Vancouver Canucks Release Some Great News Regarding Defenseman Derek Forbort

Forbort, who signed a 1 year $1.5 million dollar contract with Vancouver in the offseason, has been limited to just 4 games so far after suffering a lower body injury that has not progressed as the team initially hoped.

He initially took a leave of absence after the unfortunate passing of his father, and returned to the lineup for just one game before suffering the injury.

He has been back skating with the team during the last week, and on Wednesday spoke to the media for the first time since his injury.

While the Canucks have been dealing with an incomplete roster all season, and still await the return of FIlip Hronek, the team is finally starting to get healthy and the front office will be able to evaluate what their true strengths and weaknesses are.

With J.T Miller and Derek Forbort returning to the lineup, there was bound to be some lineup shuffling both up front and on the back end.

Somewhat shockingly, after being sent to Abbotsford and recalled within 24 hours, Mark Friedman appears to be staying in the lineup.

Erik Brannstrom appears to be a healthy scratch for a consecutive game, while one of Vincent Desharnais or Noah Juulsen is also likely to leave the lineup given Friedman keeps his spot.

Aatu Räty is likely the odd man out while Pius Suter, on pace for his best offensive season yet, could move back to 3C.

Lankinen takes the net for Vancouver.