4 most probable Vancouver Canucks roster cuts to form 23-man regular season roster feat. Aatu Raty

The Vancouver Canucks are heading into the stretch drive of training camp looking to shape their roster for Opening Night on Wednesday against the Calgary Flames. This situation means whittling their current training camp roster down to the final 23 players ahead of Tuesday’s deadline.

While many players could make the team, these individuals will have to wait for another opportunity at the NHL. So, here’s a look at five guaranteed Vancouver Canucks roster cuts to make up the 23-man roster ahead of Opening night.

4 guaranteed Vancouver Canucks roster cuts to form 23-man regular season roster

#4. Arshdeep Bains

Bains has had a solid camp. He’s had a strong showing in preseason games, showing he could be a good, young NHL forward.

However, he competes against several veterans like Daniel Sprong, Teddy Blueger and Kiefer Sherwood. With Bains still waiver exempt, the decision to reassign him to Abbotsford won’t be hard.

Fans should expect to see Bains back in the NHL if and when injuries or inconsistency become an issue.

#3. Nils Aman

Aman has had a decent showing in camp this preseason. The Canucks wanted to get a good look at him before deciding on whether he was ready for the NHL full-time. However, he is yet to surpass other veteran players on the Canucks’ roster.

While it will be hard to send Aman down to Abbotsford, the Vancouver Canucks will need to take that chance as there is no current lineup spot for him.

#2. Noah Juulsen

The acquisition of Erik Brannstrom from the Colorado Avalanche makes Juulsen expendable for now. Brannstrom, along with Derek Forbort and Vincent Desharnais, will mostly likely compete for the final two spots on the Canucks’ blue line.

However, Juulsen could be the first up on the Canucks’ depth chart. That bodes well for him as he will be a UFA next summer.

#1. Aatu Raty

Sending Raty down to the AHL will likely be the hardest decision for the Canucks. Raty has proven he belongs in the NHL. But there’s one thing that could make the decision much easier. Raty is waivers-exempt, meaning he doesn’t have to clear waivers to go down to the AHL.

Perhaps the Canucks have a deal in the works, potentially clearing room for Raty to join the team. In the meantime, Raty will probably start the season in Abbotsford and wait for the call to rejoin the team.