The Canucks have returned top forward prospect Jonathan Lekkerimäki to AHL Abbotsford, per a team announcement . They now have an open roster spot, which is expected to go to Nils Höglander as he nears an activation from long-term injured reserve .

Lekkerimäki, 21, had made the team out of camp but was in and out of the lineup to begin the campaign, only skating in four of their first six contests before sustaining an undisclosed injury against the Capitals on Oct. 19. That kept him out of commission until mid-November and, when he was activated from injured reserve, was sent to Abbotsford.

The skilled Swedish sniper had 19 goals in just 36 games for the AHL club last year, and he picked up where he left off with three goals and a pair of assists in five minor-league game

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