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Top Draft Prospects: Olli Juolevi

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The NHL draft is now less than 24 hours away with the first round set for Friday night.  Our look at the top prospects continues with London defenceman Olli Juolevi.

Bio

Position: Defense
Birthdate: May 5, 1998
Hometown: Helsinki, Finland
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 182 lbs

2015-16

Juolevi completed his first year in North America this past season after the Knights selected him in the first round of the CHL Import Draft.  He made an immediate impact and it wasn’t long before he became their go-to player in all situations.  He wound up leading all London blueliners in points, finishing tied for 13th overall among all OHL defenders.

Like several top prospects in this class, Juolevi suited up at the World Juniors for his native Finland, tying for the tournament lead in points by a defenseman while playing as their #1 rearguard.  He was also named to the tournament All-Star team.

As a result of the Knights winning the OHL title, Juolevi also suited up in the Memorial Cup where his team took home the title.  Similar to the WJC’s, he also led all defensemen in scoring in that tournament as well while being named to that tournament All-Star  team.

Statistics

OHL: 57 GP, 9 goals, 33 assists, 42 points, 16 PIMS, +38 rating
WJC: 7 GP, 0 goals, 9 assists, 9 points, 4 PIMS, +6 rating
Memorial Cup: 4 GP, 0 goals, 7 assists, 7 points, 4 PIMS, +6 rating

Scouting Report

There’s a strong case to be made that Juolevi is the most well-rounded blueliner in the draft.  He’s not elite at any particular skill but there are next to no holes in his game either.

Offensively, he is a playmaker first and foremost.  He sees the ice extremely well and does a fine job at getting the puck to the right place at the right time.  His shot isn’t the most powerful but is effective due to its accuracy.  Juolevi is also a very strong skater and uses that to help kick start a rush or to skate himself out of trouble effectively.

On the defensive side of things, Juolevi made big strides compared to the beginning of the season but his decision making and positioning are areas that still need to improve.  He also isn’t the strongest of players which doesn’t help in his own zone.  He isn’t a big risk taker which helps mitigates some of his weaknesses but safe and smart decision making is something that’s always an asset to NHL GM’s.

Projected Future Role

If his defensive game improves as expected, Juolevi should be a top pairing defenseman down the road.

NHL Timeline

Some of the players in this draft are NHL ready or close to it but Juolevi isn’t one of those players.  He needs to bulk up and continue to hone his in-zone play.  He’s likely at least two years away from stepping in; three would seem most likely as not many blueliners step into an NHL lineup straight out of junior.

Previous Profiles

Auston Matthews
Patrik Laine
Jesse Puljujarvi
Matthew Tkachuk
Pierre-Luc Dubois
Mikhail Sergachev

Latest On Vanek, Wild

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The Minnesota Wild appear to be leaning towards buying out winger Thomas Vanek.  TSN’s Bob McKenzie reports that the probability of buying him out over the next couple of days is quite high although nothing has been formalized as of yet.

Vanek struggled in 2015-16, his second year with the Wild.  He had just 41 points in 74 games last year, equalling the lowest output of his career (he also had 41 points in 2012-13 but played just 38 games that year).  Vanek is owed $7.5MM in salary for 2016-17 with a cap hit of $6.5MM.

If he is bought out, the Wild would have to pay him $5MM over the next two years while carrying cap charges of $1.5MM next season and $2.5MM in 2017-18.  The Wild have just over $9MM in cap space according to Cap Friendly and have several restricted free agents to re-sign.

In other Wild news:

  • Michael Russo of the Star Tribute reports that GM Chuck Fletcher has been involved in contract talks with pending RFA’s Tyler Graovac and Jason Zucker. He adds that the team intends to sign a veteran goaltender with NHL experience to a two-way deal to start with their AHL affiliate in Iowa.
  • Also from McKenzie, the Wild are fielding offers for some of their young defensemen. He suggests a trade of one of their blueliners for a forward is a possibility but isn’t guaranteed.

Sabres, Ducks Discussing Cam Fowler

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The Anaheim Ducks and Buffalo Sabres are engaged in trade talks surrounding Cam Fowler, reports Mike Harrington of the Buffalo News.  Their GM’s are scheduled to meet on Friday to continue discussions.  ESPN/TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reports he could potentially move within the next 24-48 hours.

The 24 year old Fowler has spent his entire six year career with the Ducks after being their first round pick (12th overall) back in 2010.  Last season, he played in 69 games with Anaheim, scoring five goals while adding 23 assists.  His 28 points was a career low.

Buffalo GM Tim Murray has made it known that he is willing to move the 8th overall pick in Friday’s NHL Entry Draft for a top end, left shot defenseman (Fowler does shoot left handed).  However, TSN’s Bob McKenzie notes that the Sabres are not believed to be keen on giving up that pick in this trade.  He also adds that a number of other teams have shown an interest in Fowler.

