Analyzing Detroit Red Wings Mock Draft Selections

Morreale’s Pick: Jonathan Lekkerimaki, RW, Djurgarden

Morreale’s explanantion:

"“A pure sniper who plays a two-way game with good hands and explosiveness. Lekkerimaki (5-10, 165) led the World U-18s with 15 points and 10 assists for first-place Sweden. He scored nine points (seven goals, two assists) in 26 games for Djurgarden in the Swedish Hockey League.”"

My Breakdown

Jonathan Lekkerimaki would be a pretty good pick in my opinion if the Red Wings would be able to land him with pick eight. Now, when I say this I know some of you guys may not agree however, please just hear me out.

Lekkerimaki is known for his two-way play, but there is still more to his game. In fact, I’d argue the two-way play isn’t even the selling point on him.

I know there may be some controversy between that statement, but the truth is, his shot is something that impresses me a lot. I think from a goal scoring prespective, he may be the best in this class. If not the best, he will for sure be apart of the elite.

Lekkerimaki has a right-handed shot, but the shot that he has reminds me a lot of a player along the lines of Vladimir Tarasenko. He has an electric wrist and snap shot that just pops off his stick and is able to beat the goalie high or low and can place it pretty well.

Lekkerimaki, who plays for Djurgarden(Sweeden), has always seemed to do pretty well from a production standpoint. This season, he played in 26 games and had 20 goals and 15 assists for a total of 35 points. Which is pretty good especially given the fact that he was also able to finish with a +18.

Jonathan Lekkerimaki, in his time in the SHL this season, didn’t exactly dominate like we have seen him do previously. However, that doesn’t deter from his talent and potnetial.

Scouts Opinions

Scott Wheeler of The Athletic:

"“Lekkerimäki has flashed tantalizing goal-scoring acumen in Sweden’s top junior league this season, often on a line with Noah Östlund and Liam Öhgren, two other first-round candidates in the 2022 class. He has also had more success creating looks and offence in their respective SHL call-ups. Lekkerimäki’s late-July birthday and ability to put the puck in the net with consistency from midrange make him the more exciting of the trio to project forward. “He has progressed rapidly, quickly becoming a dynamo inside the offensive zone and on the power play. He’s got a knack for hitting holes in the net, frequently beating goalies low-blocker and five-hole. He’s got A-level hands, a deceptive release, and a slyness to his game that allows him to get to spots to score with and without the puck. With the right development and patience, he’s got clear upside as a top-six creator off the flank.”"

Corey Pronman of The Athletic:

"“Lekkrimaki is a skilled winger who has various offensive elements in his game, but the clear strength of his game is his shot. He is a goal-scoring threat from the faceoff dots with a hard, accurate wrist shot and one-timer that projects to be a weapon in the NHL. He has good speed, hands and vision to generate clean entries and make plays but those aspects don’t pop like his shot. Like a lot of shooters, he leans too much on his best asset and play too much on the perimeter which isn’t ideal for a player who lacks size. Lekkerimaki projects as a quality top-six winger.”"