Jonathan Lekkerimaki No Longer Top Canucks Prospect Heading Into 2025-26 Season: A New Name Claims the Throne
The Vancouver Canucks’ development pipeline has taken a notable turn heading into the 2025-26 NHL season, with a significant shift in their top prospect rankings. After years of being touted as the organization’s most promising up-and-comer, Jonathan Lekkerimaki has officially been bumped from the number one spot. In his place, rising defenseman Tom Willander has emerged as the new crown jewel of Vancouver’s future.
For Canucks fans who have closely followed Lekkerimaki’s journey, this development may come as a surprise. The Swedish forward, who was drafted 15th overall by the Canucks in 2022, has consistently held the top prospect title for multiple seasons, earning the distinction on several prominent lists, including the midseason rankings from Canucks Army during the 2024-25 campaign.
However, the landscape began to shift over the summer. The Canucks significantly bolstered their farm system through a productive 2025 NHL Entry Draft. They added a number of highly-regarded prospects, most notably first-round forward Braeden Cootes and second-round goaltender Aleksei Medvedev. Both players have already created a buzz within the organization, with scouts praising their poise, skill, and long-term potential.
This influx of talent has not only deepened Vancouver’s prospect pool but also created internal competition, forcing a reevaluation of where players like Lekkerimaki stand. Still, it’s not as if Lekkerimaki has fallen far. In fact, he remains a highly respected piece of the Canucks’ puzzle and ranks second on the most recent top-20 prospects list released by Dave Hall of Canucks Army.
“For the first time in many Canucks Army ranking installments, Jonathan Lekkerimaki has given up his crown as our top-ranked prospect,” Hall noted. It marks the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter as Tom Willander claims the top spot.
Despite being bumped down a notch, Hall emphasized that Lekkerimaki still holds tremendous value and upside. “Lekkerimaki has the potential to be a top-six NHL forward, capable of scoring 30-plus goals,” he said. “His elite shot, growing versatility, and deadly scoring instincts make him a dynamic offensive threat. He could become a cornerstone power-play contributor and a reliable scoring option in all situations.”
Lekkerimaki’s 2024-25 season in North America proved to be a positive step forward in his development. Playing with the Abbotsford Canucks in the AHL, he posted 19 goals and 28 points across 36 regular season games. In the postseason, he added seven points in 16 appearances, helping Abbotsford clinch their first-ever Calder Cup championship — a major milestone for both the affiliate and Lekkerimaki’s personal growth.
His transition from Europe to North America appeared smooth, and the strides he made were evident to those tracking his progress. While he may no longer be considered the top dog among Canucks prospects, Lekkerimaki’s future as an NHL contributor remains bright and promising.
So who is Tom Willander, and why has he surged past Lekkerimaki on Vancouver’s prospect radar?
Willander, a defenseman from Stockholm, Sweden, has quietly and steadily built his resume since being selected by the Canucks in the first round of the 2023 NHL Draft. Over the last two seasons, he’s played in the NCAA with Boston University, earning accolades for his two-way game, composure, and mature defensive instincts. His ability to read plays, make smart outlet passes, and contribute offensively when needed has turned heads across the organization.
In May 2025, Willander signed his entry-level contract with Vancouver, a clear indication that the team sees him as a vital part of their long-term plans. While he is expected to begin the upcoming season with Abbotsford in the AHL, many believe it’s only a matter of time before he makes his NHL debut. If injuries or roster openings occur, a call-up seems likely.
What makes Willander’s emergence even more exciting for Canucks fans is the potential of him forming a long-term partnership with star defenseman Quinn Hughes. Should Hughes agree to an extension with Vancouver before his expected free agency in 2027, the duo could anchor the Canucks’ blue line for years to come.
Willander’s meteoric rise through the rankings is a testament to his consistency and steady improvement. While he may not have the flash of Lekkerimaki’s goal-scoring prowess, his reliability and ability to impact games from the back end have earned him the top prospect label heading into the new season.
Braeden Cootes, who was selected third overall on Hall’s list, is another name to watch. The young forward has a high offensive ceiling and has already drawn comparisons to top-tier NHL centers. Though he’s still early in his development, Cootes brings size, skill, and creativity that could translate well to the NHL in the coming years.
The addition of Aleksei Medvedev in the second round further boosts Vancouver’s goaltending pipeline. The young netminder has shown strong fundamentals, quick reflexes, and a competitive edge that makes him one of the most intriguing goalie prospects in the organization.
In many ways, the reshuffling of Vancouver’s top prospects reflects a positive trend. It means the team is drafting well, developing players at a steady pace, and keeping competition healthy among its young core. With Lekkerimaki, Willander, Cootes, and Medvedev all vying for attention — and possibly NHL spots in the near future — the Canucks appear to be entering a new era of promise and potential.
As the 2025-26 season approaches, the Vancouver Canucks are looking to the future with optimism. While Jonathan Lekkerimaki may no longer be at the top of the prospect rankings, his contributions — alongside the emergence of Tom Willander and others — paint a hopeful picture for the team’s future success. Fans have every reason to be excited about what’s brewing beneath the surface in British Columbia.
