Patrik Allvin calls up two players from Abbotsford ahead of Saturday's game vs Pittsburgh

One day after assigning them to the American Hockey League's Abbotsford Canucks, the Vancouver Canucks are bringing Arshdeep Bains and Erik Brannstrom back up to the National Hockey League roster.

The move was confirmed by Vancouver Canucks General Manager Patrik Allvin today and now, both Erik Brannstrom and Arshdeep Bains are options to draw into the lineup tomorrow night against their GM's former club, the Pittsburgh Penguins.

By sending Bains and Brannstrom down to Abbotsford, which was likely just a paper transaction, the Vancouver Canucks accrued cap space, according to David Quadrelli of Canucks Army.

Bains, 23, has appeared in three games for the Vancouver Canucks this season, but hasn't registered any points and is a minus-one. Meanwhile, Erik Brannstrom, who had a strong start in Abbotsford with three assists in two games, has put up one assist and is a plus-two in three NHL contests with Vancouver in 2024-25, so far.

By calling Erik Brannstrom up especially, it likely signals that Derek Forbort isn't ready to return to game action after leaving the team for personal reasons just over a week ago, although that hasn't been confirmed by Rick Tocchet just yet. We should know more about the lineup on Saturday afternoon.

The Vancouver Canucks will look to extend their win streak to four games on Saturday night as they host Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins at Rogers Arena. Puck drop is set for just after 7 pm PT and can be viewed across the country on CBC and Sportsnet.