Adam Gaudette won’t be expected to produce like the player he’s replacing, but it’s good to see the rookie back up from the AHL, if only for a stint.

It wasn’t long ago that it was thought the Canucks were going to have to make a tough decision with the roster in the wake of Brandon Sutter’s return. They were finally all healthy, and would have to send a veteran to waivers.

But the injury bug struck once again, as it tends to do to Vancouver’s hockey team.

First it was Josh Leivo, and then Elias Pettersson. With the latter being recently placed on IR with an MCL sprain (which will reportedly keep him on the shelf for 1-2 weeks), Gaudette will make his return to the Canucks.

It’s unclear whether Gaudette’s will bump someone out of the lineup on Thursday against the Arizona Coyotes, but it sure would be nice to see the rookie get another chance over, say Markus Granlund or Tim Schaller. After all, Granlund is more suited on the wing anyway.

And while Gaudette didn’t exactly light the lamp while he was with the Canucks, he did look the part of an effective forward.

He’s been a force with the Utica Comets of the AHL, scoring seven points in seven games on the season and three in three games since being sent down on December 29.

He probably won’t be back with the Canucks for too long, but it’s good to see the rookie get another chance with the club. It’s clear he’s ready for the NHL, even if there isn’t room for him there right now.

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