Kent Hughes’ decision to sacrifice the 13th overall pick in 2022, obtained from the Islanders (Alex Romanov) with a view to acquiring Kirby Dach, was ultimately a serious error by the GM.
Hughes wanted Lekkerimaki. Here’s the real regret: the fact that Hughes should have chosen this raw Swedish talent so promising that we are talking about an elite striker, rather than engaging in this risky trade with such a fragile player.
Lekkerimäki was Hughes’ initial goal. His potential as a future hockey star had captured the imagination of the recruiting team.
His speed, skill with the puck and vision of the game seemed to be the perfect answer to the team’s needs.
However, the temptation of Dach, with his NHL experience despite his health issues, pushed Hughes to take a risky turn.
Dach’s choice was questioned not only for his fragile health, but also for the high cost of the trade.
The Chicago media itself seemed relieved that Dach was leaving, suggesting he was a player too often injured to be reliable.
The 13th pick that ultimately became Frank Nazar seemed like a bargain compared to a potentially injured player.
Now, with Lekkerimäki on the path to becoming a future star, the pressure is on Dach to prove he’s not “made of china”.
The Swede appears to be on an upward trajectory, while Dach must overcome his physical woes to justify the costly trade.
Time will tell if Hughes’ decision to choose Dach over Lekkerimäki was the right one. For now, it’s a decision that is being scrutinized with intense scrutiny, as fans wonder whether Lekkerimäki’s unrealized potential could have been the key to the team’s success.
The 2023-24 season saw Jonathan Lekkerimäki win the prestigious Prize Elite Prospectstestifying to his exceptional performance as the best junior of the season in the SHL.
This trophy rewards the most promising Swedish talent.
With 19 goals and 31 points in 46 games, Lekkerimäki showed his mastery on the ice, drawing admiration from fans and experts alike.
“It’s obviously exciting to receive this award for my season”expressed Lekkerimäki, his smile reflecting the pride of his achievement.
“Of course, it’s great to be among them. It’s an honor. There’s a lot of big names, so it’s just fun.”
Hailing from Tullinge, south of Stockholm, and representing Flemingsberg as his home club, Lekkerimäki’s talent shone throughout the season. Örebro head coach Niklas Eriksson described him as a focused and determined player with remarkable marking abilities and a strong defensive presence.
Looking back on his season, Lekkerimäki said he was satisfied with his integration into the team and his personal development.
Despite the turmoil Örebro (his SHL team) experienced during the season, including a coaching change, Lekkerimäki remained focused on contributing to the team’s success.
Making a brief transition to the American League with the Abbotsford Canucks before joining Sweden in the World Championship, Lekkerimäki took the opportunity to adapt to a different style of play and further hone his skills.
Looking to the future, Lekkerimäki has remained focused on his current commitments with the national team while keeping an open mind about his future plans.
When asked who he would give the award to, he mentioned Axel Sandin Pellikka, showing humility and respect towards his peers.
Jonathan Lekkerimäki’s journey reminds us of Kent Hughes’ serious mistake. One of his biggest since he took office.
