The Vancouver Canucks don't plan to rush 2016 first-round pick Olli Juolevi.
President of hockey operations Trevor Linden joined TSN 1040 on Tuesday and admitted that while he likes what he sees from the young defenseman, he might not join the big club next season.
"His ability to process the game and make the right play is impressive," Linden said, according to Ben Kuzma of TSN 1040. "Our plan for him is London."
While Juolevi might have to endure another season of junior, Linden says he expects to sign the 18-year-old to an entry-level contract in the coming weeks.
Juolevi amassed nine goals and 42 points in 57 regular season games, to go along with 14 playoff points in 18 postseason games during his first taste of North American Hockey with the London Knights last year. He also added seven points in four games en route to the Knights' Memorial Cup win.
Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.