The Vancouver Canucks Send Clear Message to Arshdeep Bains with Recent Roster Moves

During yesterday's off-day, the Vancouver Canucks announced that they've assigned Arshdeep Bains, Jonathan Lekkerimaki and Aatu Raty to the American Hockey League.

While part of the decision to assign the trio to the AHL has to do with accruing cap space, they also needed to make room for the return of Dakota Joshua, which appears to be happening tonight.

With hours to go until puck drop for tonight's game against the New York Islanders, the Vancouver Canucks announced in a social media post that Jonathan Lekkerimaki and Aatu Raty have been brought back up to the NHL, while Arshdeep Bains remains down in the AHL with Abbotsford.

Bains, 23, has skated in seven games this season for the Vancouver Canucks, scoring his first goal in the National Hockey League back on October 26th against the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Surrey, British Columbia native has also made two appearances with Abbotsford in the AHL in 2024-25 where he's looked quite strong, registering four points (one goal, three assists).

With Dakota Joshua likely returning tonight, it makes the most sense to keep Bains down in the AHL in order for him to get ice time and play a big role with Abbotsford. There's no doubt that he'll be back up in Vancouver at some point this season, if an injury or trade occurs.

Fans can see Arshdeep Bains back in action when the Abbotsford Canucks host the Coachella Valley Firebirds on Friday night at 7 pm PT.