Vancouver Canucks send Adam Gaudette down to AHL

by Nathan Caddell on December 29th, 2018 at 1:45 PM

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Eventually, the line had to be drawn.

The question was how many forwards the Vancouver Canucks were willing to risk losing to waivers in order to keep Adam Gaudette, and we now have the answer. (Two, Sam Gagner and Brendan Leipsic.)

Although many fans would rather Markus Granlund or Tim Schaller be relegated to Utica in order to make room for Sven Baertschi’s return from a concussion, that probably wasn’t going to happen. (Though another move will have to be made to clear room for Brandon Sutter’s imminent return.)

Coach Travis Green values Granlund too much as a utility forward who can play anywhere in the lineup, and sending down Schaller after signing him months ago to a two-year contract would be a bad look.

So it’s Gaudette—who has played quite well in limited ice time—getting the boot to Utica, mostly because he doesn’t have to clear waivers in order to be sent down.

Gaudette was an interesting player to watch, as he always seemed to be on the right side of the play and usually dealt with underwhelming linemates. He had decent (but not great) underlying numbers with the big club, but couldn’t generate much in the way of offence, scoring only six points in 31 games.

On the bright side, it will be good for his development to play in Utica’s top-six with some talented youngsters. His game is coming along, that much is clear, and the Canucks’ decision to send to veterans to waivers in order to keep him shows that they already value what he brings to the table.

Hopefully it won’t be too long before Canucks fans get to see Gaudette again; with the way the club seems to constantly be plagued by injuries, there’s decent odds he’ll be back again soon.

Now, what will the Canucks do when Sutter is ready to play? It’s an interesting question and the decision would certainly seem to centre on Granlund and Schaller. The former would likely be claimed off waivers, as he still has value for his two-way play. It’s hard to tell with the latter, but that would be management admitting failure, so it’s not something they’ll be keen to do.

Early line rushes in Calgary prior to tonight’s game suggest Baertschi will be inserted where Gaudette was playing, on the left wing with Granlund and Josh Leivo.