The Vancouver Canucks have recalled winger Brendan Gaunce from the Utica Comets.
A spot opened up for Gaunce after Adam Cracknell was claimed on waivers from the Edmonton Oilers yesterday.
Gaunce, 21, was the Canucks’ first round pick in the 2012 NHL Draft. He has appeared in 43 games for Utica this season, putting up 33 points (15-18-33) in 43 games.
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Gaunce is en route from Utica and will not play tonight. He’ll likely be in the lineup when the Canucks play San Jose on Thursday. Gaunce appeared in two games for the Canucks in October, scoring one goal.
After an excellent preseason where he could have easily earned a spot on the team, Gaunce has played surprisingly few games in the NHL this season. Giving him a long look and allowing him to find his groove in the AHL was probably a prudent move for the second year pro, but it’s now time for him to make the next step in his career.
"The younger players need to have opportunities. We have to see where they are at and what they can do." #Canuckshttps://t.co/aOIxpLUEtv
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) March 1, 2016
The Canucks are in rebuild mode, and they need to find out what they have in Gaunce before making moves with next season in mind.
