The Vancouver Canucks placed defenseman on waivers on Tuesday. If he clears waivers, he is expected to be reassigned to the AHL’s Abbotsford team. Even if Friedman had remained on the Canucks’ roster, his role would likely have been limited. He would have served as the team’s seventh or eighth defenseman, primarily as a healthy scratch, meaning he wouldn’t have played in most games unless an injury or other circumstances required his presence.
Friedman’s potential for playing time in the NHL this season depends largely on injuries or other unforeseen situations that could open up a spot in Vancouver’s lineup. He is seen as a top candidate for a call-up if any of the team’s main defensemen are sidelined.
Despite this, Friedman isn’t expected to make a significant impact, particularly from a fantasy hockey perspective. His role, even if called up, would likely be more supportive rather than offering consistent playing time or producing notable statistics.
At 27 years old, Friedman is a veteran who has spent much of his career moving between the NHL and AHL. He has played for both the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Philadelphia Flyers in the past, filling in when needed but never solidifying himself as a full-time NHL player. His primary value to a team like Vancouver is as a depth option, providing experience and stability if injuries or other roster issues arise.
For fantasy hockey managers, Friedman doesn’t present much value, even if he does get called up to the NHL. His limited offensive contributions and the likelihood that he will serve as a backup defenseman make him an unlikely candidate to generate significant fantasy points. His main role is as a reliable, defensive-minded player who can step in when necessary but isn’t expected to make a major impact on the scoreboard.
In summary, Friedman’s reassignment to the AHL is not surprising given his expected role with the Canucks. While he may see NHL action at some point, his contributions will likely be limited, especially from a fantasy perspective.
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