undergo it and enhance from these issues.”

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Which will get us again to Samuelsson.

His thigh was so closely bandaged after a follow within the spring of 2011 that it regarded like a FedEx bundle. The one factor lacking was bubble wrap.

He had endured leg stiffness all season and it affected his stride and manufacturing. However he by no means pouted. And when his season resulted in a Recreation 5 collision with Nick Spaling within the Western Convention semifinal sequence towards the Nashville Predators, it led to being shut down with adductor and sports activities hernia surgical procedure.

Samuelsson then needed to wrestle with the bodily and psychological strain to carry out the next season.

“I informed him (Lekkerimaki) be ready to be injured,” careworn Samuelsson. “He performed with a few first-round picks and my take is I don’t know if that helped or harm him. I wouldn’t say he struggled, he developed. His timeline goes to be completely different than his mates.

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“We have to get that fastened and simply loosen up. I’m making an attempt to get a greater understanding of the eye he’ll get, as a result of I do know. He has to get the psychological facet so as. Settle down. You’ll want to work on stuff, however you’re additionally doing nice stuff. He was making an attempt to power issues.

“I would like him to play extra of a 200-foot recreation. And it’s thrilling as a result of what I like about growth is the belief and the connection with every man.”

Lekkerimaki is stepping as much as the Swedish Hockey League this fall with Orebro HC and can be a part of that different Elias Pettersson — the defenceman — who’s making regular progress after being a third-round choice within the 2022 draft.

“Good gamers and an necessary 12 months,” he mentioned. “I wish to be pretty much as good as I could be and win the SHL.”

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Lots of the drills on Monday had been of profit to Lekkerimaki. The ice was divided into parts for tight 3-on-3 play, and it’s the place he excelled with fast motion to keep away from contact earlier than unleashing a fast and heavy wrist shot.

“It’s a must to be taught to play in tighter areas, particularly coming from Sweden, to enhance with these sorts of drills,” careworn Lekkerimaki.

That’s the place Henrik and Daniel Sedin had been of help.

“It’s very particular,” mentioned Lekkerimaki. “Studying issues alongside the boards and how you can defend the puck. Every little thing is healthier. My play with the puck and being stronger on the puck and I’m displaying it higher. I’m taking small steps.”

Perhaps Samuelsson put it greatest about the place Lekkerimaki is and the place he can go.

“Final fall and as much as December and January, I didn’t assume he was prepared for the SHL, as a result of he wasn’t,” mentioned Samuelsson. “However what he did (after the accidents) satisfied me that he has a shot. He can create possibilities off the frenzy and was more durable to play towards.”

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