The Vancouver Canucks recently announced a roster adjustment that sees young forward Arshdeep Bains being reassigned to the AHL’s Abbotsford Canucks, while top prospect Aatu Raty is being called up to fill the vacant spot. This move comes less than a day before the Canucks’ second game of their California road trip, where they’re set to play the Anaheim Ducks.
Vancouver Canucks General Manager Patrik Allvin made the announcement, noting that this decision brings Raty, who was acquired in the 2023 trade involving Bo Horvat, back into the NHL lineup after a strong start in the AHL. On Tuesday, the Canucks confirmed this switch on social media, outlining that Bains would return to Abbotsford while Raty would join the NHL squad.
Aatu Raty, a 21-year-old Finnish player from Oulu, has been showcasing his skills in the AHL, recording seven points (three goals and four assists) in eight games, which places him at the top of the Abbotsford Canucks’ points leaderboard. His consistent performance has demonstrated that he’s ready to make a return to the NHL level, after previously starting the season on Vancouver’s roster.
On the other hand, Arshdeep Bains, who had a memorable moment scoring his first NHL goal against the Pittsburgh Penguins on October 26, has had a quieter streak since then. In his recent three games, he has not added any points, managing only one shot and finishing with a minus-three rating. Bains’ reassignment to Abbotsford will allow him more opportunities for substantial ice time in all situations, likely enabling him to find the form he showed in the 2023-24 season when he was a strong contributor for Abbotsford.
Tonight’s game against the Anaheim Ducks could offer a chance for fans to see Raty back in action, though the exact line he’ll be on has yet to be announced. The game is scheduled to start shortly after 7 p.m. PT on Sportsnet Pacific.
