The Vancouver Canucks have recalled Alexandre Grenier from the Utica Comets ahead of their game against the Arizona Coyotes. Grenier’s recall comes just days after Brandon Prust was injured by the errant leg of first class heel, Ryan Kesler.

This is Grenier’s second stint with the Canucks this season. In his first, Grenier made his NHL debut against the Winnipeg Jets on November 18th. Although Grenier played in just a hair short of ten minutes, the towering forward nearly potted a goal on a play in front of the Jets net – exactly the type of place one hopes to see Grenier’s 6’4, 211 lb. frame. 

Grenier is currently second to only Hunter Shinkaruk on the Utica Comets, with 19 points in 33 contests, along with 26 penalty minutes. It’s been a relatively successful season on the whole for Grenier, who’s trajectory has been steadily trending in the right direction these last few years as a Canucks prospect.

Still, what often gets lost in the mix with regards to Grenier is that his stock is teetering between that of prospect and career minor leaguer with alarming severity. At 24-years old, Grenier is already entering what is generally the prime years of any one forwards careers. By that same token, it has often been remarked that players of his stature take much longer to develop. Realistically though, this is the season Grenier to make his mark – sink or swim, and the like.

When looking at the bigger picture, the Grenier call up does raise concerns as to the severity of the ailment currently sidelining Prust. I can’t recall if Prust’s most recent injury is to the same leg which was injured earlier this season, but it certainly doesn’t bode well for the foot speed of the already lumbering skater.

It seems unlikely that Grenier will play tonight against the Coyotes, but I wouldn’t be overly surprised to see him garner some in-game looks further down the road. This is a player who Jim Benning has wasted no verbal expense in praising, so one can’t help but imagine that he’s eager to get a look at Grenier against NHL competition.