The Vancouver Canucks recently placed forward Nils Åman on waivers, a move likely signaling Dakota Joshua’s impending return to the lineup. The Canucks have been managing their roster closely to save cap space, frequently moving players like Arshdeep Bains and Erik Brännström between the NHL and AHL since neither requires waivers for reassignment. However, to make a significant roster addition, someone else would need to clear waivers or stay in the AHL.
On Saturday, the Canucks opted to place Åman on waivers to send him down to the Abbotsford Canucks. This decision appears motivated by two main factors. First, Joshua seems ready for NHL action after his recent recovery from surgery for testicular cancer. The 28-year-old winger has gradually returned to full practice and is preparing to rejoin the team at game speed.
“People get surgery on anything, whether it’s an arm or a leg; it’s the same kind of process: just getting your body back to full health,” Joshua shared recently. While he won’t play in Saturday’s game against the San Jose Sharks, his return is anticipated once Åman’s waiver status is clear on Sunday.
The second reason Åman was placed on waivers is Bains’ solid performance. Although Åman is a center known for his penalty-killing skills, Bains has impressed Canucks coach Rick Tocchet with his speed, offensive creativity, and disciplined two-way play. His contributions earned him a spot in the lineup, even briefly alongside top players like Elias Pettersson. While Åman offers more experience as a center, especially in defensive situations, Bains’ energy and potential have helped secure his place on the roster for now.
The key question remaining is whether Åman will clear waivers. Despite limited offensive production, Åman could be attractive to teams needing depth in their bottom-six, especially those impacted by injuries. For example, the Colorado Avalanche, currently dealing with a number of injuries, may be interested, particularly since Åman was originally a sixth-round pick by Colorado in 2020. If claimed, the Canucks would lose some center depth but have Aatu Räty developing in the AHL as a potential replacement.
Overall, while Åman’s waiver move represents a gamble, it aligns with the Canucks’ need for cap flexibility and their commitment to players demonstrating immediate impact on the ice.
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