The Vancouver Canucks make more roster cuts at camp
After collecting their first win of the preseason, the Vancouver Canucks trimmed more from the training camp roster. You may be surprised by the number of prospects assigned to Utica and the OHL.
It’s been an exciting week for the Vancouver Canucks. Elias Pettersson has shown the fanbase a first-hand showcase of his tremendous skill. Last night’s game against the split-squad LA Kings gave glimpses of how fun the first unit power play will be this season.
However, it’s not all fun and games when Travis Green, Jim Benning and the rest of the Canucks organization need to make roster decisions. The first round of cuts was nothing too special, unless you were upset that Utica veterans stuck around longer than prospect Michael Carcone.
Vancouver had two sets of cuts; one yesterday and one this morning, but I feel it’s worth it to combine the two together. Let’s not waste anymore time and get to it.
Michael DiPietro is going back to Windsor
It really isn’t surprising here. Michael DiPietro was a long shot to make the Canucks roster as a 19-year-old and being to young for the AHL means he will return to the Windsor Spitfires. The net is fairly crowded with players under contract and the lack of pro experience was likely working against the kid from Amherstburg.
The good news is that DiPietro is still in good spirits as he was notified about the decision. He has a good attitude about this and I can’t wait to see what kind of steps he takes this season. Windsor is rebuilding, so this may be the year they move him to a contender for a Memorial Cup run.
In addition to DiPietro, three more players were assigned to the Utica Comets yesterday. That included Comets captain, Carter Bancks, and defencemen Jesse Graham and Jagger Dirk. Nothing too surprising, just starting to bolster numbers for Utica’s camp.
A few familiar prospects who didn’t make the cut
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Alright, let’s get to the good stuff. But first, I’ll quickly run through the non-prospects being sent to Utica. Goaltender Richard Bachman and forward Tanner Kero will join the Comets. Kero was brought in with the Michael Chaput trade, so he’ll provide the same veteran insulation on the farm. Bachman has been a stable third string goalie for the organization, but it appears the Canucks want a longer look at Thatcher Demko. Ivan Kulbakov was released from his tryout and will attend Utica’s camp.
Jim Benning’s favourite defenceman, Guillaume Brisebois, will head to Utica. From what I saw, he wasn’t bad. He may become a top six defenceman in the NHL. But for now, he’s likely comfortable enough to not need as much supervision in the AHL.
Lukas Jasek and Zack MacEwen were also assigned to the Comets. I though MacEwen had a solid camp, but didn’t really stand out above the rest. Same goes for Jasek, although I felt improvements on his defensive position is needed.
Now, the biggest names cut this morning. In addition to DiPietro, two members from the 2017 draft class were cut from the training camp roster as well. Kole Lind and Jonah Gadjovich are both heading to the Utica Comets camp. It makes sense because neither player looked close to being ready. Lind looked overwhelmed, just like he did during his AHL stint at the end of last season. Gadjovich really needs to improve his skating. That could make or break his pro career.
I don’t want to be mean to Kole Lind, but the player taken right after him, giant defenceman Nicolas Hague, has four points in three preseason games. He may make the Golden Knights this year if you care about that sort of thing. I think Lind will be fine, but it appears he needs more time to adjust to a much faster pro game. Trent Cull is a good developing coach, so he is in good hands.
The regular season is coming up fast. There are 37 players left on the roster and we have injuries to Loui Eriksson, Antoine Roussel and Evan McEneny. There are 14 cuts remaining and it’s safe to assume that McEneny is one of them.
dark. Next. Loui Eriksson can't catch a break
Like last year, he will be sent to Utica when healthy. What’s interesting are the injuries to Eriksson and Roussel. If they both don’t start the season, that’s two open spots for the bubble forwards on the team. This is a perfect opportunity to prove that they need to stay by the time the injured return. Maybe someone will force the Canucks to make a tough decision. I still don’t believe the team will deal/waive a veteran with a notable contract, but we shall see.