The Vancouver Canucks are finally going to see their top forward prospect in NHL action as the team makes some roster adjustments.
The team announced Sunday that they had recalled Jonathan Lekkerimaki, as well as goalie Ty Young, from AHL Abbotsford. In a corresponding move, the Canucks assigned goaltender Arturs Silovs and forwards Arshdeep Bains and Nils Aman to the AHL.
Lekkerimaki, 20, has been on a tear to begin his North American professional hockey career, scoring five goals and registering seven points in seven games with the farm team this year.
Lekkerimaki was selected in the first round, 15th overall, by the Canucks at the 2023 NHL Draft. He was named the most valuable player at the 2024 World Junior tournament in January.
Silovs, months after becoming one of the best stories of the 2024 playoffs, has struggled to replicate that performance. He has appeared in four games, including in relief of Kevin Lankinen on Saturday night, but he remains winless.
The 23-year-old owns a 4.77 goals-against average and .808 save percentage, mostly serving as backup to Lankinen while starting goaltender Thatcher Demko rehabs an injury. Silovs last started Oct. 30 against the New Jersey Devils, but allowed six goals on 22 shots.
Bains has also been sent back to Abbotsford after an extended look at the NHL level. The 23-year-old forward has been a healthy scratch the past three games, last seeing ice time Nov. 2 in San Jose. He’s appeared in three games, registering one goal.
Aman, 24, was also assigned to Abbotsford, but will have to clear waivers. In five games, the Swede has two assists.
Young, a goaltending prospect, gets the call up to the big club. In two starts for the Kalamazoo Wings in the ECHL, Young owns a .974 save percentage and 1.01 goals-against average.
The Canucks look to bounce back from a 7-3 home loss when they take on the Flames at Rogers Arena on Tuesday.
