Vancouver Canucks make 17 player cuts to 2024 training camp roster

Post final scrimmage in training camp, Head Coach Rick Tocchet shared that the team's strategy was to swiftly move from three groups to two in Penticton for better manageability.

This rigorous selection process has streamlined their team to 48 players, consisting of six goaltenders, 17 defencemen, and 25 forwards.

Among those who have departed, 11 were hopefuls attending the camp on a tryout basis, showcasing the competitive nature of securing a spot in the NHL. Key releases include goaltender Dylan Ferguson and forwards Ty Halaburda and Deagan McMillan, who have been released outright, marking an end to their immediate prospects with the Canucks.

Further assignments saw a mix of players either being sent down or reassigned to various leagues, reflecting the organization's strategy for player development.

Forwards Carsen Twarynski, John Stevens, Cooper Walker, and Dino Kambeitz, along with defencemen Joseph Arnsten, Layton Ahac, and Zach Berzolla have been assigned to the AHL's Abbotsford Canucks. This move signals the Canucks' intention to further evaluate these players' potential in a competitive setting.

In a strategic play, forward prospects Josh Bloom and Ty Glover, both acquired through trades and currently under NHL contracts, have been assigned to the AHL. Bloom, involved in the Riley Stillman trade with the Buffalo Sabres, and Glover, part of the Jack Rathbone-for-Mark Friedman deal with the Pittsburgh Penguins, will continue their development in Abbotsford.

The Canucks are also focusing on the long-term development of their draftees by assigning high-scoring forward Anthony Romani to the OHL's North Bay Battalion and smooth-skating defender Parker Alcos to the WHL's Edmonton Oil Kings. Additionally, centre Riley Patterson and Swiss rearguard Basile Sansonnens are set to enhance their skills in the OHL's Barrie Colts and QMJHL's Rimouski Océanic, respectively.

These moves are a clear indication of the Canucks' strategy to blend youth with experience, aiming to build a dynamic team capable of competing at the highest levels. The reduction in camp numbers is not merely a matter of cutting down but a thoughtful process of identifying and nurturing talent that can contribute to the team's long-term success.

As the Canucks continue their preparations for the upcoming season, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these decisions translate into performance on the ice. With a mix of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers, the Canucks are setting the stage for what could be a transformative year.