Canucks sign 5th overall pick Olli Juolevi to entry-level contract

The Vancouver Canucks have signed this year's fifth overall pick, Olli Juolevi, to a three-year, entry-level contract, the club announced Friday.

"Olli is a talented all-around defenceman with high hockey sense who will be a big part of our organization’s future," Canucks general manager Jim Benning said. "He’s had an outstanding year, winning the Memorial Cup and World Junior gold. We look forward to seeing him continue his development and compete at the NHL level during training camp in September."

Although he's officially locked up, Vancouver previously stated they plan to keep him in the OHL with the London Knights next season.

Juolevi was the first defenseman plucked off the board at the draft, after a campaign in which he registered 42 points in 57 games.