Canucks' Tucker Poolman not expected at training camp: Report

Posted on September 5, 2023

It appears the Vancouver Canucks will begin the 2023-24 NHL season without Tucker Poolman.

CHEK-TV’S Rick Dhaliwal reported Tuesday morning on the Donnie and Dhali show that Poolman — who signed a four-year, $10 million deal with the Canucks in 2021 — won’t be at training camp in Victoria later this month.

The veteran defenceman has been suffering from migraines since his first season with Vancouver, when he was limited to just 40 games played, including only one game after January 2022.

Poolman attempted to return last season, but managed to play in just three games on the season-opening road trip, his last appearance coming on Oct. 18, 2022, in Columbus. He did remain around the team for the remainder of the year and occasionally skated on his own but never came close to returning.

The Canucks declined to comment on the report.

Assuming Poolman is not able to play to start the season, the Canucks could place him on long-term injured reserve, allowing them to replace some or all of his US$2.5 million cap hit.

The right-shot defenceman’s contract calls for him to be paid $3 million in actual salary for the next two seasons.

Drafted by the Winnipeg Jets in 2013, he skated in 120 games for the Jets from 2017 to 2021.

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