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Vancouver Canucks: Why Olli Juolevi is not the No. 1 Prospect

By Janik Beichler

Jun 24, 2016; Buffalo, NY, USA; Olli Juolevi poses for a photo after being selected as the number five overall draft pick by the Vancouver Canucks in the first round of the 2016 NHL Draft at the First Niagra Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 24, 2016; Buffalo, NY, USA; Olli Juolevi poses for a photo after being selected as the number five overall draft pick by the Vancouver Canucks in the first round of the 2016 NHL Draft at the First Niagra Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 7, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; North Dakota Fighting Hawks forward Brock Boeser (16) celebrates after they score an empty net goal against the Denver Pioneers during the third period at the semifinals of the 2016 Frozen Four college ice hockey tournament at Amalie Arena. North Dakota Fighting Hawks defeated the Denver Pioneers 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

The Case for Brock Boeser

One year after selecting Demko, the Canucks made their way back into the playoffs, resulting in a relatively late first-round pick. At 23rd overall, they picked up Brock Boeser of the USHL Waterloo Blackhawks. Boeser was ranked 27th by NHL Central Scouting, but really took off in the 2015-16 season. He joined NCAA North Dakota where he ranked third in league scoring with 27 goals and 60 points in 42 games.

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Like Demko, Boeser chose to stay in the NCAA for a second season after the draft. Since the Canucks are set on the right wing with Jannik Hansen, Jake Virtanen, Derek Dorsett, one of Emerson Etem and Alex Burrows, as well as a possible free-agent signing, that might not be the worst of decisions. That said, the Canucks could really need some scoring help and none of Vancouver’s current right wingers promise to provide that this season.

Unfortunately for Boeser, the rest of his line at NoDak turns pro this year. Center Nick Schmaltz is a Chicago Blackhawks draft pick and will join the club this season while left winger Drake Caggiula signed with the Edmonton Oilers as a free agent. It will be interesting to see how Boeser adjusts to play with new line mates and has the lone star of the team.

Last season, Boeser ranked fourth in goals at 27 — as a rookie. A natural goal scorer, he should get at least the 35 that league leader and Winnipeg Jets prospect Kyle Connor had this year. Since the Canucks tried to get him under contract this summer, we can assume that Jim Benning and Willie Desjardins would rather have Boeser scoring goals for them this season. But, Boeser made a choice and the Canucks have to live with it.

Boeser will most likely turn pro following the 2016-17 campaign. Unless he plays a surprisingly terrible season, he is expected to jump right into the Canucks lineup for 2017-18. There is no doubt that Boeser is Vancouver’s No. 1 forward prospect, as he is the natural goal scorer they wish they had right now. But will he be better than Demko and Juolevi?

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