The Vancouver Canucks are starting training camp without Teddy Blueger and Cole McWard due to minor surgeries.
General manager Patrik Allvin shared this news, adding that Dakota Joshua and Thatcher Demko are also recovering from lower-body injuries. Blueger, who played 68 games last season, is the biggest absence. He tied his career-high of 28 points in his first year with the Canucks. Before joining Vancouver, he played for Pittsburgh and was traded to Vegas, where he helped win their first Stanley Cup.
McWard is at the start of his career . He joined Vancouver as an undrafted free agent in 2023 and has played six NHL games so far. Most of his time was spent with the Abbotsford Canucks in the AHL, scoring 17 points in 57 games.
Training Camp Challenges:
Blueger’s absence means he’ll miss crucial time to secure his fourth-line role. McWard will also miss out on proving himself for a spot on the blue line. This situation could benefit players like Kiefer Sherwood, Noah Juulsen, or Sammy Blais as they try to make their mark.
Fans might wonder if these injuries will impact the team’s chances this season.
Injuries are part of sports, but unexpected events can change everything quickly. Sometimes it’s about seizing opportunities when they come up unexpectedly.
What do you think? Will these absences hurt or help other players step up?
