As the Vancouver Canucks continue to trim down their roster and await their final pre-season game, the question of who will secure the Canucks final two forward spots remains unanswered.
With the final tune up game against Edmonton set for tomorrow night, the Canucks have a decision to make between Nils Aman, Arshdeep Bains, and Aatu Räty.
The latter two players have a combined 23 games under their belt, and are a surprise to still be considered for a roster spot this late into camp.
Having already bested veteran Phil Di Giuseppe, the two youngsters now have to beat out Nils Aman, a player who has remained with the Canucks for most of the past two seasons.
On the Canucks Conversation podcast, host David Quadrelli says in his mind Aatu Räty has already done that.
Of the three players, only Aman requires waivers to be sent to the minors – which may make the decision for the Canucks’ front office easier.
However having already waived PDG, the team is clearly comfortable waiving depth players they aren’t eager to lose.
With the two final forwards on the roster likely to see some time in the press box, the Canucks may also simply prefer to keep a player like Aman around as they see less potential upside and reason to play him every day.
There will be at least one forward spot available on opening night and until Dakota Joshua recovers from the removal of a cancerous tumour, and whoever earns it will be looking to hold onto it for the long haul.
As heard on Canucks Conversation: Oct 2: 2024-25 Season Predictions – Canucks Conversation – (ep.675
