Last Updated on November 9, 2026 by Bernald Sanders
Jonathan Lekkerimäki is a Swedish professional ice hockey player who plays for the Vancouver Canucks in the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on July 24, 2004, in Tullinge, Sweden, Lekkerimäki grew up in a supportive family with strong connections to Sweden and Finland.
His parents are Peter Lekkerimäki and Ellinor Lekkerimäki. His father operates a construction business, while his mother works as a nurse. Jonathan also has an older sister named Mikaela Lekkerimäki, who has supported his hockey career.
In his personal life, Lekkerimäki has been in a relationship with Pandora Nåtby, a former Swedish ice hockey player. The couple have supported each other through their sporting careers and Jonathan’s transition to professional hockey in North America.
Jonathan Lekkerimäki’s Girlfriend and Relationship Status
Pandora Nåtby – Jonathan Lekkerimäki’s Girlfriend
Jonathan Lekkerimäki’s publicly identified girlfriend is Pandora Nåtby, a former Swedish ice hockey player.
The couple’s relationship became widely known during the 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship, when Pandora attended Sweden’s games and supported Jonathan throughout the tournament.
According to Swedish hockey reporting, the couple had already been dating for approximately two years by January 2024.
Their shared interest in ice hockey has been an important part of their relationship, as both spent their younger years competing in the Swedish hockey system.
In May 2024, Lekkerimäki confirmed that he and Pandora had enjoyed living together in Örebro, Sweden, while he represented Örebro HK in the Swedish Hockey League.
The couple lived near the team’s arena, allowing Jonathan to concentrate on his hockey development while maintaining a comfortable personal life.
Who Is Pandora Nåtby?
Pandora Nåtby was born on April 7, 2004, in Sweden.
She developed an interest in ice hockey during childhood and competed through several Swedish youth hockey programs.
Pandora represented Södermanland in the Stålbucklan competition in 2018, helping her team win the tournament.
She subsequently represented Sweden internationally, including at the 2020 Winter Youth Olympic Games in Lausanne, Switzerland.
During that tournament, Pandora helped Sweden win a silver medal in the women’s ice hockey competition.
She also played for Djurgårdens IF in the Swedish Women’s Hockey League (SDHL).
Unfortunately, a serious knee injury involving her anterior cruciate ligament interrupted her playing career.
Following the injury, Pandora eventually stepped away from competitive hockey and concentrated on her education.
Her experience as a hockey player helped her understand the demands of Jonathan’s professional career.
Pandora Nåtby’s Support During the 2024 World Junior Championship
Pandora publicly supported Jonathan during the 2024 World Junior Championship in Sweden.
She attended games alongside other players’ girlfriends, including partners of Swedish teammates Elias Pettersson and Oskar Pettersson.
The women spent time together while watching their partners compete.
Pandora explained that her previous experience as a hockey player helped her understand the pressure associated with international competition.
She also emphasized the importance of supporting Jonathan emotionally during challenging games.
Jonathan became one of Sweden’s outstanding players during the tournament, scoring seven goals and recording ten points in seven games.
Sweden finished with a silver medal, and Lekkerimäki received the tournament’s Most Valuable Player award.
Jonathan Lekkerimäki and Pandora Nåtby’s Life in North America
After moving to North America to pursue professional hockey, Lekkerimäki began adjusting to life in Vancouver and Abbotsford, British Columbia.
During a September 2025 interview published by the Vancouver Canucks, he spoke about learning to live independently while developing his professional career.
He explained that his girlfriend helped him adjust to life in Canada, particularly by preparing meals and supporting him at home.
The young forward praised her cooking skills and described Vancouver as a place that had started to feel like a second home.
Although the official article did not identify his girlfriend by name, Swedish hockey reporting in 2025 continued identifying Pandora Nåtby as his partner.
There has been no reliable public announcement establishing a subsequent marriage or change in their relationship status.
Is Jonathan Lekkerimäki Married?
There is no verified public announcement confirming that Jonathan Lekkerimäki is married or engaged.
His relationship with Pandora Nåtby has been publicly documented, but reliable sources have not established that the couple have held a wedding ceremony.
Therefore, Pandora is identified as his publicly known girlfriend rather than his wife.
Does Jonathan Lekkerimäki Have Children?
There are no verified public reports confirming that Jonathan Lekkerimäki has children.
The Vancouver Canucks forward has discussed his girlfriend, parents, and sister in interviews, but he has not publicly announced the birth of a son or daughter.
Although he has maintained a long-term romantic relationship, no reliable information establishes that he has become a father.
Consequently, the names, ages, and birth dates of any potential children remain unconfirmed.
Jonathan Lekkerimäki’s Parents
Jonathan Lekkerimäki was born to Peter Lekkerimäki and Ellinor Lekkerimäki, who raised him in the Stockholm area of Sweden.
