Canucks: AHL playoffs pivotal for Abbotsford forwards in NHL roster push
That's where it will get interesting. How Linus Karlsson and Jonathan Lekkerimaki perform in the series will be another indication of what could await next fall in Vancouver with more regular NHL employment.
And if injured centre Aatu Raty returns Friday, the trio knows exposure to Vancouver Canucks assistant coach Adam Foote this season was vital. He became Vancouver's bench boss Wednesday to replace Rick Tocchet, who's bound for Philadelphia. And like Tocchet, there will be a demand to be dialed in on the details.
The Abbotsford hopefuls aren't a cure for what ails the parent Canucks — a 23rd-ranked offence at 2.84 goals per outing — but project to play vital support roles. And in Lekkerimaki, there's untapped offensive potential.
Here's a look at how they project next fall:
Linus Karlsson
Karlsson, 25, knows what it takes to play and stay in the NHL. Abbotsford head coach Manny Malhotra has pushed the Swede to lead and his five points (3-2) in seven AHL playoff games are a good sign.
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