Canucks assign Nikolay Goldobin, Tyler Motte and Ashton Sautner to Utica

With the NHL season in the rearview mirror, the Canucks have sent Nikolay Golden, Tyler Motte and Ashton Sautner to the Utica Comets. The full press release can be found here:

Motte and Goldobin had been papered down on trade deadline day to ensure that they were eligible for the remaining AHL regular season and playoff games, while Sautner had been recalled after the clear day date.

Utica has been getting an influx of Canucks prospects with Kole Lind and Lukas Jasek making their way to upstate New York over the last few weeks and the addition of these three players will further bolster the lineup.

Goldobin has been a dominant player at the AHL level this season and if he can continue his strong play from the last few weeks, there is little doubt that he can be the leader for the Comets again. Although Motte hasn’t played any games with the Comets this season but was extremely impressive in his 17 games with the Cleveland Monsters this year.

Sautner will go back and continue to round out his game with hopes of securing a depth spot with the Canucks next season.

The Comets are likely going to see some further additions in the coming weeks as Jonathan Dahlen’s season is over and it is expected that he will make his way over soon. Furthermore, TPS Turku was knocked out of the Liiga playoffs earlier today. They do have one more ‘bronze match’ game to play (which will be within the next two weeks), but once that contest is done, Olli Juolevi and possibly Petrus Palmu could join the Comets.

Reid Boucher might also get assigned back to the AHL once he recovers from his broken hand. He will need to be placed on waivers and clear before being able to be sent to the Comets.

With the NHL season done, fans will now turn their attention to the Comets with hopes that a long playoff run will be in the cards this season.