His parents have been closely involved in his development and have attended important milestones in his hockey career.
Both were present when Jonathan was selected in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft and when he made his NHL debut in November 2024.
Peter Lekkerimäki – Jonathan Lekkerimäki’s Father
Peter Lekkerimäki is Jonathan Lekkerimäki’s father.
According to a July 2022 Sportsnet profile, Peter operates his own construction company.
He has strong family connections to Finland and has maintained an interest in Finnish hockey despite living in Sweden.
In January 2024, Sveriges Radio published an interview discussing Peter’s divided hockey loyalties during the World Junior Championship.
Although Peter traditionally supported Finland, his son’s involvement with Sweden’s national junior team encouraged him to cheer for Sweden.
Jonathan humorously explained that his father still kept an eye on Finland’s performances.
The story illustrated the family’s connections to both countries.
Peter Lekkerimäki’s Support During the 2022 NHL Draft
Peter traveled with Jonathan to Montreal, Canada, for the 2022 NHL Entry Draft.
The family attended the event hoping Jonathan would be selected in the first round.
On July 7, 2022, the Vancouver Canucks selected Lekkerimäki with the 15th overall pick.
Peter joined Ellinor and Mikaela in celebrating the achievement.
According to Sportsnet, the selection represented the fulfillment of a childhood dream Jonathan had pursued for many years.
His family had supported him through the Swedish youth hockey system, making the moment particularly meaningful.
Peter Lekkerimäki’s Reaction to His Son’s First NHL Goal
Another important family milestone occurred on November 14, 2024.
Jonathan scored his first NHL goal for the Vancouver Canucks against the New York Islanders at Rogers Arena.
Peter and Ellinor were watching from the stands.
After the goal, television cameras showed the couple celebrating emotionally.
Their reaction appeared on the arena’s video screen and attracted attention from hockey supporters.
Jonathan later described the experience as particularly meaningful because both parents had traveled to Vancouver to watch him play.
The goal represented an important achievement for the family after years of supporting his hockey development.
Ellinor Lekkerimäki – Jonathan Lekkerimäki’s Mother
Ellinor Lekkerimäki is Jonathan Lekkerimäki’s mother.
According to Sportsnet, Ellinor works as a nurse in Sweden.
She has been an important source of encouragement throughout her son’s development, accompanying him to major hockey events and celebrating his accomplishments.
Ellinor traveled to Montreal with Jonathan, Peter, and Mikaela for the 2022 NHL Draft.
She was also present during his NHL debut and first career goal in November 2024.
Ellinor Lekkerimäki’s Support During Her Son’s NHL Debut
Jonathan made his NHL debut on November 12, 2024, when the Vancouver Canucks defeated the Calgary Flames 3–1.
Ellinor and Peter attended the game at Rogers Arena.
Afterward, Jonathan spoke about how important it was to have his parents present during the occasion.
He acknowledged that they had supported him since the beginning of his hockey journey.
Two days later, Ellinor witnessed Jonathan score his first NHL goal against the New York Islanders.
Her emotional celebration, alongside Peter, became one of the most memorable images from the young forward’s early NHL career.
In a September 2025 interview, Jonathan joked that his parents had become slightly nervous about the amount of television attention they received during his first professional milestones.
Jonathan Lekkerimäki’s Siblings
Mikaela Lekkerimäki – Jonathan Lekkerimäki’s Older Sister
Jonathan Lekkerimäki has an older sister named Mikaela Lekkerimäki.
She was publicly identified in a July 2022 Sportsnet interview covering Jonathan’s selection by the Vancouver Canucks.
Mikaela traveled with her parents and younger brother to Montreal for the NHL Draft.
She spoke proudly about Jonathan’s dedication to hockey and his determination to reach the professional level.
According to Mikaela, Jonathan had been focused on becoming a successful hockey player since childhood.
She also explained that her brother had faced criticism about his physical size during his development.
Some observers believed he needed to become bigger and stronger before he could succeed at higher levels.
However, Jonathan continued working toward his ambitions despite those doubts.
Mikaela expressed admiration for his determination and the progress he had made.
Mikaela Lekkerimäki’s Support During the NHL Draft
Mikaela was among the family members who celebrated Jonathan’s selection in the first round of the 2022 NHL Draft.
According to Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet, Jonathan hugged his parents, sister, and brother-in-law before walking onto the stage to receive his Vancouver Canucks jersey.
The family subsequently celebrated the occasion together.
Mikaela’s comments to Sportsnet demonstrated how proud she was of her younger brother’s accomplishments.
Although she has appeared in public sports reporting, reliable information about Mikaela’s occupation and other personal details remains limited.
There is no verified public confirmation that Jonathan has additional brothers or sisters.
