Photo Credit: Sergei Belski – USA TODAY Sports
The Canucks dipped into their farm system today, recalling defenceman Andrey Pedan from the Utica Comets of the AHL. Pedan, a late cut at Canucks training camp, was last recalled as recently as December 8th.
#Canucks recall D Andrey Pedan from @UticaComets
— NEWS 1130 Sports (@NEWS1130Sports) December 17, 2016
With Erik Gudbranson sidelined by a possible wrist injury suffered in Tuesday’s loss in Carolina and Troy Stecher noticeably absent from practice this morning, Canucks coach Willie Desjardins alluded to this recall in his media availability.
No Stecher at Canucks practice either. Brendan Gaunce taking reps as the extra defenceman in drills.
— J.D. Burke (@JDylanBurke) December 17, 2016
Desjardins confirmed Stecher’s absence was injury related. The nature of Stecher’s ailment remains a mystery, but Desjardins went so far as to describe the timeline for his return as day-to-day.
Since joining the Comets in October, Pedan has three points (two goals and one assist) in 19 games. Pedan’s yet to play a game this season, but in 13 games last campaign the lumbering Lithuanian was a 45% Corsi For and pointless. To Pedan’s credit, he spent much of that season playing on the wing, a position he’s never played in his professional career.
We’ll provide updates on Stecher’s status as they’re made available. The Canucks play host to the Columbus Blue Jackets tomorrow for a matinee affair at 1PM PST.
