Former Vancouver Canucks First-Round Pick Forced to Sign Overseas After Lack of NHL Interest
Photo credit: The Athletic.
A former Vancouver Canucks first round pick has signed a new contract to remain overseas in Europe for the 2025-26 season, after the lack of calls from the NHL.
Throughout this summer, we've seen a handful of former Vancouver Canucks sign new deal to stay in Europe for next season and beyond, among them being Jake Virtanen, who signed a one-year contract in Slovakia, while Linden Vey inked a two-year contract in the ICE Hockey League in Austria.
Over the coming weeks as more players continue to search for their next home for the 2025-26 season, we could see another ex-Canuck or two put pen-to-paper on a new deal and back at the end of July, one of the team's former first round picks was finally able to land a contract.
Former Vancouver Canucks first round pick signs new contract for 2025-26 season
Four months after announcing that he would not be returning to the club, Tappara of Finland's top division, Liiga, shared that they've agreed to terms on a one-year contract with former Vancouver Canucks defenseman Olli Juolevi.
Note: the quotes in this story are translated from Finnish
"The season that is starting for Juolevi will be his third in the Tappara shirt.
Olli Juolevi will strengthen Tappara's defense also next season. The 27-year-old defender has a one-year contract." the club said.
Olli Juolevi will strengthen Tappara's defense also next season. The 27-year-old defender has a one-year contract." the club said.
Juolevi, a native of Helsinki, Finland, joined Tappara in November 2023 after spending just one month with Timra IK of the Swedish Hockey League.
During his time with Tappara so far, Juolevi has appeared in 58 games where he's registered ten points (four goals, six assists), six penalty minutes and is a plus-six, while adding eight points in 25 postseason contests.
" I am continuing in Tappara with very good feelings. This is a familiar place and a good place to play. I have also had a great time in Tampere, so I am looking forward to the season that is about to begin." Juolevi said.
Tappara's Sports Manager Janne Lahti added, "Juolevi has shown that he is one of the top defenders in the league when he is in full form, and we are very happy that he will continue with us next season. He brings continuity to the dressing room and is a versatile player, suitable for several different roles."
Tappara's Sports Manager Janne Lahti added, "Juolevi has shown that he is one of the top defenders in the league when he is in full form, and we are very happy that he will continue with us next season. He brings continuity to the dressing room and is a versatile player, suitable for several different roles."
It's been a busy summer for Juolevi so far, which included getting married to his long-time partner Emma Niemi and hopefully, the former Canuck is able to find some success on the ice this coming season after a rough go with injuries last year.
| POLL | ||
AOUT 9 | 1577 ANSWERS Former Vancouver Canucks First-Round Pick Forced to Sign Overseas After Lack of NHL Interest Do you think Olli Juolevi will ever return to play in North America? | ||
| Yes | 152 | 9.6 % |
| No | 1425 | 90.4 % |
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