Fowler has two years left on his contract with a cap hit of $4MM and will be an unrestricted free agent at its conclusion.  The Ducks already have over $21MM committed to their defensemen for next season according to Cap Friendly and still have pending restricted free agent Hampus Lindholm to re-sign.

The Latest On P.K. Subban

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The rumor mill has really picked up in recent days surrounding Canadiens defenseman P.K. Subban.  The 27 year old has six years remaining on his contract with a cap hit of $9MM per season.  Once July 1st hits, a full no-move clause kicks in which has brought this discussion to the forefront.

GM Marc Bergevin met the media late Thursday afternoon.  Here are some of the highlights from his scrum:

Bergevin noted that he has never shopped Subban but he “can’t prevent teams from calling” per TSN’s Frank Seravelli.  Also from Seravelli, Bergevin said that the conversations regarding Subban have been “pretty short”.  He also acknowledged that he is continuing to listen to offers regarding Subban, per Stu Cowan of the Montreal Gazette.  When asked point blank if it was realistic to think that Subban would be traded, his answer was a succinct “no” according to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman.

Here is some more buzz regarding Subban:

  • ESPN’s Pierre LeBrun confirms that the Canadiens have held talks with both the Oilers and Canucks but that there is still no indication that Bergevin actually has intentions of trading Subban or is just listening to see what’s out there.
  • Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos tweets that the asking price for Subban remains too high. He adds that the Canadiens are interested in moving up in the draft in order to secure Pierre-Luc Dubois.  We profiled Dubois earlier this week as part of our draft preview.
  • TSN’s Bob McKenzie believes that “Under the right circumstances, the Montreal Canadiens are prepared to trade P.K. Subban.” (Transcription via Chris Nichols of Today’s Slapshot.) He adds that the calls Bergevin has received are legitimate and past the tire-kicking stage.
  • Former NHL agent and GM Brian Lawton hears that the Oilers are very interested in Subban and are considering “a big ask that includes everyone not named (Connor) McDavid.”

Last season, Subban played in 68 games for Montreal, scoring six goals and 45 assists while averaging a career high 26:21 of ice time per night.  He finished 14th in Norris Trophy balloting for the NHL’s best defenseman.

Senators Sign Buddy Robinson To 1-Year Deal

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Sportsnet’s Chris Johnston tweeted that the Senators have signed Buddy Robinson to a 1-year, $750,000 contract.  Ottawa also confirmed the deal as a two-way contract.

Robinson played three games at the NHL level last season, notching a goal and an assist. While playing 62 games for AHL affiliate Binghamton, Robinson had 23 points (13-10).

In other Senators news, Johnston reports that the team will be making decisions on RW Alex Chiasson, and D Patrick Wiercioch. Both are restricted free agents and have been the subject of trade talks.

Blue Jackets Re-Sign William Karlsson

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Per Rob Mixer, the Blue Jackets have re-signed center William Karlsson to a 2-year, deal. The cap hit will be $1MM per season according to Cap Friendly.

Karlsson played in 81 games for Columbus during the 2015-16 season, his first full season after joining the team in 2014-15 upon being traded by Anaheim. He had 20 points (9-11) and was a -9.  His offensive numbers represented career highs across the board.

Karlsson was originally a second round pick (53rd overall) of the Ducks back in 2011.  He will likely battle for a spot on in the Jackets’ bottom six forward group once again for 2016-17.

Panthers Trade Grimaldi To Avs For Berra

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According to the Florida Panthers website, the team traded forward Rocco Grimaldi to the Colorado Avalanche for goalie Reto Berra.

Sun Sentinel hockey writer Harvey Fialkov reported that the move was made for positional depth. Berra is expected to backup starter Roberto Luongo as former backup Al Montoya is headed to free agency. Berra posted a 5-8-0 record and had a .922 save percentage.

Fialkov also wrote that Grimaldi ran out of opportunities with the Panthers. A 2011 second round pick, Grimaldi saw time during the Panthers’ first round playoff series against the Islanders. During the regular season, Grimaldi had 5 points (2-3) in 20 games with the Panthers.

Snapshots: Blackhawks, Avalanche, Canucks

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Chicago Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman shrugged at Evgeni Malkin rumors reports Chris Kuc of the Chicago Tribune. Bowman touched on a number of subject while speaking to the media on a conference call. Bowman confirmed that while he has been in talks with Andrew Shaw’s agent, no progress has been made. A source revealed to the Tribune yesterday that both Shaw and possibly Marcus Kruger could be moved if need be. Regarding the Malkin rumors, Bowman indicated he wouldn’t comment on individual player rumors. The noise regarding Shaw and Kruger’s availability only intensified the speculation that Chicago was truly investigating a trade for Malkin. Speculation, Bowman insists, is just that and that discussions will be ongoing during a time where general managers are working in close quarters.

