Even before Lek's 2-goal game, Garland was already taking notice of the kid. So much so that he called his dad about it.

“I told my dad on the phone, I can't believe the jump Lekkerimaki has taken,” Garland explained. “It’s confidence. The shot’s the shot; that's his gift. You know, everybody has a gift. But I think the rest of his game has come a long way. 

“I'm not an evaluator, but I just feel like he's a lot more confident. Three days ago in practice, five-on-five drill in the zone, he just had the puck and was moving with it. Maybe last year. . . he was not being as decisive. I think he can notice it. He’s going to be a big-time player for us. It's huge that he's taken a great step for us.”

Sorry, but how fucking encouraging (and adorable) is that?

(Link to full article: https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/canucks-jonathan-lekkerimaki-impresses-in-final-audition-for-roster-spot/)

13 comments

  1. Garland’s played with some great players and A LOT of not-so-great players. It’s great to hear he senses a difference with Lekkerimaki, or any of our players, and yes this is so adorable hah love to hear it.

  2. The vibes in the locker room changed so much. Seems like they are all rooting for each other

  4. I’m even more excited about Lekk, that Garland is so enthused about his teammate coming into his own this year.

    If teammates are comfortable with the kid, he’s becoming a part of the team.

    Wonder how long before they push the roster decisions.
    With Hoggs injury he should be on the team from the start.
    Karlsson, Baines to the AHL

    Also did he call his dad about Cootes?!

  5. I can’t wait to see this team in the regular season, hopefully a great year for us all. 

    Go Canucks Go

  6. > From a team standpoint — and I know anything I say, it’s going to be directed back to last year — we are a tight, tight group,” Garland said. “We feel like we’re having a lot of fun every day. You guys can see in practice, like, it’s energetic, it looks sharp. A lot of fun during the games.

    This is so reassuring to hear.

  7. We saw a glimmer of that last year too, when Lekki got the shootout goal against Markstrom. The confidence was there 100% in that moment and I remember thinking “This kid is has it, how tf do we unlock it?”.

  8. lol these headlines are so dramatic. In reality it probably went like this:

    Dad: hey son your mom wants to know why her wifi isn’t working

    Garland: tell her to turn off airplane mode

    Dad: ok thanks. So what else is new? How’s the team?

    Garland: team’s good, I think this lekkerimaki kid is going to be good.

    Dad: that’s good.

    Headline: GARLAND CALLS DAD TO RAVE ABOUT YOUNG PROSPECT

  9. I would rather have him lead the AHL in forward minutes vs being a 3rd or 4th line player here. Give him call ups etc, but the main thing is giving him ice time.

  13. Man I just love Garland. He’s such a good hype man for the young guys and is so responsible with his play that he can be paired with a rookie and lift them up. 

    Here’s hoping Lekk does make that jump and has a great year for us. 

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