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New Jersey Devils: 5 Defensive Prospect To Target In Trades

By Nick Villano

VICTORIA , BC - DECEMBER 27: Philip Broberg #25 of Sweden versus Slovakia at the IIHF World Junior Championships at the Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre on December 27, 2018 in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. (Photo by Kevin Light/Getty Images)"n"n"n"n
VICTORIA , BC - DECEMBER 27: Philip Broberg #25 of Sweden versus Slovakia at the IIHF World Junior Championships at the Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre on December 27, 2018 in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. (Photo by Kevin Light/Getty Images)"n"n"n"n /
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Olli Juolevi #48 of the Vancouver Canucks. (Photo by Jeff Vinnick/Getty Images)
Olli Juolevi #48 of the Vancouver Canucks. (Photo by Jeff Vinnick/Getty Images) /

Olli Juolevi – Vancouver Canucks

What do the Vancouver Canucks think of their once prized prospect? Olli Juolevi was going to be the future on defense for the Canucks. Now, that’s firmly in the grasp of Quinn Hughes, and rightfully so. Hughes was so good this season, that we’re just happy his genes are on the Devils with Jack. Where does that leave Juolevi, who the Canucks used a fifth-overall pick on back in 2016?

The past two seasons, he played the entire time in the AHL and never warranted an NHL call up. He’s 22 years old, so he’s around the age you start to see what the team has in a defenseman. Obviously, this position develops slower than a forward would, but a fifth-overall pick is expected to be a regular NHLer at least two years later. The Canucks are four years into this and he’s not even a guarantee to make next year’s roster.

Earlier this month, Canucks GM Jim Benning said he expects Juolevi to be a regular NHL player in 2020-21. It seems like that’s the logical next step in his progression, but it’s still possible the Canucks could use him to upgrade other positions. Juolevi might be one of those prospects that do well with a change of scenery. This one might take until the preseason to make happen when the Canucks get one more look at him.

The Devils would be smart to take a chance on Juolevi. It might help the Canucks make future decisions. Juolevi would be another young piece on defense the Devils need.

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