Canucks prospect Juolevi to undergo back surgery

Vancouver Canucks prospect Olli Juolevi will undergo a microdiscectomy procedure for a disc in his lower back, the team announced Monday.

The defenseman began experiencing discomfort during offseason training, and surgery was determined to be the best course of action after he consulted with the team's medical staff.

An update on his recovery time will be provided after the surgery.

Though he's still only 20 years old, Juolevi has failed to live up to the hype of a fifth overall pick so far. He's the only player chosen in the top 11 of the 2016 draft that has yet to appear in the NHL.

After a two-year OHL career with the London Knights, Juolevi spent this past season in Finland's top professional league, picking up 19 points in 38 games. If he's healthy by training camp, he should be in line to compete for a spot on Vancouver's blue line next season.

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