Canucks GM Patrik Allvin Calls Up Two Players From Abbotsford Before Pittsburgh Showdown

Back at home, the Vancouver Canucks are hoping to make a big impression against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday night. The Vancouver Canucks are bringing Arshdeep Bains and Erik Brannstrom back up to the National Hockey League roster, just one day after they were assigned to the Abbotsford Canucks of the American Hockey League.

According to David Quadrelli of Canucks Army, the Vancouver Canucks gained cap space by sending Bains and Brannstrom down to Abbotsford, which was probably just a paper deal.

The 23-year-old Bains has made three appearances for the Vancouver Canucks this season, but he is minus-one and has not scored any points. Erik Brannstrom has contributed one assist and is currently a plus-two in three NHL games with Vancouver in 2024-25, despite having a strong start in Abbotsford with three assists in two games.

Although Rick Tocchet hasn't confirmed it yet, calling Erik Brannstrom up in particular suggests that Derek Forbort isn't ready to play again after leaving the team for personal reasons a little over a week ago. On Saturday afternoon, we should have more information about the lineup.

On Saturday night, the Vancouver Canucks will host Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins at Rogers Arena in an attempt to extend their winning streak to four games. There will be a pregame ceremony to celebrate Tyler Myers playing his 1000th game. Come early and be ready for a fun night! The puck drop, which can be seen nationwide on CBC and Sportsnet, is scheduled for just after 7 p.m. PT.