For NHL players, a professional tryout offer is the final chance to secure a roster spot for the upcoming season. For Olli Juolevi, not only could this be his last chance at earning an NHL deal, but it could be his final chance to prove his merit and continue professional hockey in North America. Juolevi has now signed a professional tryout contract with one of the most barren organizations in hockey, the Arizona Coyotes.
Juolevi was a highly projected defender prospect selected 5th overall by the Vancouver Canucks in the 2016 NHL draft. While selecting Juolevi, the Canucks passed on both Matthew Tkachuk and Clayton Keller, who fell to 6th and 7th overall respectively.
Juolevi only appeared in 23 games with the Canucks, scoring just 1 goal and registering 2 assists. Since leaving Vancouver, Juolevi has spent time with the Panthers, Ducks and Red Wings organizations, never carving out a significant role and earning consistent playing time.
If Juolevi is unable to make the Coyotes defence core, one of the worst in the NHL, it will likely become a quiet goodnight to his career in North America.
