Lekkerimäki had a highlight of a 2021-22 hockey season, earning a bronze medal at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, and a J20 SM silver medal, while at the U-18 World Junior Championship, along with his gold medal he was named to the U18 WJC All-Star Team and finished the tournament with the most assists (10) and points (15).
Although Central Scouting ranked him the sixth International skater, Lekkerimäki is the second-ranked Swedish player listed in the upcoming draft just behind center Marco Kasper. Starting his 2021-22 hockey season in the Swedish U20 league with Djugårdens team, his play with 35 points in 26 games earned him a look with the Djugårdens SHL team, bumped up to the Swedish pros, where he played 26 games with seven goals and two assists. Although his production took a slide once he joined the professional league, he was able to stick to what has made him successful as a young player: finding and having a knack for scoring goals. His toolbox is full, with goals coming off of simple wrist shorts, one-timers, and also being close around the net.
Lekkerimäki's shot is his biggest asset, while his skating has been seen as average, which at times can be seen as hampering his defensive game. At just 17 years old, and only turning 18 in late July, Lekkerimäki is one of the youngest players draft eligible this season, with plenty of room for further growth.
