Lukas Vejdemo: 174 games later

Lukas Vejdemo is the player who has played the most games with the Rocket (174). Since the 2018-19 season, he has risen through the ranks of the team and then the organization. On December 31, 2019, during the Montreal Canadiens’ traditional trip, the Swedish forward made his NHL debut.

Born in Stockholm in 1996, this third round pick played all his junior hockey in Sweden for the Djurgårdens IF organization located in the Swedish capital.

“I only played for three teams during my development, and it was all the organization from where I grew up (Djurgårdens IF, Stockholm, Sweden). I worked hard and moved up to the big team. I trusted the process and I trusted that I was going to get what I deserved and worked for.”

The transition between Europe and North America is often a challenge in the case of European prospects. Sometimes it’s difficult, but for Vejdemo, his development in Sweden had prepared him well.

 “Playing in the SHL really helped me. It’s a really good league. The transition from junior to senior there was way harder than any other transitions.”

Lukas Vejdemo is in his 4th season with the organization. He played his first game with the Rocket on October 6, 2018 and of the players that were in the lineup, only Alex Belzile is still with the Rocket (Jake Evans was also in the lineup for that game and Michael Pezzetta was an healthy scratch). The Rocket’s #22 has nothing but good words for his teammate.

“When he first came over from Europe, he was maybe a little shy, but now he’s really coming into his own. It shows on the ice as well, he’s a player who is extremely fast and getting more physical. As a person, he’s incredible. He’s one of my best friends on the team. He’s a guy who would do anything for his teammates.”

In addition to being greatly appreciated by his teammates, Lukas Vejdemo has the right attitude to be appreciated by the coaching staff. He has become a true veteran who leads by example, which is why forwards coach Martin Laperriere can give him crucial minutes and important assignments.

“I love his passion, he’s hardworking, he wants to learn, he’s alert and responsive. I love how seriously he approaches his game preparation.”