Introduction

The Vancouver Canucks have officially submitted their 23-man active roster to the NHL, signaling their readiness for the upcoming season. The announcement came amidst strategic roster moves, including placing a couple of players on Injured Reserve (IR), while also utilizing a recent trade to avoid financial complications.

Roster Moves

In a surprising turn, the Canucks dealt defenseman Tucker Poolman to the Colorado Avalanche. This move cleared approximately $500,000 of his cap hit, allowing the team to build their roster without relying on long-term injured reserve (LTIR) exemptions. As a result, only one final cut was necessary, making the decision even more impactful.

Last Player Cut

The last player to be cut was promising forward Arshdeep Bains, who impressed during the preseason. Bains demonstrated his skills significantly in the last preseason matchup against the Edmonton Oilers, contributing a goal and an assist while showcasing his tenacity on the ice. Despite his standout performances, Bains’s position on the left wing and the Canucks' depth in that area ultimately led to his demotion to the Abbotsford Canucks in the AHL.

Reasoning Behind the Cut

The decision to cut Bains was not merely a reflection of his abilities but rather a product of the team's roster dynamics. Notably, Bains was one of the few players in the mix who was exempt from waivers. The Canucks had to be wary of positional eligibility; center Aatu Räty, who is not only waiver-eligible but also showcased versatility, made him a more strategic fit for the active roster.

Coach's Insights

Head Coach Rick Tocchet pointed out the importance of positional depth in their decisions and praised Räty for his faceoff skills and overall performance throughout preseason play. "I think [Räty] is a guy that we're looking for: that centre that's got a stiffness to him and can win draws," Tocchet remarked, indicating Räty’s value to the lineup.

Looking Ahead for Bains

While Bains's exit from the roster is disappointing for the player and fans alike, it is not the end of his journey with the Canucks. Tocchet mentioned that Bains is still highly regarded within the organization, noting, "He's a guy that we've really got our eye on." Improvement in game management will be crucial for Bains if he aims to secure his place in the NHL.

Roster Summary

With the opening day of the season now confirmed, Bains can keep his hopes alive for a swift return to the Canucks should injuries occur within the forward group. As the team prepares for their season opener against the Calgary Flames, they still have room for roster alterations, potentially paving the way for Bains' return in the upcoming days.

Canucks Opening-Day Roster

The finalized roster consists of 13 forwards, eight defencemen, and two goaltenders, with one forward and one goaltender placed on IR. The team begins the season with $479,166 in cap space, allowing them to maneuver as needed.

Final Roster Breakdown

*Forwards:* - Danton Heinen - J.T. Miller - Brock Boeser - Jake DeBrusk - Elias Pettersson - Daniel Sprong - Nils Höglander - Aatu Räty - Conor Garland - Pius Suter - Teddy Blueger - Kiefer Sherwood - Nils Åman

*Injured Reserve:* - Dakota Joshua

*Defencemen:* - Quinn Hughes - Filip Hronek - Carson Soucy - Vincent Desharnais - Derek Forbort - Tyler Myers - Mark Friedman - Noah Juulsen

*Goaltenders:* - Arturs Silovs - Kevin Lankinen

As fans eagerly await the puck drop, all eyes will be on whether Bains can soon earn a well-deserved call-up to the big league. Stay tuned for more updates as the season unfolds!