After making two separate groups of cuts yesterday, the roster trim down continued today with forwards Michael Carcone and Alexis D’Aoust being assigned to Utica for their training camp, which begins this weekend.

Carcone is Canucks property due to signing an ELC in the summer, while D’Aoust is currently a free agent looking to secure a contract, whether that be an NHL or AHL deal.

Carcone appeared in last night’s pre-season contest against the Oilers where he had 9:13 of ice time. He was extremely productive and noticeable in the limited time of the ice with one assist, two shots on goal and a team high eight hits. The next closest Canuck in the hit category was Erik Gudbranson, who had four. The Ajax, Ontario native was noticeable throughout Young Stars and training camp creating offence and pushing the pace.

He will be a fascinating player to watch throughout this season, as he has the offensive instincts, hockey IQ, and wheels to be an effective top six player for the Comets. Speaking with Carcone at training camp in Whistler, he mentioned that prior to the 2015-16 season, he had battled injuries and once he became healthy the confidence and production quickly followed.

Yes, it’s just one game but Carcone posted a team best 80% CF%, which was aided by the fact that he had a  71.43% OZS%. Obviously, just one game but he was far and away better than everyone else last night in that light.

He was never making the Canucks out of camp, but he certainly put his name on everyones’ radar.

Alexis D’Aoust was an invite to Canucks development camp, who like Carcone, exploded offensively last season in the QMJHL. He didn’t have as noticeable time at the various camps, but you could see the underlying skill and hockey sense. If he is able to make the Comets, he will be another player to watch over the course of the season, simply because there will be opportunity in Utica to make a name for themselves.

D’Aoust also made his Canucks debut last night in the 5-3 win over the Oilers, where he had a team low 8:42 of ice time. He finished the night -1, with one shot on goal and one hit.

Despite their smaller statures, both of these players present something that the Canucks should find attractive. They both think the game very well, have speed to burn, and back it up with a great work ethic. Obviously not every prospect will make it, but making bets on those skills is generally a good course of action.

A few hours later, the Canucks assigned goaltender Michael Garteig to the Utica Comets: 

He appeared in the OT loss against the San Jose Sharks on Tuesday night.

With these two forwards and one goalie being sent to Comets training camp, the Canucks are now down to 41 players at training camp.