Canucks make six cuts, including two top prospects

Vancouver Canucks general manager Jim Benning has announced more cuts to his team’s preseason roster, sending the following players to the team’s AHL affiliate the Utica Comets:

Reid Boucher - Forward
Jonathan Dahlen - Forward
Joseph Labate - Forward
Jalen Chatfield - Defence
Guillaume Brisebois - Defence
Thatcher Demko - Goaltender

None of these cuts are particularly surprising, however most Canucks fans wanted to get a better look at Dahlen against NHL level competition as he just recovered from an offseason injury earlier this week. Regardless, he’ll be counted on to put up big numbers in the AHL this season and will get a good crack at earning a spot with the Canucks next season.

The other intriguing name is Demko. The 21-year-old goaltender is one of the brightest goaltending prospects in the NHL and is poised to tear up the AHL this season with the Comets. A strong showing from him in the AHL and a sprinkling of NHL games for him this season could go a long way toward his development.