Canucks announce seventeen cuts following inter-squad game: The end for Dylan Ferguson
The Vancouver Canucks trimmed their roster by 17 players on Sunday, including four of their 2024 draft picks. Following the final scrimmage of training camp, head coach Rick Tocchet stated that the team aimed to reduce the roster size quickly, moving from three groups in Penticton to a more manageable two.
Tocchet hinted at focusing on core players, especially with five games in seven nights ahead. General Manager Patrik Allvin executed the cuts, which weren't surprising but marked the start of shaping the team. Four of the team's 2024 draft picks-Anthony Romani, Riley Patterson, Parker Alcos, and Basile Sansonnens-were returned to their major junior teams. Romani heads to the North Bay Battalion, Patterson returns to the Barrie Colts, Alcos rejoins the Edmonton Oil Kings, and Sansonnens will debut in North America with the Rimouski Oceanic.
Additionally, two prospects, Josh Bloom and Ty Glover, will head to the AHL's Abbotsford Canucks, aiming for crucial development seasons. Both struggled last year, and Bloom, in particular, is looking to improve after bouncing between leagues.
Eight AHL-signed players, including Dino Kambeitz and John Stevens, will report to Abbotsford. Three players-Ty Halaburda, Deagan McMillan, and Dylan Ferguson-were released from their tryout agreements. Halaburda and McMillan will return to their WHL teams.
Canucks release Dylan Ferguson from his professional try-out
Dylan Ferguson's dream of playing for his hometown team came to an end on Sunday, though it likely faded when the Canucks signed Kevin Lankinen. The Vancouver-born goaltender was a longshot to earn an NHL contract with the Canucks when he signed his PTO, but he still got the experience of skating at Canucks training camp. After playing last season in the KHL, Ferguson's future remains uncertain.
As for the Canucks' roster, after 17 cuts, they now have 26 forwards, 17 defensemen, and five goaltenders, though some are out due to injury or rehab. Prospects Vilmer Alriksson and Sawyer Mynio remain, and they are likely to return to junior after getting a preseason game. Alriksson, in particular, has impressed with his physical play and use of his size at Young Stars and training camp.
Chase Wouters and Sammy Blais are the last players on PTOs still with the team. Wouters, captain of the Abbotsford Canucks, will likely return to the AHL but could get into an NHL preseason game. Blais, a veteran with 257 NHL games, serves as injury insurance and might earn an NHL contract if injuries persist to players like Teddy Blueger or Dakota Joshua.
| POLL | ||
Who are you excited to see in an exhibition game the most? | ||
| Jonathan Lekkerimaki | 96 | 52.2 % |
| Jake Debrusk | 72 | 39.1 % |
| Aatu Raty | 12 | 6.5 % |
| Danton Heinen | 4 | 2.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
