On the eve of the Vancouver Canucks season opener, General Manager Patrik Allvin announced the club has played defenceman Mark Friedman on waivers for the purpose of assignment to Abbotsford.

Friedman signed a two-year, $1.55 million contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2022. At the beginning of last season, Friedman was then traded to the Canucks, along with forward Ty Glover, in exchange for Jack Rathbone and Karel Plasek.

The 29-year-old was a solid depth option for the Canucks last season, suiting up for 23 regular season games, recording one assist, 16 shots on goal with a plus-four rating in 12:14 minutes of average ice time. Throughout his six-year NHL career, Friedman has logged 88 regular season games, posting four goals and nine assists for 13 points with a plus-17 rating in 13:06 average time on ice.

His efforts from last season earned Friedman a contract extension this offseason, signing a one-year $775,000 deal with the Canucks. Here’s what GM Allvin had to say after the signing.

“Mark’s addition to our group last year gave us some much needed depth and he is someone we can count on if plugged into our lineup,” said Allvin. “He is a team first player and is always ready to step in if called upon. We expect him to come into camp and compete hard for a regular spot this season.”

The Canucks made this move one day after announcing the full roster, which included Friedman in it. Now, the defence corps in Vancouver is down to seven, rostering Quinn Hughes, Filip Hronek, Carson Soucy, Tyler Myers, Vincent Desharnais, Derek Forbort and Noah Juulsen.

The former third-round pick in 2014 has bounced between the NHL and the AHL since he debuted in pro hockey in 2016-17. Friedman’s played 218 AHL games, registering 12 goals and 59 assists for 71 points with an even plus/minus rating.

If Friedman clears waivers, he will join a stacked defence corps in Abbotsford. Teetering on the cusp of the NHL, Friedman now looks to lead the right side of their defence with Jett Woo, Cole McWard and Christian Felton.

Abbotsford kicks their season off on October 11 when they travel to Calgary for a date with the Wranglers.