With Sven Baertschi making his return to the Canucks lineup tonight, someone was going to need to be sent to Utica to make room for him and that someone was Adam Gaudette

Gaudette has appeared in 31 games for the Canucks this season, registering two goals and four assists during that time. His ice-time had started to dwindle as healthy bodies were coming back and it felt inevitable that he would be the odd man out as he was waiver exempt.

The 2015 5th round pick has already appeared in four games with the Utica Comets this season and has posted two goals and two assists during that timeframe. He is not expected to dress for Utica today as he was in Calgary with the Canucks and logistically can’t get to Utica in time. When he does return to their lineup, and January 2nd is the likely game, Gaudette should be given a large role for a team that is lacking some serious centre depth. So in that sense, it’s good that the organization is getting him down to the AHL.

Baertschi skated with Markus Granlund and Josh Leivo at practice yesterday, so it’s fair to expect him to slot in there tonight.

The Canucks and Flames drop the puck at 7 PM PT tonight.