Canucks recall Ronalds Kenins, reassign Andrey Pedan to Utica

The Latvian Locomotive is on his way back to Vancouver.

The Canucks have recalled rugged winger Ronalds Kenins from the Utica Comets. The 24-year-old burst onto the scene last year with an incredible work ethic and a surprisingly good nose for the net.

Kenins had 12 points (4-8-12) in 30 games as a rookie with the Canucks last season, playing mostly on an effective fourth line with Bo Horvat and Jannik Hansen. At 6’0″, 216-pounds, he was essentially a human bowling ball, destroying anyone in his path with bone-crushing bodychecks.

In the offseason, Kenins earned a one-way contract, guaranteeing himself NHL money this season.

Kenins was penciled into the opening night roster this year, but had a dreadful training camp that forced management’s hand. He started the season with Utica and suffered an injury after just four games. He returned to the lineup on November 25 and must have impressed someone enough to get a call-up despite his mediocre stat-line (0-1-1).

With Brandon Sutter, Chris Higgins and Jake Virtanen injured, Kenins is expected to be in the lineup when the Canucks play the Dallas Stars tomorrow night.

Andrey Pedan is on his way back to Utica after filling-in as a forward last game, due to the last minute injury to Chris Higgins. He logged 3:54 of ice time in his first NHL game.