MAJOR | Huge promotion for Arshdeep Bains: Tocchet mixing things up in Seattle

On Tuesday, February 20th, 23-year old Surrey, B.C. native Arshdeep Bains made his long-awaited NHL debut with the Vancouver Canucks. In just over 13 minutes of ice time, he recorded 2 shots on goal, received 2 penalty minutes, and was a minus-2. Not an ideal debut, but expectations weren't for him to immediately find the scoresheet.

However, despite the modest debut, Bains appears poised for a massive opportunity ahead of the Canucks matchup with the Seattle Kraken on Thursday night. As Jeff Paterson reports, he looks to be drawing into the lineup once again for his 2nd NHL game, this time alongside two of the team's best forwards:

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PDG, Friedman, Woo— Jeff Paterson (@patersonjeff) February 22, 2024

Bains appears to be slotted ahead of veteran wingers such as Pius Suter and Sam Lafferty. Playing alongside J.T. Miller and Brock Boeser certainly gives Bains a better chance to find the scoresheet in game #2 of his young NHL career. He will look to show off the offensive talent in which he has displayed at virtually every level thus far. His near point-per-game pace with the AHL's Abbotsford Canucks earned him an All-Star Game nod — where he earned MVP honours.


Miller ranks tied for 5th in NHL scoring with 75 points, and Boeser ranks tied for 8th across the league with 31 goals. Both marks lead the team.

Forwards Jett Woo and Phil Di Giuseppe, as well as defender Mark Friedman appear to be serving as healthy scratches.