Canucks recall Luke Schenn

The Canucks have recalled blueliner Luke Schenn from the Utica Comets.

The 29-year-old was acquired by the Canucks from Anaheim in exchange for Michael Del Zotto back in January. The Canucks also received a 2020 seventh-round draft pick in the trade.

Following the trade, Schenn was immediately sent down to Vancouver’s AHL affiliate in Utica. Through seven games with the Comets this season, Schenn has recorded one goal, five points and a plus-5 rating.

The recall comes amidst a sea of injury problems for the Canucks. The injury bug has bit the team at a very unfortunate time as they try to battle for a Wildcard spot in the Western Conference.

Sven Baertschi remains out of the lineup indefinitely due to post-concussion syndrome, while Brandon Sutter is out at least two weeks with a groin injury. Jake Virtanen is nursing an upper-body injury, while defenceman Chris Tanev was placed on IR with an ankle injury. Alex Edler is out with a concussion. Netminder Thatcher Demko is currently recovering from a knee sprain.

The injury woes on the blueline are certainly a concern right now. Edler has already missed 20 games this season and has only played a full 82-game season once in his NHL career. Tanev missed 40 games last season and has never played more than 70 games in an NHL season.

Schenn was the fifth overall selection by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2008 NHL Draft and has recorded 30 goals and 113 assists over 716 career NHL games. Schenn’s last appearance in the NHL this season came on Nov. 9 with the Ducks. He was held off the scoresheet in eight contests with Anaheim this year.

Once considered one of the best prospects in the game, Schenn has certainly failed to live up to expectations in his career. While it’s unclear if he’ll get into the lineup for Vancouver, he’s a quality veteran presence and could be a better option than Erik Gudbranson or Alex Biega on that third defensive pairing.

The team wraps up a three-game road swing Saturday evening in San Jose.