Canucks’ rookie Lekkerimaki earns praise in NHL debut [Video]

Vancouver Canucks defenceman Erik Brannstrom offered forward Jonathan Lekkerimaki some advice as the two walked to the rink for the Swedish rookie’s first NHL game Tuesday night.

“I just told him to have fun,” said Brannstrom. “It’s only hockey. He’s played so many games in his life. Just keep going.”

Lekkerimaki wasn’t flashy, but played a steady game in his NHL debut, as the Canucks defeated the Calgary Flames 3-1.

The 20-year-old from Tullinge, Sweden, who was selected 15th overall by Vancouver in the 2022 NHL entry draft, had 14:07 of ice time, managed a pair of shots, made a hit and gave the puck away twice.

“It felt pretty good,” said the five-foot-11, 172-pound right-winger. “It was a special moment. I tried to enjoy it.”

Making the evening even more special, Lekkerimaki’s parents Ellinor and Peter were in the crowd watching at Rogers Arena.

“That was very good,” said …