Canucks’ Juolevi undergoes successful knee surgery; out for season

Olli Juolevi, the Canucks' fifth-overall pick in 2016. (Darryl Dyck/CP)

The Vancouver Canucks announced Tuesday that defenceman Olli Juolevi has undergone successful knee surgery and is expected to be ready for training camp in September.

Juolevi, 20, had spent his season with the Utica Comets, the Canucks’ AHL affiliate, and hadn’t played since Nov. 17.

It was originally expected that the 2016 fifth-overall pick would only miss a couple of weeks. He was even skating with Utica as recently as Dec. 11.

However, the Canucks had Juolevi’s long-term interest in mind.

“After thorough evaluation, rest and conservative treatment, surgery was determined by Canucks medical staff, in consultation with specialists, as the best option for Juolevi’s long-term health and career,” the Canucks wrote in a release.

In 18 games with the Comets this season, the former London Knight scored one goal and added 12 assists in his first pro season.

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