Jonathan Lekkerimaki

2025-07-10

Scout: Craig Wise

Skating:

Average, he has the ability to burn the defenders wide but he doesnt have the standout speed to make him a difference maker.

Passing/Handling:

Passing is below average, he is the type of player that will double his assists with goals. The handling is slightly above average, when he has time and space he can dance around defenders. When he is under pressure he usually ends up turning the puck over.

Shooting:

Above average, enjoys lining up on the Ovi/Laine circle and letting the one timer rip. However the accuracy and power is no where close to the above mentioned.

IQ (Vision, Anticipation, Panic/Poise):

Below average, he does succeed when time and space are available but I saw too many examples of him throwing the puck away or making a poor decision when under any sort of pressure.

Forechecking:

Average, was able to cause the odd turnover by being in the passing lane and threw the odd hit.

Defense:

Average, being a winger nothing really stuck out defensively, as mentioned before he does turn the puck over when under pressure which might push him down to the below average range.

Best Asset:

His shot and goal scoring ability.

Biggest Concern:

His one dimensional style of play, if he's not scoring goals he's not going to be doing anything else.

Top Tier/Role Potential:

Tier 2 60 point guy with slightly below average BASH

Justification for Top Tier Assessment:

If all breaks for him and he can land in a top 6 role the goals will come.

50th Percentile Tier/Role:

Tier 3 50-60 points with below average BASH

Justification for 50th Percentile Tier Assessment:

He definitely has the ability to get a shot in the top 6, but I don't think the 20 minutes a game will be there with the one dimensional game.

Stylistic Comparable:

Reminds me of a Daniel Sprong, the goal scoring is there but that is about it.

Scouts Final Thoughts and Additional Stats/Info:

Games Scouted:

Charlotte Checkers and Tucson Roadrunners

2024-08-22

Scout: Grant Campbell

Skating:

Lekkerimaki has excellent acceleration and can create separation from defenders with his first few strides and above average agility. His top-end speed won't blow anyone away, but he can move. He sometimes forgets to move his feet and can become static in both offensive and defensive zones.

Passing/Handling:

He has excellent passing and handling in tight. He drives play and likes to carry the puck across the blue-line rather than dump and chase. He is very adept at gaining the line in the OZ. His ability to take a pass borders on elite and his ability to find open teammates is well above average. He can sometimes force passes in dangerous areas in his own end or down low in the OZ.

Shooting:

Lekkerimaki has a great snap shot and is not afraid to shoot the puck from anywhere. He has a drag wrist shot in his arsenal which is reminiscent of Connor Bedard at times. His shot is NHL caliber.

IQ (Vision, Anticipation, Panic/Poise):

Lekkerimaki likes to handle the puck and has a very low panic threshold with it. He has great vision to find holes in the defense to skate into or find an open teammate. He has very good anticipation as the puck seems to find him at times. He can be a threat to intercept defender's passes and strike.

Forechecking:

He is not an overly physical player and is more often on the perimeter when without the puck. He gets knocked off the puck fairly easily and won't win his share of board battles. His anticipation in intercepting passes and blocking passing lanes are his strengths in forechecking.

Defense:

Lekkerimaki is unlikely to be a bottom-six forward in the NHL based on his defensive play. He is fairly responsible in his own end and can stick handle out of trouble, but he will never win a Selke Trophy. Early looks had him blowing the zone early, but later watches had him be more responsible.

Best Asset:

His ability to find soft spots in the defense and his shot are his two biggest strengths.

Biggest Concern:

He can be shut down offensively, if his play is only on the perimeter or he gets knocked off the puck easily.

Top Tier/Role Potential:

Top-six winger with first unit power play time. Tier two is his potential he is not physical at all.

Justification for Top Tier Assessment:

Lekkerimaki is certainly capable of scoring 30-40 goals in the NHL and putting up more than 70 points at some point. His offensive skills are that good.

50th Percentile Tier/Role:

Bottom-six NHL winger who shows flashes of offense, but struggles to become an NHL regular and is out of the NHL after 150-200 games.

Justification for 50th Percentile Tier Assessment:

There are hundreds of fringe AHL/NHL players who have offensive talent, but are unable to translate that to the NHL on a consistent basis as they lack the defensive floor to make up for when they aren't producing. Lekkerimaki could become that if he doesn't add strength and a 200 foot NHL game.

Stylistic Comparable:

Lukas Raymond

Scouts Final Thoughts and Additional Stats/Info:

Lekkerimaki should get every opportunity to succeed at the NHL level. He has a few holes in his game, which will be exposed if he doesn't produce at that level. His ceiling could be 35-40 goals and 70-75 points.

Games Scouted:

03/18/24 SHL; 04/06/24 AHL