Other news around the NHL:

  • The Denver Post provides insight as to what to expect when the Avalanche select at 10th overall during tomorrow’s draft. Possibilities at forward include Alexander Nylander, Michael McLeod, Tyson Jost Clayton Keller, Max Jones, or Logan Brown. On defense, the Post lists Olli Juolevi,   Mikhail Sergachev, and Jakob Chychrun as possibilities. Director of Amateur Scouting Alan Hepple was quoted as saying that they don’t believe any goalies are worthy of a Top 10 pick.
  • Ed Willes of The Province writes that Milan Lucic has to be at the top of Vancouver’s wish list. Yesterday, Lucic and the Kings broke off negotiations, enabling Lucic to hit the open market. While the winger is expected to have a number of teams after him, the former Vancouver Giant indicated that he was keeping his options open once July 1 hits.

Atlantic Notes: Maple Leafs, Murray, DeKeyser

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National Post writer Steve Simmons spoke with Maple Leafs general manager Lou Lamoriello about the slew of choices facing the Maple Leafs. Simmons expects the Leafs, along with everyone else in the hockey world, to select Arizona native Auston Matthews with the first overall pick. Simmons compares Matthews to former Leafs icon Mats Sundin. Lamoriello also told Simmons that the acquisition of goalie Frederik Andersen from Anaheim secures the Leafs’ goaltending for at least the next five years. After that, the decisions are murky. Simmons writes that the $25MM in contractual obligations to players who may never wear the jersey is just one of several problems Lamoriello must solve.

Other news around the Atlantic Division:

  • As Buffalo prepares to host the NHL Draft tomorrow evening, Sabres general manager Tim Murray ponders what moves he has to make next. Buffalo News reporter Mike Harrington writes that Murray has “reeled in” a number of big names to construct a powerful young core, but that his work is far from over. Harrington reports that Murray may be targeting Anaheim defenseman Cam Fowler, and that the Sabres might be willing to part with their eighth overall pick in the draft to do so. Additionally, Harrington lists St. Louis Blues d-man Kevin Shattenkirk and even New York Rangers forward Rick Nash as potential targets.
  • Detroit Red Wings restricted free agent Danny DeKeyser told MLive’s Brendan Savage that he doesn’t anticipate any issues signing a new deal with Detroit. Speaking to Savage after throwing out the first pitch at the Detroit Tigers game, DeKeyser indicated that while negotiations have yet to get serious, the 26-year-old defenseman expects to be suiting up for the Winged Wheel once training camp begins. DeKeyser is one of four restricted free agents that the Wings have yet to lock up.

Snapshots: Malkin, Vesey, Columbus, Trade Talk

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Surgery will not be necessary for Penguins forward Evgeni Malkin writes the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Seth Rorabaugh. An MRI revealed that an unspecified injury on March 11 would not require surgery to Malkin’s elbow. Malkin, who has been the subject of trade rumors, played through the injury since March and only missed one postseason game as a result.

In other NHL news:

  • CSN New England’s Joe Haggerty reports that despite having his rights traded to Buffalo, Hobey Baker Trophy winner Jimmy Vesey shouldn’t be counted out of signing with Boston. The Massachusetts native was drafted in the third round by Nashville in 2012, but never signed with the Preds. His rights were traded to Buffalo this past week, and although he had Buffalo on his shortlist, many analysts are convinced Vesey will reach free agency on August 15. Haggerty stressed that the Vesey camp has been difficult to predict so anything is possible. But reading between the lines, and listening to his agent, it sounds as if Vesey will take a thanks, but no thanks approach to Buffalo’s overtures.
  • Columbus might be looking to move up in the draft writes Craig Hagerman.  The Blue Jackets currently own the #3 overall pick in the 2016 NHL Draft, but are interested in jumping to one of the top 2 spots according to Columbus Dispatch writer Aaron Portzline. Portzline points out that the asking price would still be significant should the Jackets climb in the draft, but it wouldn’t be as insane as last year’s attempts when Connor McDavid was the expected (and eventual) #1 pick.
  • Pioneer Press writer Chad Graff indicates that with the expansion draft now a reality, trade talk will ramp up during the draft. Due to limitations of the players that can be protected, Graff writes that GMs are trying to offload players they could lose for nothing. Additionally, Graff quotes Minnesota general manager Chuck Fletcher as saying the Las Vegas team will be more competitive out of the gate than any previous expansion team due to the league’s new financial structure.

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