Canucks recall Philip Holm and reassign Patrick Wiercioch

The Canucks made some transactions this morning sending defenceman Patrick Wiercioch back to Utica and recalling Philip Holm

It was easy to forget that Wiercioch had been on the NHL roster as he had been a healthy scratch for the entire time that he had been up with the Canucks. He had been up with the Canucks for the past 28 days, and another day earlier in the year, so as per Article 13.2 in the NHL/NHLPA CBA, his waiver exemption (from clearing waivers earlier in the season) was expiring:

If he had remained on the NHL roster after 2pm today, he would’ve been required to be placed on waivers to be re-assigned to the Comets. It’s unlikely that he would be claimed, but with the Canucks appearing to get healthy soon, the organization likely didn’t want to take the risk. If the Canucks do recall Wiercioch at any time in the rest of the season, he will become subject to waivers to go back as the time on roster is cumulative.

Wiercioch has played two games this season, both with the Comets – where he has one goal.

There are likely a few reasons why the Canucks recalled Holm – the most obvious is that Troy Stecher and Chris Tanev aren’t 100% yet and with the Canucks playing back to back games in Pennsylvania, another healthy body is good to have. It also allows them to reward the Swede with an NHL paycheque for a couple of days, which works out to $4973 per day. It also allows the organization to get an up-close look at where his game is.

If you haven’t had a chance, check out the deep dive on Philip Holm in Utica from  earlier this month:

Obviously, there is speculation that the Canucks are going to make a trade but this is simply a transaction to avoid waivers on one player, reward another, and prepare themselves in case someone gets hurt against Philadelphia tomorrow.