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.
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