Canucks re-sign Olli Juolevi to a one-year contract

On Monday afternoon, the Vancouver Canucks announced that the club has re-signed defenceman Olli Juolevi to a one-year contract worth $750,000.

“Last season was an important step in Olli’s development as an everyday NHL defenceman,” said general manager Jim Benning. “We’re glad to have him signed and look forward to his game progressing further next season.”

Thomas Drance of The Athletic confirmed that it was a one-way contract for Juolevi.

After spending a couple of seasons in the AHL with the Utica Comets, the fifth overall pick in the 2016 NHL Entry draft finally made NHL debut in game 4 of the qualifying round against the Minnesota Wild. That was the series-clinching game as the Canucks beat the Wild 5-4 in overtime.

Last season, the 23-year-old played in 23 games and scored two goals, which were both against the Ottawa Senators, and tallied one assist. Juolevi also managed 30 blocked shots, 23 hits and had an average ice time of 13:13.

Juolevi has had a rough time since being drafted in 2016. He has dealt with numerous injuries in his path to the NHL which included a knee injury that required surgery.

The selection of Juolevi faced criticism by Canucks fans since Matthew Tkachuk was drafted one spot later and numerous defencemen selected after him including Mikhail Sergachev, Charlie McAvoy and Jakob Chychrun have made more of an impact in the NHL.

Juolevi did take some steps in his first NHL season and proved he is capable of playing at the NHL level as a bottom pairing defenceman. He looked fine but there is still room for improvement as his ability to defend on the rush and pivoting are areas he needs to work on.

Juolevi will also have to fight for a spot in training camp as Jack Rathbone seems to be the favourite for the left side of the third pairing so far.

Re-signing Juolevi to a cheap one-year deal is the right move and it gives him a chance to impress and improve his game next season.