Jonathan Lekkerimäki’s Finnish Family Heritage
Although Jonathan Lekkerimäki was born and raised in Sweden, his family also has Finnish roots.
His grandmother, Irja Lekkerimäki, whose maiden name was Leinonen, originally came from the Kuusamo region of Finland.
According to Finnish newspaper Koillissanomat, she moved from Finland to Sweden during the late 1960s.
Despite relocating, Irja maintained strong connections to her hometown and continued visiting Finland.
In a 2019 interview, she expressed pride in Jonathan’s development and his selection for Sweden’s youth national hockey program.
The family’s Finnish roots are also reflected in the Lekkerimäki surname.
Jonathan has represented Sweden internationally while maintaining an appreciation for his family’s Finnish background.
Irja Lekkerimäki – Jonathan Lekkerimäki’s Grandmother
Irja Lekkerimäki has been publicly identified as one of Jonathan’s grandparents.
She has followed his sporting career and occasionally appeared in Swedish hockey reporting.
In May 2023, Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet reported that Jonathan’s grandmother had inadvertently revealed his upcoming transfer to Örebro HK through an Instagram comment.
She congratulated him and wished him success before the transfer had been formally discussed in the media.
Jonathan reacted humorously when asked about the situation and confirmed that he would be joining Örebro.
The incident provided a lighthearted example of his family’s enthusiasm for his hockey career.
Jonathan Lekkerimäki’s Family Background and Childhood
Jonathan Lekkerimäki grew up in Tullinge, in the southern Stockholm area of Sweden.
He developed his hockey skills through Flemingsbergs IK before joining the Djurgårdens IF youth system in 2019.
His impressive scoring ability helped him progress quickly through Sweden’s junior hockey levels.
During the 2021–22 season, he made his debut in the Swedish Hockey League while still a teenager.
He also helped Sweden win the gold medal at the 2022 IIHF Under-18 World Championship, recording 15 points in six games.
The Vancouver Canucks subsequently selected him with the 15th overall pick in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft.
After another season with Djurgården, he joined Örebro HK for the 2023–24 campaign.
During that season, he recorded 19 goals and 12 assists in 46 Swedish Hockey League games.
His performances earned him the SHL Rookie of the Year award and recognition as one of Europe’s most promising young players.
He also helped Sweden win silver at the 2024 World Junior Championship, where he was named tournament MVP.
Following his successful season in Sweden, Lekkerimäki moved to North America and joined the Abbotsford Canucks.
He made his NHL debut with Vancouver on November 12, 2024.
In June 2025, he helped Abbotsford win the Calder Cup, scoring an important game-winning goal during the championship series against the Charlotte Checkers.
His family has remained an important part of his life throughout his transition from Swedish hockey to the NHL.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jonathan Lekkerimäki’s Family
Who is Jonathan Lekkerimäki’s girlfriend?
Jonathan Lekkerimäki’s publicly identified girlfriend is Pandora Nåtby, a former Swedish ice hockey player who represented Djurgårdens IF and Sweden’s youth national teams.
Is Jonathan Lekkerimäki married?
There is no verified public announcement confirming that Jonathan Lekkerimäki is married or engaged.
Does Jonathan Lekkerimäki have children?
There are no reliable public reports confirming that Jonathan Lekkerimäki has children.
Who is Jonathan Lekkerimäki’s father?
His father is Peter Lekkerimäki, who operates a construction business and has strong family connections to Finland.
Who is Jonathan Lekkerimäki’s mother?
His mother is Ellinor Lekkerimäki, a nurse who supported his development and attended his first NHL games in Vancouver.
Does Jonathan Lekkerimäki have siblings?
Yes. Jonathan Lekkerimäki has an older sister named Mikaela Lekkerimäki. No additional siblings have been publicly confirmed.
Who is Jonathan Lekkerimäki’s sister?
His older sister is Mikaela Lekkerimäki, who attended the 2022 NHL Entry Draft and publicly praised his dedication to hockey.
Who is Jonathan Lekkerimäki’s grandmother?
His grandmother is Irja Lekkerimäki, originally Irja Leinonen, who moved from Finland to Sweden during the late 1960s.
Is Jonathan Lekkerimäki Finnish?
Jonathan Lekkerimäki is Swedish and represents Sweden internationally. However, he has Finnish family heritage through his grandmother and his father’s side of the family.
Where did Jonathan Lekkerimäki grow up?
Jonathan Lekkerimäki grew up in Tullinge, Sweden, and developed through Flemingsbergs IK before joining Djurgårdens IF.
Living and breathing ice hockey, Bernald Sanders delivers comprehensive coverage of the NHL season from puck drop to the Stanley Cup Finals. He specializes in tactical breakdowns, trade analysis, power-play strategies, and tracking rising draft prospects. Bernald turns fast-paced on-ice action into clear, sharp insights for hockey fans around the globe.
