The Vancouver Canucks announced on Wednesday that two players have been cut from the preseason roster.
General Manager Jim Benning announced today that the Canucks have reduced their pre-season roster by two players.
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) October 6, 2021
DETAILS | https://t.co/TagT5kokZ0 pic.twitter.com/zaeNVKrF0C
The first of those players cut was Jonah Gadjovich. It was first reported by Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman that he would be placed on waivers.
Gadjovich was drafted in by the Canucks in 2017 in the second round. (55th overall.) He was the second selection in the second round by Vancouver that year as Kole Lind went 33rd overall.
Lind was taken by the Seattle Kraken in the expansion draft in July and coincidentally was also put on waivers on Wednesday
Gadjovich led the Utica Comets in goals last season with 15 and was third in points with 18. He made his NHL debut late in the season in a game against the Calgary Flames where he racked up 17 penalty minutes and fought Connor Mackey.
The winger impressed at training camp and has scored one goal and managed an assist this preseason and has shown off his size and strength to battle his way around opponents. He looked faster on the ice and that was due to the fact he lost ten pounds over the summer.
Gadjovich was one of several players battling for a spot on the fourth line but now that looks like the spot is going to someone else. It is likely because he doesn’t kill penalties.
If Gadjovich doesn’t get claimed, he will be on the roster for the Abbotsford Canucks. He will definitely be back with the big club at some point this season.
The other player that got cut was Danila Klimovich.
The Canucks second-round pick in 2021 (41st overall) signed an entry-level deal with the club in July. The plan was to have him play with Rouyn-Noranda Huskies of the QMJHL or in Abbotsford. It was announced that he will be loaned to Abbotsford.
Klimovich played the first two preseason games where he looked good. According to Rick Dhaliwal of Donnie and Dhali, he was dealing with a groin injury over the last week.
Canucks send Klimovich to Abbotsford.
— Rick Dhaliwal (@DhaliwalSports) October 6, 2021
Canucks were very impressed with Klimovich and they think he is close.
If he goes to Junior, he can not play in the AHL for 2 years.
A groin injury slowed him down a big in last week.
The QMJHL was an intriguing option for the Belarusian as there was the opportunity for him to put up big numbers against players in his age group.
However, it looks like the Canucks think he is close to the NHL level.
In Abbotsford, it will be interesting to see what kind of ice time Klimovich gets and it’s a great opportunity for him to work on his defensive game and showcase his offensive game. Klimovich has some skill and he could attract a lot of fans to the Abbotsford Centre.