Will Juolevi crack the Canucks roster this year?

[Torontos #2 Fan]

Just curious what everyone's thoughts are on this kid making the lineup? Thanks

[Eskimo Brother]

With the logjam of defenders they have right now, I think it's at least another year before we see him full time.

[lucafen4]

I can't see it... after Virtanen & McCann experiments failed - give him at least a year in the AHL. This is not the team you want to bring your stud Dman into. it's going to be a rough one.

protect and nurture him.

[GoNucks]

No way he makes it, they don't have the need nor would it be good for his development.

Edler - Stetcher
Del Zotto - Tanev
Hutton - Gudbranson

Wiercoch, Pedan, Biega 7-9 depth guys.

[lucafen4]

No way he makes it, they don't have the need nor would it be good for his development.

Edler - Stetcher
Del Zotto - Tanev
Hutton - Gudbranson

Wiercoch, Pedan, Biega 7-9 depth guys.

Oh they have the need... there's no doubt about that. They just don't NEED him this year. Too many one way contracts. There's no need to rush him, but there's definitely need for his skill set in that line up.

[GoNucks]

Sorryto clarify I meant no need to rush him in, not due to talent on current roster

[lucafen4]

Sorryto clarify I meant no need to rush him in, not due to talent on current roster

talent? what talent?

[rataylor22]

I doubt it, his junior season wasn't great.

[als_revenge]

I saw him play a few times last year, and to be honest, he was not that impressive. Granted it's a small sample. But I just don't see him as NHL ready based on what I saw...

[Torontos #2 Fan]

Great feedback guys. Thanks.

[Jouko-Pouko]

Rumor in Finland is that he's going to play in the Finnish top league next season if (when) he doesn't make the Canucks.

[randomscrub23]

Rumor in Finland is that he's going to play in the Finnish top league next season if (when) he doesn't make the Canucks.

I've read this as well and it would probably be good for him. I believe he's not actually eligible for the AHL, so the Canucks will likely try to loan him to a Finnish league team so he can play against men, instead of in junior.

But no, I don't see him on the roster until 2018-19.

[Jouko-Pouko]

I've read this as well and it would probably be good for him. I believe he's not actually eligible for the AHL, so the Canucks will likely try to loan him to a Finnish league team so he can play against men, instead of in junior.

But no, I don't see him on the roster until 2018-19.

That's correct, not eligible for the AHL yet. He's actually pushing 200 lbs these days, so his body is getting ready to play against men. He might be ready to play in the NHL but the Canucks may be better off waiting another year.

[Cypher11]

And let's be honest: VAN has no reason to rush him. They're a contender for the Dahlin/Svechnikov sweepstakes next year and whether or not they admit it, they're in rebuild mode.

Their D is figured out for next season, regardless of how good or bad it will be. Factor in how Juolevi can't go to the AHL, and it's pretty much a sure thing that Juolevi spends a well deserved and beneficial year in Finland playing against men.

[Polecon]

And let's be honest: VAN has no reason to rush him. They're a contender for the Dahlin/Svechnikov sweepstakes next year and whether or not they admit it, they're in rebuild mode.

Their D is figured out for next season, regardless of how good or bad it will be. Factor in how Juolevi can't go to the AHL, and it's pretty much a sure thing that Juolevi spends a well deserved and beneficial year in Finland playing against men.

All of the above is perfectly logical and I agree that OJ has no business playing for the Canucks this year, but does Benning realize that? Very open question!