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The Vancouver Canucks have had a challenging season so far. They have a record of 28 wins and 32 losses through 65 games in the 2022-23 NHL season. Injuries have played a significant role in the team's struggles. Several key players have missed time due to various ailments.
As the season progresses, the Canucks will need their injured players to return to action if they hope to make a push for a playoff spot. We will take a closer look at the Canucks' injury report, including the status of key players and how their absences have impacted the team's performance.
Travis Dermott of the Canucks: Placed on injured reserve
The NHL's Vancouver Canucks have placed defenseman Travis Dermott on injured reserve, the team announced on Saturday (Feb 18). Dermott, whose specific injury has not been disclosed, has not played since January 25 against the Seattle Krakens. He has only appeared in 11 games this season, recording one goal, seven shots in the nets, 10 blocks, and 10 hits.
In response to Dermott's placement on injured reserve, the Canucks have called up Christian Wolanin from the AHL's Abbotsford Canucks. Wolanin has played 20 games in the AHL this season, registering 16 points (five goals, 11 assists). He has also played in 43 career NHL games split between the Ottawa Senators and the Los Angeles Kings.
The Canucks will hope that Wolanin can provide some depth to their blue line as they navigate through a challenging Western Conference. It remains to be seen how long Dermott will remain on injured reserve.
Defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson of Vancouver Canucks placed on injured reserve
The Vancouver Canucks have announced that defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson has been placed on injured reserve due to a sprained ankle. The 31-year-old was already ruled out on a week-to-week basis prior to this move, and will now free up a roster spot for the Canucks.
Ekman-Larsson has struggled this season, registering just 22 points and a minus-24 rating through 54 games. However, his average of over 20 minutes of ice time per game shows his importance to the team's defensive corps.
With Ekman-Larsson sidelined, the Canucks will have to rely on other players to fill the void, with Christian Wolanin likely to see an increase in playing time. It remains to be seen how long Ekman-Larsson will be out, but the Canucks will hope to have him back in action soon.
Defenseman Filip Hronek placed on injured reserve
The Vancouver Canucks could see defenseman Filip Hronek make his return in a couple of weeks. Hronek has been sidelined with an upper-body injury, but the team will have a better idea of his recovery timeline once he returns early next week.
The 24-year-old was acquired by the Vancouver Canucks in a trade with the Detroit Red Wings, and his return will be a welcome addition to Vancouver's defensive corps. Hronek has been productive offensively this season, with nine goals and 38 points in 60 games, and the Canucks will hope he can continue that production when he returns to the lineup.
Forward Ilya Mikheyev placed on injured reserve
The Vancouver Canucks have placed forward Ilya Mikheyev on the long-term injured reserve list due to a knee injury, effectively ending his season. The move will provide the Canucks with some additional salary cap flexibility.
Mikheyev, who signed a four-year, $19 million contract with the Canucks in the offseason, had a productive season prior to his injury, notching 13 goals and 28 points in 46 games. With Mikheyev out for the remainder of the season, the Canucks will need other players to step up and fill the offensive void left by his absence.
Defenseman Ethan Bear placed on injured reserve
Defenseman Ethan Bear has been placed on injured reserve due to an upper-body injury. The injury occurred during the February 5, 2023 game against the Boston Bruins when he was hit in the face by a deflected puck. As a result, Bear will miss the next couple of games minimum.
In 46 games this season, Bear has contributed 14 points, 60 blocks, 32 hits, and 64 shots on goal. In his absence, Noah Juulsen was called up by Abbotsford to fill the void. The Canucks will hope to have Bear back in action as soon as possible as they continue their push for the playoffs.
