Canucks trade Darcy Hordichuk to Florida

As promised, Mike Gillis tried - and was successful in finding Darcy Hordichuk a place to play in the NHL. On Wednesday, the Canucks announced they traded the veteran winger to the Florida Panthers in exchange for Andrew Peters.

Peters, a legit NHL enforcer, had already cleared waivers in Florida, so he can be assigned to the minors without clearing waivers again. This means he has already been assigned to Manitoba, and will not be on the Canucks opening night roster.

The addition of Peters gives Vancouver a legit heavyweight enforcer who can be recalled from Manitoba without having to go on re-entry waivers. Peters is on a 2-way contract in which his NHL salary is the league minimum $500,000. Because he already cleared waivers this year, he can be sent up and down at will, without going back on waivers. This allows the Canucks to call him up if they feel the need to dress an enforcer for a game, and can send him down againt right after.

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Shane O'Brien cleared waivers, but General Manager Mike Gills was able to trade him, along with prospect Dan Gendur to the Nashville Predators, for young defenseman Ryan Parent, and 29 year old journeyman forward Jonas Anderson.

Vancouver then instantly placed Parent on waivers in order to clear a roster spot in which the Canucks are expected to sign Peter Schaefer.

Parent, a former 1st round pick of the Predators in 2005, played much of last year with the Philadelphia Flyers, including 17 playoff games in last year's epic Stanley Cup Finals run. He is considered a work in progress, but could be a serviceable defenseman in the near future.

Anderson, 29, played last year in the KHL (Russia's pro league) where he registered 20 points in 30 games.

Brendan Morrison signed a one year deal with the Calgary Flames Monday after the former Canuck was released from his tryout with Vancouver after the two sides couldn't agree on a contract.

Darcy Hordichuk also cleared waivers but is not expected to report to Manitoba, and Mike Gillis has mentioned that he is trying to work out a deal that would keep the long-time NHL vet in the big leagues. It could be a tough task considering Hordichuk doesn't bring much to the table these days.

Canucks put Shane O'Brien and Darcy Hordichuk on waivers

With the Canucks preseason officially over, GM Mike Gillis began his quest of forming his team's opening night roster; a roster which likely won't include both Shane O'Brien and Darcy Hordichuk. The two veterans were placed on waivers early Saturday morning, meaning all other 29 teams will have a chance to claim either player within 48 hours.

If they get claimed, the team that claims them will take on their contract outright, and if they don't get claimed, they will get assigned to Vancouver's AHL affiliate in Manitoba. If they go unclaimed and get sent to Manitoba, the Canucks will have to pay them their full salary, but their salary will not go towards Vancouver's salary cap.

O'Brien, I would imagine, has a good chance of getting claimed as many NHL teams are looking for depth on defense. He has the tools to be an effective NHL defenseman, but his off-ice antics (apparently he enjoys his booze), and his questionable attitude (has publically called out his coach and GM), along with his very average preseason play have made him the odd man out in Vancouver.

His inevitable departure means the Canucks will keep both Andrew Alberts and Aaron Rome as the team's 6th and 7th defenseman heading into the regular season.

Hordichuk will likely go unclaimed, unless there's a team out there looking for a below-average enforcer with zero puck skills. He will most likely get assigned to Manitoba, or loaned to Europe or another league.

The Canucks still have a number of roster decisions to make, including whether to keep Cody Hodgson on the roster or send him to Manitoba to get some seasoning.

Brendan Morrison and Peter Schaefer are both on tryouts, and a decision will have to be made whether to sign them or let them walk as free agents.

Also, Jeff Tambellini, Victor Oreskovich, Guillaume Desbiens, Alexander Bolduc and Joel Perrault are all still in the mix fighting for one or two spots on the 4th line. Expect Vancouver to announce their decisions in the coming days.

The Canucks don't start their regular season until next Saturday (Oct.9th), but will likely name their opening night roster sooner than later.

Stay tuned to Canuck City for all the latest news and roster decisions.