Canucks sending former top-10 pick back to AHL

The Canucks returned winger Vasily Podkolzin to AHL Abbotsford on Wednesday, per a team announcement.

The 22-year-old’s second stint on the NHL roster this season was brief, lasting just three days. He made back-to-back appearances against the Ducks and Kings, recording one shot while averaging 10:58 of ice time.

Podkolzin, the 10th overall pick in 2019, could very well be in his final days in the Canucks organization. The Canucks remain embroiled in trade talks for high-profile deadline targets like Jake Guentzel and without a full-time NHL role, he’s a natural candidate to increase the value of their offers.

Sending him to Abbotsford frees up a necessary roster spot for Vancouver, which was at the 23-player maximum on their active roster. They may use the extra roster space to execute trades Wednesday or sign UFA winger Phil Kessel for the remainder of the season. The three-time Stanley Cup champion remains in Vancouver and has been working out with the organization since last month.

Podkolzin is in the final season of his entry-level contract, which carries a $925K cap hit. He’ll be an RFA this summer but is not yet eligible for salary arbitration.

He’s continuously slipped down the depth chart since skating in 79 NHL games for Vancouver two seasons ago, but he’s been decent in the minors this year with 15 goals and 28 points in 44 games. He boasted solid possession numbers in his two NHL showings this week, recording a 55.3 CF% at even strength with a +0.6 expected rating.