The Canuck Way
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Vancouver Canucks: The misunderstood matter of Olli Juolevi

By Stephen Kronstein

LONDON, ON - APRIL 26: The London Knights trio of Matthew Tkachuk #7, Olli Juolevi #4, and Mitchell Marner #93 celebrate their 3 star selections after defeating the Erie Otters in Game Three of the OHL Western Conference Final on April 26, 2016 at Budweiser Gardens in London, Ontario, Canada. The Knights defeated the Otters 5-1 to take a 3-0 series lead. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)
LONDON, ON - APRIL 26: The London Knights trio of Matthew Tkachuk #7, Olli Juolevi #4, and Mitchell Marner #93 celebrate their 3 star selections after defeating the Erie Otters in Game Three of the OHL Western Conference Final on April 26, 2016 at Budweiser Gardens in London, Ontario, Canada. The Knights defeated the Otters 5-1 to take a 3-0 series lead. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images) /
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BUFFALO, NY – JUNE 24: Olli Juolevi shakes the hand of NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman after being selected fifth overall by the Vancouver Canucks during round one of the 2016 NHL Draft at First Niagara Center on June 24, 2016 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Dave Sandford/NHLI via Getty Images)
BUFFALO, NY – JUNE 24: Olli Juolevi shakes the hand of NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman after being selected fifth overall by the Vancouver Canucks during round one of the 2016 NHL Draft at First Niagara Center on June 24, 2016 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Dave Sandford/NHLI via Getty Images) /

Benning takes heat

To this day, Vancouver Canucks GM Jim Benning continues to take heat for bringing young Olli Juolevi home from the draft. The tide is about to change for OJ, who’s preparing for a summer of hard work to earn a roster spot next season.

Ever since OJ’s draft, Benning has been haunted by the NHL-success stories of Tkachuk and Sergachyov, while Juolevi lay dormant in sickbay, whence media and fans began projecting futures lead by other young stars.

For his part, Tkachuk was actually a double-edged sword that hacked up Juolevi’s street cred. Not only was the NHL power forward drafted one spot after Juolevi, but also Tkachuk’s newfound NHL success was a huge loss for the Knights, who were unable to get past the second round of the OHL playoffs without him.

When Juolevi finally decided to take his pro game to North America, instead of enjoying similar NHL success, he suffered a couple of major injuries that kept him out of the NHL.

First, there was that spine surgery in June before his expected arrival in Vancouver, a microdiscectomy that killed his summer training program, and meant he’d start the 2018-19 season in Utica. It was a major blow to everyone’s expectations. The idea that OJ could get an injury call up soon enough offered a little comfort, at least.

Juolevi got back on the ice in Utica and rose to the challenge by leading all Comets defenceman with 0.72 ppg, a statement to put his doubters to rest.

Alas! The promising rearguard was hit with another major injury after only 18 games in the AHL, resulting in knee meniscus surgery, which would sideline the skater for an expected six months.  Unpredictable setbacks will happen in such a brutal sport, and often it’s neither on the athlete nor management; it’s simply the cost of doing business. Draft the best player, and hope it unfolds well.

That’s who Olli Juolevi was at the time of his draft. The best player available, with all the accolades to prove it. Two things are certain. Players can have dozens of injuries while still enjoying long NHL careers, and OJ is highly talented. His current injury status is not ideal, but he’s expected to make a full recovery, and great things should still abound.

Suppose after some adjustment period that Juolevi’s 0.72-ppg trend continues, then the Canucks could eventually have a 60-point, left-shot defender to anchor the second pairing behind left-shot, free-wheeling Quinn Hughes on the first. Or the speedy rover moves over. Imagine that, Canucks fans, a Juolevi-Hughes pairing. Wow.

Right shot, right side, you say? Bah! Tell that to left-shot Willie Mitchell, perhaps the best right-side defensive defenceman to ever play for the Canucks.

Next season we’ll all bear witness to whatever Benning saw in OJ. By the time Juolevi plays his first NHL game, it’ll have been one of the longest highly anticipated arrivals in Canucks history, if not the longest.

How quickly Juolevi rises will be largely up to coach Travis Green, who’s known to slow-play his young talent, as Quadrelli did well to highlight after the Canucks’ final home game this past season.

After being out for so long, it may take time to find his game, but we’re told Juolevi appears on track to get back to the ice next month.

In an April 8th Sportsnet 650 interview, agent Markus Lehto said he expects OJ could be back on the ice in June, and ready to rock by training camp in September. If that’s the case, then the young, left-shot defender should be a consideration for the Canucks’ opening night roster in October.

This is key because whoever Benning believes he has in OJ will play out in the draft this June, free agency in July, and the trade market going into August. If Juolevi’s a top-pairing guy, or even just top four, then Benning really doesn’t need another defenceman with that first pick, and especially not another lefty. The need becomes more clearly a top-line, left-shot power forward.

While Juolevi may not make the Canucks straight outta camp this October – considering the aforementioned styles of coach Green – the poised passer will surely play his way onto the Canucks roster one day soon.

Next. Vancouver Canucks: Brock Boeser is the most likeable Canuck. dark

Purchase the hype, fellow fans. Olli Juolevi is a golden steed to bet on.

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