Vancouver Canucks: 5 Reasons Why Olli Juolevi Was a Great Pick
2. Most Valuable Player
Olli Juolevi was not named MVP in any of the tournaments he played last season, but he deserves the title for most valuable player available at No. 5. As said, top-pairing defensemen don’t grow on trees, and it is difficult to acquire one via trade. The same can be said for top-line centers. But for wingers, it seems like it is easier to get a good one via trade, free agency or later in the draft.
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If Juolevi works out, and there is no guarantee for that, he could become the most valuable player of the entire Vancouver Canucks roster. That does not necessarily mean he will be the best player, but he will have the highest trade value.
As the Seth Jones for Ryan Johansen trade between Nashville and Columbus shows, a defenseman is enough to acquire a No. 1 center. Likewise, a top-line center is enough to acquire a top-pairing defenseman. A winger with the same talent level of Johansen probably wouldn’t be enough to acquire a top-pairing blue liner.
Have you ever heard of a team totally desperate for a winger? Sure, there are always teams who want to add another scorer or two. But there has never been a team that was desperate for a winger like the Predators were desperate for a center.
Juolevi could become Vancouver’s most valuable player. When he plays for the club, but also if he ever becomes trade bait.
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