Gagner ‘very excited to be back’ with Canucks after stint in the AHL
Sam Gagner’s time in the American Hockey League is up.
The Canucks announced Sunday the forward has been recalled from the Toronto Marlies, where he’d been assigned before the start of the season. Gagner was the Marlies’ best player, recording 15 points in 15 games, and was a positive player in shot attempts.
He played both right wing and centre for the Marlies, who are the Toronto Maple Leafs’ AHL affiliate. The Canucks loaned him there rather than to their affiliate in Utica, N.Y., because they wanted to give him a chance to play closer to home and to avoid having a log jam of veterans in the AHL.
Gagner told Postmedia Sunday the experience with the Marlies was “great.”
“Great coaching staff, great group of guys,” he said.
Moving to the AHL didn’t require much of a mental adjustment.
“Some different things system-wise and different atmosphere at the games, but hockey is hockey,” he said.
His family was also able to spend some time with him as well, though they’d spent most of the last seven weeks on the West Coast.
He followed what was going on with the Canucks as best he could.
“The team is playing fun hockey,” he said. “I’m excited to help where I can.”
“I’m very excited to be back (in the NHL).”
The Canucks have been struggling to generate offence at even strength in recent games, having scored four even-strength goals over the last four games.
Gagner had 35 points for the Canucks last season, his first in Vancouver after signing a three-year, $9.45-million contract.
Given his scoring pedigree, it seems likely he’ll line up with Bo Horvat, who has had Tim Schaller and Markus Granlund on his wings lately.
Canucks general manager Jim Benning suggested that calling up Gagner was about adding flexibility to the roster.
“He gives us another centreman option. He’s a right shot on the power play,” Benning said Sunday. “All reports were he was playing well.”
The team is in need of offensive help. Brock Boeser is out with an adductor problem and hasn’t skated since suffering the injury two weeks ago. Sven Baertschi has only begun skating since suffering a concussion over a month ago.
Centres Jay Beagle and Brandon Sutter are also out and not expected to return before December.
During Sunday’s practice, winger Antoine Roussel left the ice early, stopping to have a discussion with the trainers.
After practice, head coach Travis Green said Roussel tweaked “something,” but added that he wasn’t worried about it and expected him to play tonight against the Jets.
Baertschi had been notably absent from Canucks activities, but was spotted after Saturday’s game with other injured players, a sign he may be on the verge of beginning the path back to the lineup.
Given how the return-toplay protocol works, it’s going to be at least a week until he could be ready to play, and most likely longer.
Green said Baertschi skated on his own Saturday.
Benning said Boeser saw a doctor on Saturday. Green said Boeser may skate today.
“(Boeser) has been feeling better the last few days,” he said.
“We’re hoping Brock ... he’s on an upward path.”