One day after the Canucks fell to the Nashville Predators in Game 5 of their first round series, General Manager Patrik Allvin announced a roster move that many were expecting to happen within the last 24 hours.
With Abbotsford's second round series against the Ontario Reign beginning tonight in California, it was a good opportunity to send Podkolzin down to play big minutes and help the team make a run towards the Calder Cup.
Podkolzin, a native of Moscow, Russia, appeared in 44 games during the regular season for Abbotsford, where he put up 28 points (15 goals, 13 assists) and 15 penalty minutes. He also played 19 NHL games with Vancouver, tallying two assists, eight penalty minutes and was a minus-four.