Canucks cut seven players from training camp

The Canucks have further reduced their training camp roster this afternoon, sending 7 players to Utica for their training camp. The full press release was as follows:

There are no real surprises amongst this group as it’s largely made up younger defenceman and forwards who were long shots to crack the roster to begin with.

Reid Boucher was placed on waivers on Monday morning, cleared and has finally been assigned to the Comets. There have been suggestions that he didn’t come to camp in the best shape and given that his skating isn’t a strength as it is, he finds his way to Utica. He will look to get to the top of the heap for call-ups in the future.

Jonathan Dahlen was a player that I was excited to see at Young Stars and Training Camp this year, but unfortunately, he was diagnosed with mono in early September. He did not appear in any pre-season games and only participated in practices over the last few days. With this being his first foray in North America, there may be some adjustment period for the young Swede but he will be one of the many young forwards to keep an eye on in the AHL this season.

Joseph Labate was simply outplayed by the likes of Jake Virtanen and Darren Archibald for a bottom 6 role to start the season. This is the last year where he does not require waivers to be assigned to Utica.

Jalen Chatfield and Guillaume Brisebois are first-year pros that are still getting their reps in. Chatfield showed very well throughout the preseason but needs to play a lot of minutes and round out his game. Being in the AHL allows that. As for Brisebois, although the Canucks management seems to be very high on him, he did struggle in the exhibition games this year. He will need to hit the ground running if he hopes to get a sniff at the NHL level this upcoming season. (which is unlikely)

Demko heads down to Utica with hopes of building off a great second half of last season. He should get a lot of minutes and playing time this year. Michael Garteig is on an AHL only deal and is likely destined to start the year in the ECHL, and then will be called up once injuries hit in the NHL or AHL.

A full updated organizational depth chart can be found below: