The Vancouver Canucks aren’t done tinkering with their roster yet.
The team sent Mark Friedman to Abbotsford today and now could lose him for nothing. All the other NHL teams will be able to place a claim on the defenceman if they wish.
The 28-year-old played 23 games last season and finished with one assist. He was +4 across those matchups. Head coach Rick Tocchet did not dress the blueliner for any playoff games.
General Manager Patrik Allvin announced today that D Mark Friedman has been placed on waivers for the purpose of assignment to Abbotsford (AHL).
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) October 8, 2024
The Canucks set their opening day roster yesterday but apparently weren’t satisfied as they made this surprise move today. Sending Friedman to Abbotsford would free up additional cap space which will continue to accrue on a daily basis as the Canucks are not using long-term injury reserve.
The blueliner was originally acquired almost exactly one year ago when the Canucks traded Jack Rathbone to the Pittsburgh Penguins in a four player deal.
The team still has seven defencemen on its NHL roster even without counting Friedman. The Canucks will start the season with all of their available blueliners as none are injured at the moment.
If Friedman clears waviers, he will report to Abbotsford in the AHL. The Canucks have been building a strong development team and the player will add to Abbotsford’s deep defence group. With names like Christian Wolanin, Erik Brannstrom, and others, the Canucks’ AHL team has a very strong defence group.
More to come…