The Vancouver Canucks have not only secured a spot in the NHL playoffs, but their AHL affiliate, the Abbotsford Canucks, have also clinched a playoff berth. This means double the excitement for hockey fans in Vancouver, as they will have the opportunity to cheer on both teams in their respective playoff runs. Abbotsford currently holds the fourth seed in the Pacific Division and would have home-ice advantage against the Colorado Eagles if the playoffs began today. With several talented players on their roster, it’s worth keeping an eye on Abbotsford’s playoff journey.
Arshdeep Bains:
One player to watch in Abbotsford’s playoff run is Arshdeep Bains. Despite going undrafted, Bains caught the attention of the Canucks’ front office after a remarkable performance with the Red Deer Rebels in the WHL, where he scored over 100 points. This led to him being signed by the Canucks in 2022. During his time with the Abbotsford Canucks, Bains has showcased his potential, tallying 52 points while demonstrating his speed and playmaking abilities. While he may not be NHL-ready just yet, a strong playoff showing could pave the way for a future spot on the Canucks’ roster.
Linus Karlsson:
Another player to keep an eye on is Linus Karlsson, who was acquired by the Canucks from the San Jose Sharks in 2019. After an impressive rookie season in North America, Karlsson has continued to shine in Abbotsford, leading the team in scoring with 57 points in 58 games. His strong performance earned him a call-up to the Canucks, providing him with valuable NHL experience. As a restricted free agent at the end of the season, Karlsson will be motivated to leave a lasting impression on the front office as he looks to secure a new contract.
Filip Johansson:
Joining Bains and Karlsson is Filip Johansson, a former first-round pick who was not signed by the Minnesota Wild after being selected in 2018. However, he has found a new home with the Abbotsford Canucks, where he has become a reliable contributor on the backend. With 18 points in 53 games, Johansson has proven himself to be a valuable asset to the team. As he approaches the end of his current contract, he will be determined to showcase his abilities and earn another deal with the organization.
As Abbotsford prepares for the playoffs, the performances of Bains, Karlsson, and Johansson will be crucial to the team’s success. It will be exciting to see how these talented players rise to the occasion and contribute to what the team hopes will be a memorable playoff run.