Artturi Lehkonen, LW/RW
Shoots: L	Height: 6-0	Weight: 183
Born: 1995-07-04	Hometown: Piikkiö, Finland	Drafted: 55th overall by Montreal in 2013

 

 

 

 

 

Observations:

April 2018 – Having only two goals until February, Lehkonen has recorded 10 goals since then and seven in his last eight of the season finishing with 12 in 66 games played. It was a sophomore slump for Lehkonen, but he looked better than ever as the season expired. He consistently created chances for himself on the penalty kill (seen below), and he and Alex Galchenyuk showed some good chemistry on a line with Jacob De La Rose, often matching up against the opponent's top line.If Lehkonen can have a more consistent 2018-19, 25 goals shouldn't be out of the question. Mike Barrett

January 2018 – Lehkonen has been a mainstay in the Canadiens lineup since the beginning of last season. His break-out second half of 2016-17 saw him finish just a pair short of 20 goals, and even though he only has two in 26 games this season it's his work-ethic and complete game that maintain his position on the top lines. Lehkonen was one of the first players Julien publically complimented after being hired, so it's no secret the coach likes what the 22-year-old brings. Lehkonen does have sniping ability, but he seems to be playing more of a grinding game this year; perhaps he is having a sophomore slump. But, as long as he keeps working hard the opportunities will come and Lehkonen will be fine offensively for years to come. Mike Barrett 

October 2016 – Lehkonen has made the Canadiens roster and has seen time with Alex Galchenyuk, Alex Radulov and other top-six players. Though it will be tough to earn a consistent scoring-line spot out of the gate so expect Lehkonen to move up and down and in and out of the lineup as Michel Therrien so often does with his rookies. Mike Barrett

September 2016 – "We won't see Lehkonen again, at least not from what I can see, he's way too good" said Frolunda Head Coach Roger Ronnberg following a 5-2 Champions League victory against Dynamo Pardubice on August 27. Lehkonen will be arriving in Montreal in the coming days to participate in the Canadiens rookie camp and tournament due to commence September 15th. After (hopefully) ripping that up, he will then stick around for training camp as he tries to earn a spot among the Habs top 13 forwards. Lehkonen could be the second-line left winger the club needs, but he will have to stave off competition from a few other hungry prospects to earn that opportunity. Mike Barrett

May 2016 – Arturri Lehkonen more than doubled his point production from a year ago (33 points in 49 games), but his breaking of Daniel Alfredsson's playoff scoring record (11-8-19 in 16 games) en route to an SHL championship with Frolunda was the real highlight of his season. The Canadiens wasted no time reaching out to their new top prospect, and signed him to a 3-year entry-level contract exactly two weeks later. The shifty-winger has all the tools and attitude to make an impact as a rookie, where a top-nine role seems to have his name all over it in Montreal. Mike Barrett

March 2015 – In his first SHL campaign, Lehkonen has been a depth forward with Frolunda, a big change from his time in Finland when he was among the team leaders in points. While he remains immensely talented, his fantasy outlook remains in limbo until he decides to come over and play in North America where his lack of size would be put to the test. Eric Daoust

March 2014 – Lehkonen has signed a two-year deal with Frolunda of the SHL. This certainly pushes back the timeline of when he could make the jump to the NHL. Eric Daoust

 

January 2014 – Lehkonen represented Finland at the Under-20 World Junior Championships in Malmo, Sweden. In six games he had four points, good for fourth on the team, along with a plus-7 rating as his country captured the gold medal. This success along with leading SM-Liga's KalPa Kuopio with 20 points in 33 contests despite his lack of size is a good sign in his development. Eric Daoust

 

July 2013 – Arrturi Lehkonen was selected by the Kootenay Ice in the second round of the 2013 CHL Import Draft. If Lehkonen chooses to come to North America to compete (unknown at this time), Lehkonen would be joining a strong Kootenay team that features 2014 NHL Draft top prospect Sam Reinhart. Brendan Ross

 

July 2013 – Lehkonen was selected in the second round (55th overall) by the Montreal Canadiens. He had an impressive year heading into the draft with 30 points in 45 games playing against men in Finland. Size will always be an issue but the talent is certainly there. Eric Daoust

 

December 2012 – Lehkonen has established his spot on KalPa's first line alongside Derek Stepan and arguably the best player in the league in Sakari Salminen. He has nine points in 12 games since the start of November. Lehkonen will probably play in Finland's top line alongside Aleksander Barkov in the upcoming World Juniors. Miika Arponen

 

October 2012 – Artturi Lehkonen is a diminutive but speedy winger with great hockey vision. Lehkonen has superb acceleration speed and very good wrist shot. Despite lacking the size he uses his body well and is not afraid of going into tight situations. Lehkonen is leading his team in points after the first month of 2012/13 season with three goals and five assists in seven games in SM-liiga.

 

Fantasy Outlook: B-

Has the skills and the speed to become and NHLer, the size is the only question mark.

 

Footage:

Lehkonen vs Philly SH goal

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Artturi Lehkonen First-Round Playoff Highlights.

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Lehkonen’s first SM-liiga goal.

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