The Canucks are wasting no time getting their training camp roster down to a manageable size. On Wednesday morning, that played in the first game of the pre-season, then before they could make a pre-season appearance.
The two most notable names in the group are Jordan Subban and Cole Cassels. While neither had a real shot at making the Canucks out of camp, it was somewhat surprising to see Subban heading to Utica after just one game and Cassels to get cut prior to playing even one.
Subban played nearly 21 minutes against the Sharks, including just over five minutes on the power play. He picked up one assist to go with his five shot attempts. Without being able to see the game, it’s hard to judge his performance in his one pre-season game, but he was hit-or-miss in the Young Stars tournament in Penticton. At times he was able to rush the puck up ice and create offensive chances, but at others his decision-making was questionable.
It’s important to keep in mind that Subban is still just 21 and is coming off a strong rookie season in the AHL. It’s more important for his development that he has a strong season with the Comets than that he gets an extra pre-season game with the Canucks. It’s just disappointing that the fans won’t get a chance to see him play.
Cassels, on the other hand, has to be happy just to be healthy heading into the season. While he didn’t dominate at the Young Stars tournament, he at least looked rejuvenated and ready to play. His rookie AHL season coming off a shortened off-season was a massive disappointment: there’s not much harm in cutting him now and getting him to Utica where he can prepare for a bounceback year.
The other cuts are a mix of fringe prospects, AHL depth, and invitees. Goaltender Rylan Parenteau, who didn’t appear in any games even in the Young Stars tournament, heads back to the WHL, while everyone else has been sent to Utica.
The cuts include forwards Darren Archibald, Derek Hulak, Yan-Pavel Laplante, Danny Moynihan, Marco Roy, Curtis Valk, Carter Bancks, and Wacey Hamilton; defencemen Ashton Sautner, Evan McEneny, John Negrin, and Mackenze Stewart; and goaltender Kevin Carr.
The only name that catches me off guard in this group is Marco Roy. The showcased his speed and skill at the Young Stars Tournament, picking up a couple points, but also demonstrated his versatility with strong forechecking and penalty killing. He seemed like an ideal candidate for a contract offer and, while he still may get an AHL deal with the Comets, I can’t help but be disappointed.
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