Canucks News & Rumors: Sprong, Lekkerimaki, Demko & More – Hockey Writers – Vancouver Canucks

In this edition of Vancouver Canucks News & Rumors, the Canucks traded Daniel Sprong to the Seattle Kraken. Also, the club is likely to call up Jonathan Lekkerimaki and the return of Dakota Joshua is imminent. Meanwhile, Thatcher Demko continues to improve and is close to returning.

Canucks Trade Daniel Sprong

The Canucks made their first trade of the regular season, sending Sprong to Seattle for future consideration. The club signed the forward midway through last season to a one-year contract worth $975,000. This season he played nine games in this team and scored one goal and three points.

“We would like to thank Daniel for his time here in Vancouver,” said Allvin. “With his help, our team started the year in a positive way, and we wish him the best in Seattle.”

While Sprong is a capable offensive player, he still struggles in other key areas of the game. This striker played badly in his own, which led to coach Rick Tocchet not trusting him anymore. Sprong's play at the end has been a problem his entire career, which is why he didn't get much attention until the end of the season. The organization may have hoped Tocchet could help Srong develop that side of the game, but the striker ended up in the coach's doghouse early on.

Another reason the Canucks were comfortable trading Sprong is the forward depth the organization has. From the forward to the American Hockey League (AHL), there are many options for the club.

Lekkerimaki and Joshua Prepare to Join the Main Roster

The Canucks have plenty of options up front that will improve their roster. Joshua is about to return as he has recovered from the surgery but for the past two weeks he has been skiing with the team. Joshua is coming off 18 goals and 32 points in 63 games last season, and four goals and eight points in 13 games. He will probably be in the team's top six when he returns. The striker has been with the team for a long time, including their trip to California.

The Canucks called up Arshdeep Bains and Nils Aman on November 9. Tocchet has confidence in both players as Bains played in the top six during his time on the roster this season and Aman has played on the fourth line for a long time.

Related: How Rick Tocchet's Playing Days Shaped His Coaching Style

Another option is the NHL debut of 2022 first round draft pick, Lekkerimaki. The Swede has played well with Abbotsford, scoring five goals and putting up seven points in seven games. The forward skated alongside Elias Pettersson and Jake DeBrusk in the preseason. Therefore, it wouldn't be a surprise if the power forward lined up next to Pettersson or JT Miller after being called up.

Demko Update

The Canucks haven't started goaltender Demko since last season. The goalkeeper continues to work on his knee, but according to Rick Dhaliwal, he has made good progress from the injury this week. Dhaliwal added that the goalkeeper is in the final stages before he can return to full training, but he needs a few things sorted out before he can.

Dhaliwal added that the milestone will be when Demko participates in full speed training. He added that the Canucks are not chasing a cornerback despite reports from other media sources. The organization is in a good place thanks to the play of goalkeeper Kevin Lankinen, who has more than paid for it. He has a 7-0-2 record, a .923 save percentage and a 2.08 goals against average. With his play, Demko can take his time and learn to adapt to playing with his injury.