Ready to Contribute
Jonathan Lekkerimaki has demonstrated his goal-scoring prowess in the American Hockey League, netting 33 goals in 63 games despite battling injuries and illnesses over the past two seasons. The Vancouver Canucks are keen to provide the 22-year-old forward ample opportunity to prove that his elite shot can succeed in the NHL. Drafted in the first round (No. 15 overall) of the 2022 NHL Draft, Lekkerimaki began training camp on a line with Marco Rossi and his former Swedish Hockey League teammate and close friend Liam Ohgren. While there are minimal concerns regarding Lekkerimaki’s offensive skills in open spaces, he is still working on proving his ability to win puck battles and access scoring areas near the net, especially after undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery in February, which delayed his summer training.
Fantasy Sleeper with EDGE Stats
Zeev Buium, D: Buium had an impressive rookie season, logging 26 points (six goals, 20 assists), 13 power-play points, and 73 shots on goal while averaging 19:35 of ice time over 76 games for the Canucks and Minnesota Wild. The 20-year-old defenseman was acquired from Minnesota as part of the Quinn Hughes trade and possesses the highest offensive potential among the Canucks’ young defensemen. As the No. 12 pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, he may join the top defensive pair with Hronek and contribute to the first power-play unit this season. Vancouver’s power play excelled after the break for the 2026 Winter Olympics, ranking second in the NHL at 32.8%. Buium played a significant role in this success, registering 1:06 of power-play ice time per game. According to NHL EDGE stats, he was tied for ninth among NHL defensemen in high-danger goals (three) last season and ranked in the 88th percentile for max skating speed (22.72 mph) and offensive zone time percentage (44.5%). Buium is considered a breakout candidate and is available in the later rounds of fantasy drafts, with an average draft position of 132.4. — Troy Perlowitz
