Jonathan Lekkerimäki (born July 24, 2004) is a professional Swedish ice hockey player who plays as a right winger. As of January 2025, he is playing with the Abbotsford Canucks in the AHL, on loan from the Vancouver Canucks of the NHL. Drafted 15th overall in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft, Lekkerimäki is considered one of Sweden’s brightest hockey prospects, known for his goal-scoring ability, quick release, and offensive creativity.
Over the years, he has built an impressive résumé: SHL Rookie of the Year (2024), European Young Player of the Year (2024), World Junior MVP (2024), and a Calder Cup champion (2025) with Abbotsford.
Early Life and Background
Jonathan Lekkerimäki was born in Huddinge, Sweden, and grew up in a hockey-loving family. His passion for ice hockey started at a young age, and by the time he joined youth leagues, his talent was undeniable.
He began his journey with Södertälje SK’s U16 teams, where he scored 21 points in 11 games during the 2018–19 season. Soon after, he moved to Djurgårdens IF, one of Sweden’s most prestigious hockey clubs, where his scoring touch continued to shine.
Rise Through Junior Hockey
With Djurgårdens IF U16 in the 2019–20 season, Lekkerimäki recorded 32 points in 18 games and 12 playoff points in just 5 games. His dominance earned him a quick promotion to higher levels of competition.
In the 2021–22 SHL season, he made his professional debut for Djurgårdens IF at only 17 years old, finishing with 7 goals in 26 games—a rare feat for a teenager, making him one of the top 17-year-old goal scorers in SHL history (behind Peter Forsberg).
NHL Draft and Professional Career
2022 NHL Entry Draft
In July 2022, Jonathan Lekkerimäki was selected 15th overall by the Vancouver Canucks, cementing his reputation as a top European prospect.
Djurgårdens IF & Örebro HK
Instead of moving immediately to North America, he stayed in Sweden to continue developing. After battling injuries during the 2022–23 season, he bounced back with a breakout year at Örebro HK in 2023–24, scoring 19 goals and 12 assists in 46 games.
That season, he was awarded:
- SHL Rookie of the Year (2024)
- Elite Prospects Award (Top SHL junior-aged player)
- European Young Player of the Year (2024)
AHL & NHL Debut
In March 2024, Lekkerimäki joined the Abbotsford Canucks (AHL). Later that year, he made his NHL debut on November 12, 2024, against the Calgary Flames. Just two nights later, he scored his first NHL goal versus the New York Islanders, with his parents Peter and Ellinor watching live at Rogers Arena.
By 2025, he had already lifted the Calder Cup with Abbotsford, scoring key playoff goals including a game-winning tally in the Calder Cup Final.
International Career with Team Sweden
Jonathan Lekkerimäki has been a standout performer for Team Sweden at multiple international tournaments:
- 2022 IIHF U18 World Championships – Gold Medal, led the tournament in scoring (15 points in 6 games).
- 2022 World Juniors – Bronze Medal.
- 2024 World Juniors – Silver Medal, named Tournament MVP with 7 goals and 3 assists in 7 games.
His international performances established him as one of Sweden’s most reliable young forwards.
Personal Life
- Parents: Peter and Ellinor
- Heritage: Finnish descent through his grandmother (from Kuusamo, Finland)
- Girlfriend: Reportedly dating Pandora Natby, as seen on his Instagram highlights
- Social Media: Active on Instagram @lekkerimaki_, with 31K+ followers as of January 2025
- Jersey Number: #23
Outside hockey, Lekkerimäki enjoys spending time with family and has kept a relatively private personal life.
Contract & Net Worth
According to Spotrac, Jonathan Lekkerimäki signed a three-year, $4.275 million entry-level contract with the Vancouver Canucks. The deal includes a $285,000 signing bonus and carries an average annual value of $1.425 million.
As of 2025, his estimated net worth is between $1–2 million, driven by his NHL salary, AHL play, and endorsements in Sweden and North America.
Career Achievements & Awards
- SHL Rookie of the Year – 2024
- Elite Prospects Award (Top Junior in SHL) – 2024
- European Young Player of the Year – 2024
- World Junior Championship MVP – 2024
- World Junior Championship Media All-Star Team – 2024
- Calder Cup Champion – 2025 (Abbotsford Canucks)
Jonathan Lekkerimäki Career Stats (Highlights)
| Season | Team | League | GP | G | A | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021–22 | Djurgårdens IF | SHL | 26 | 7 | 2 | 9 |
| 2022–23 | Djurgårdens IF | Allsvenskan | 29 | 3 | 6 | 9 |
| 2023–24 | Örebro HK | SHL | 46 | 19 | 12 | 31 |
| 2023–24 | Abbotsford Canucks | AHL | 6 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| 2024–25 | Abbotsford Canucks | AHL | 36 | 19 | 9 | 28 |
| 2024–25 | Vancouver Canucks | NHL | 24 | 3 | 3 | 6 |
FAQs on Jonathan Lekkerimäki
Q. Where is Jonathan Lekkerimäki from?
A. He was born in Huddinge, Sweden.
Q. What NHL team drafted Jonathan Lekkerimäki?
A. The Vancouver Canucks, 15th overall in the 2022 NHL Draft.
Q. What awards has Lekkerimäki won?
A. SHL Rookie of the Year (2024), World Juniors MVP (2024), and Calder Cup Champion (2025).
Q. Who is Jonathan Lekkerimäki’s girlfriend?
A. He is reportedly dating Pandora Natby, as seen on his Instagram.
Q. What is Jonathan Lekkerimäki’s net worth?
A. Estimated between $1–2 million as of 2025.
Jonathan Lekkerimäki’s career is only just beginning. From his early days dominating youth hockey in Sweden to becoming a top NHL prospect and a Calder Cup champion, he has proven himself on every stage. With his lethal shot, high hockey IQ, and international success, he is widely regarded as one of the Vancouver Canucks’ future stars.
As he continues his development in North America, Lekkerimäki is expected to become a key piece of Vancouver’s rebuild and possibly one of the NHL’s next great Swedish forwards.
