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Habs Prospect Artturi Lehkonen wins SHL Title & Playoff Scoring Race |
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Could the answer to the Montreal Canadiens top six woes be within the organization? Artturi Lehkonen, the LW Canadiens 2013 second round draft pick (55th overall) from Finland is making a strong case that he will be ready for the NHL sooner rather than later. Lehkonen plays for the storied Frolunda franchise in Sweden’s SHL and just won the league championship. Frolunda also won the European club championship as well (CHL) and Lehkonen played a large part in both team wins.
As a 20 year old, Lehkonen has broken Daniel Alfredsson’s club record for playoff points with 19 points (11 goals, 8 assists) in 16 playoff games. Lehkonen also tied with teammate Ryan Lasch, 29 years old for the playoff scoring title. In the playoffs he also recorded 2 game winning goals, 2 powerplay goals, 48 shots on goal, 26 hits and was a +11. Lehkonen was incredibly consistent with points in 15 of 16 playoff games.
The 2015-2016 season was Lehkonen’s second with Frolunda. He had already played 3 seasons in Finland’s top professional league, the SM-Liiga. Lehkonen showed great improvement during the regular season as he gained strength. With 33 points in 49 regular season games, it seemed as though Lehkonen was simply progressing nicely as he led Frolunda with 6 game winning goals. The playoffs though was a true coming out party for the young Finn. To be mentioned in the same breath as Daniel Alfredsson is an incredible feat, especially at such a young age. In the regular season Lehkonen had 28 hits. To jump to 26 hits in the playoffs demonstrates his ability to step up when it counts. Lehkonen has always been touted for his strong two way play and character. In 2015 he captained the Finnish junior team at the World Championships and was a key contributor when they won the title in 2014.
Size and injuries have been a bit of a question mark when it comes to Lehkonen being able to succeed. However, his determination to succeed combined with his natural talent makes him an intriguing possibility for the Canadiens top six. His game is north/south which should translate well in the NHL. Lehkonen is not afraid to go to the net a la Brendan Gallagher. He signed a one year contract extension with Frolunda this year but it is unknown if there is an NHL clause that would allow him to play in Montreal next season. He will be at the Canadiens development camp this Summer and with his playoff performance, is in the conversation to play on Team Finland for the World Cup this Fall. He should be on Finland’s roster for the upcoming World Championship in Russia.
Perhaps another season in the SHL would be best for Lehkonen to further hone his skills and gain strength. However, the Canadiens will need to see for themselves this Summer if Lehkonen is ready for a top six role in the NHL. They do not need another bottom 6 players and so if he is not in their plans for a bigger role, he should stay with Frolunda for one more season.
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Montreal Canadiens Blogger • 
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