The Vancouver Canucks make a surprising roster move and place defenseman on waivers

With the Canucks announcing their opening day roster yesterday, it was somewhat of a surprise to see one of their blueliners from that roster, put on waivers today. As reported earlier by Elliotte Friedman, there were a few moves today in the NHL, this one specifically impacting the Canucks.

Mark Friedman, who started his career with Philadelphia after being drafted by the team in 2014 as a third round pick, was placed on waivers today. Friedman who spent time with the Penguins organization before playing 23 games with the Canucks last year, was a surprise move that can possibly be explained by Vancouver tinkering with their cap hit at the NHL level.

If Friedman clears waivers, the Canucks can send him down to Abbotsford and free up some cap space on the top roster. The team will still have seven defensemen on their opening day roster if Friedman is claimed. Friedman was signed to a one-year extension for $775,000 this off-season.

Making this move for the Canucks puts them $1.25 million under the cap. The risk is worth it for the Canucks as they are looking to keep the blueliner but move him to the AHL affliate. The Canucks are building up a strong core of defenseman in Abbotsford, so they hope their luck continues with their players being assigned to waivers, returning to the AHL after clearing.

The 28-year-old defenseman will be entering his second season with the organization if he clears waivers. He had a very strong pre-season so Vancouver is hoping that they will be able to retain him.

There will be more to come regarding Friedman and if any other NHL team liked what they saw from him this pre-season. For now, Vancouver will be hoping for the best.