The Vancouver Canucks had a busy Friday of transactions. It started with a waiver claim of goalie Leevi Meriläinen from the Ottawa Senators. The 24-year-old was 8-10-1 with a 3.51 GAA and an .860 save percentage last season. The Oulu, Finland native was a third-round pick, 71st overall in 2020. GM Ryan Johnson said that Meriläinen was a target if he hit waivers.
Next, the team sent two players down to the AHL. Braden Cootes and Matthew Steinburg were both sent down to Abbotsford. Steinburg had to clear waivers to be sent down. For the 19-year-old Cootes, Johnson said he’ll go through some battles in Abbotsford.
And finally, the Canucks placed Filip Chytil on IR retroactive to Sept. 24. Chytil collided with referee Riley Brace Thursday night in the 2-1 loss to the Oilers. Unfortunately, it’s another injury for Chytil. He’s only played 27 games in a season and a half with the Canucks. The 27 year old He has five goals and four assists for nine points.
Chytil’s injury caused some line juggling for the Canucks. Paul Cotter jumped into centre on the fourth line.
The Canucks wrap up the pre-season Saturday afternoon against the Seattle Kraken. Note the start time: 4:00 Pacific.
