How many setbacks in their development can one young player have?
Ever since the day the Vancouver Canucks drafted Olli Juolevi fifth overall at the 2016 NHL Entry Draft — passing on his London Knights’ teammate Matthew Tkachuk, who found almost immediate success in the NHL as a member of the Calgary Flames — fans have been skeptical of Juolevi’s ability to one day become a full time NHL defenceman.
He’s had numerous injuries that have hindered his development; most notably last year when he was off to a good start with the Utica Comets before being sidelined for the rest of the season by a knee injury after just 18 games played.