Canucks recall Michael Chaput from Utica

With Loui Eriksson sidelined with a knee injury, the Canucks have recalled Michael Chaput from the Utica Comets. The full press release is below:

The recall of Michael Chaput may cause some angst amongst Canucks fans simply because it feels like it’s the same thing as last year. Safer players with limited upside getting the call before players with more upside, like Nikolay Goldobin. With that being said, recalling Chaput makes sense from the penalty killing standpoint as Eriksson was a mainstay on that unit. Something that Goldobin wouldn’t be asked to do.

Furthermore, Chaput would likely see limited minutes or games in the foreseeable future simply because the Canucks have 12 other healthy forwards that are ahead of him on the depth chart. Jake Virtanen was a healthy scratch last game and should be given the chance to earn his spot back before Chaput gets in.

From that standpoint, the recall of Chaput makes sense. As having Goldobin sit in the press box with the Canucks wouldn’t be the best development tool. But if Chaput does start to see regular minutes and the Canucks struggle offensively, the ire from Canucks fans will likely be warranted. Goldobin has been playing a lot of minutes for the Comets, and should continue to do so for the foreseeable future.

Chaput is on a one-way deal making $687,500 this year. He can remain on the Canucks roster for up to 30 days or appear in 10 NHL games before requiring waivers to go back to Utica.