The Vancouver Canucks are giving defenceman Olli Juolevi another year to gain experience at the junior level.

The Canucks returned their top pick from the 2016 Draft (fifth overall) to the OHL's London Knights on Wednesday.

Vancouver also sent Dmitry Zhukenov to Chicoutimi (QMJHL) as assigned wingers Joseph LaBate and Borna Rendulic to AHL Utica.

Forward James Sheppard was released from his professional tryout.

Juolevi, 18, appeared in 57 games for the Knights last season and scored nine goals and 33 assists. He added 14 points in 18 OHL playoff games and was part of London's Memorial Cup championship team.

Juolevi also had nine assists in seven games for Finland at the World Junior Championship.