The Abbotsford Canucks have four games left in their season, and while there’s not a ton left to play for, we should see one prospect get into some game action as his junior career comes to a close. On Monday, the Canucks assigned forward Riley Patterson to AHL Abbotsford.
The following transaction has occurred:
Vancouver (NHL) re-assigns F Riley Patterson from Niagara (OHL) to Abbotsford
All four of Abbotsford’s remaining games will be on the road. They’ll play the Calgary Wranglers on Friday and Saturday this week, then Abbotsford will wrap up their season with back-to-backs against Ontario and Coachella Valley on Saturday the 18th and Sunday the 19th, respectively.
Patterson, who turned 20 less than a month ago, concludes his final junior season with 40 goals and 44 assists through 60 games played with the Ice Dogs. He added four goals and four assists through Niagara’s five playoff games.
The Canucks signed Patterson to an entry-level contract back in September, opening the door for him to turn pro at the end of his junior season.
“It’s not just the sheer point totals that are impressive. It’s how he’s doing it that makes his season so interesting. The offence isn’t inflated by power-play padding. In fact, only 18 of his points have come with the man advantage. The bulk of his damage is happening at even strength, which matters far more when projecting to the pro game. His heavy and accurate shot remains his true calling card. But he’s also shown the ability to provide in a variety of ways — off the rush, curling into space, one-timing from the flank, or cleaning up around the net with soft hands in tight. It’s a mixed bag of production…”
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