An alarming amount of injuries to the Vancouver Canucks to start the season have forced them to sign a player many thought they would never see in a Canucks uniform again.
With the most recent ankle injury to forward Michael Grabner, the Canucks have signed Matt Pettinger to a NHL contract. Pettinger joined the team at practice this morning and is expected to play Tuesday when the Canucks host the New York Rangers at GM Place.
If Pettinger is inserted into the lineup it will mark his second stint as a Canuck. You may recall he was acquired from the Washington Capitals at the 2007-2008 NHL trade deadline. Pettinger played 20 games for the Canucks down the stretch recording six points and 11 penalty minutes.
Last season, Pettinger, who was on the bubble to make the Canucks opening night roster, was plucked off waivers by the Tampa Bay Lightning. Pettinger played 59 games for the Lightning and recorded 15 points.
Heading into this season, Pettinger, who was an unrestricted free agent, was not signed by a National Hockey League team. Running out of options Pettinger decided to sign with his hometown pro team the Victoria Salmon Kings of the East Coast Hockey League, which also happens to be an affiliate team of the Vancouver Canucks.
Pettinger said at the time he signed with the Salmon Kings that this was a good situation in which he could help out the team and also give himself exposure to try and get back to the NHL.
As the Canucks injury lists continued to grow so did the number of call-ups to the big club from Manitoba. The Moose saw their depth pool stretched thin that they signed Pettinger to a 25-game tryout deal. Since signing with the Moose on October 15th Pettinger has scored four goals and four assists.
Based on Monday's lines at practice expect Pettinger to play on the fourth line with Mario Bliznak and Darcy Hordichuk. If he plays he will wear jersey number 13, the number last worn by Mats Sundin.
