It appears as though the ankle injury suffered by Brandon Prust might be more serious than originally anticipated. While the x-rays taken in the immediate aftermath revealed no fracture, it appears as though the MRI has indicated a severe injury all the same.

Severe enough to keep Prust from the Canucks lineup anywhere from four to six weeks of action.

For a Canucks team that prides itself on the ability to roll four lines, such an injury will test the already tried depth of this franchise. In the interim, it appears as though Brendan Gaunce will be playing in Prust’s vacated fourth line spot.

The implications of this injury extend well beyond Gaunce and Prust, though. It buys the Canucks another roster spot with which to give either of Jake Virtanen or Jared McCann an extended viewing. Of course, this doesn’t help the nine-game barrier which marks the beginning of their entry-level contract, but it buys them time towards the next deadline which allots for an extra year of restricted free agency. 

This move also extends to the wealth of NHL ready talent the Canucks have marinating in Utica. Players like Alexander Grenier and Nicklas Jensen, for example. The spot now vacated by Prust’s absence will allot for an extended look at some of the more experienced talent currently developing with the Comets, as they inch closer to waiver eligibility. 

At a more humanistic level though, one can’t help but feel for Prust. While his lacking foot speed made him an anchor on the Canucks forecheck, it appeared as though he was beginning to find a groove in his prescribed role. He punched helmets, contributed to the defensive health of this franchise and I’d like to think his shoulder rubbing is helping the development of the Canucks sudden plethora of developing talent. Further to that end, his five assists in nine games have been a pleasant offensive surprise, to be sure.

Get better soon.