The decision to part ways with world-class d-man Quinn Hughes certainly must have caused sleepless nights for Vancouver hockey operations president Jim Rutherford and general manager Patrick Allvin. However, they did manage an impressive haul in the deal which sent Hughes to Minnesota. Among the assets the Canucks acquired was Swedish-born forward Liam Ohgren. The 21-year-old left-winger has the makings of a high-end NHL power forward, possessing an impressive blend of speed and strength for a player his age. Vancouver recognized this potential at the 2022 draft, although ultimately opting for Jonathan Lekkerimaki at #15 (Minnesota took Ohgren with the 19th pick). The former teammates in the Swedish professional league are now both in the Canucks organization, and are expected to reunite as linemates at some point in the near future.
Ohgren has one goal in two games with the Canucks, paying immediate dividends to Vancouver after being held scoreless in 18 games with the Wild earlier this season. Meanwhile, Lekkerimaki has 8 points (5G 3A) in 7 games for Abbottsford in the AHL, and also has appeared in 7 games for Vancouver this season. Currently, the right-winger is on a four-game goal streak with the AHL club.