Canucks Daily: Bigger Tests on Day 2; Slew of NHL Injuries!

The three groups of Canucks that divide up the 59 skaters and six goalies at training camp will rotate Friday, with Group B and C skating before the scrimmage, followed by Group A getting the tired task of skating after the 30-minute game. That session will include J.T. Miller, Brock Boeser, Tanner Pearson, Quinn Hughes, and Oliver Ekman-Larsson.

There were excellent battles in Thursday’s scrimmage, followed by an entertaining media session with Russians Andrei Kuzmenko and Ilya Mikheyev and their Swedish centre Elias Pettersson.

Petey is familiar with the expectations in playing for the Canucks. Mikheyev comes from a similarly demanding environment in Toronto, while Kuzmenko arrives after eight seasons in Russia’s top KHL.

“From the small amount I’ve seen of him so far,” Pettersson said of Kuzmenko, “I think it (the smaller rink) suits him more, but from what I’ve seen it doesn’t matter if it’s a big or small rink, he will make space for himself and get looks and yeah, he’s a good player.”

Banged Up Big Time

We weren’t expected a list like this today. It goes on and on …

— Vegas Hockey Now: Firstly, Nolan Patrick is out for the season. Secondly, Mark Stone and Brendan Brisson (agent Pat’s son) were wearing non-contact jerseys on the first day of training camp. Vegas Golden Knights

— Colorado Hockey Now: Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog is out with a lower body injury. He’s likely to miss the start of the NHL regular season. Colorado Avalanche

— Philly Hockey Now: The Flyers are confirming that defenceman Ryan Ellis will miss the entire 2022-23 NHL season with a pelvic injury. Philadelphia Flyers

— Washington Hockey Now: Veteran centre Nicklas Backstrom is optimistic that he’ll return to play following offseason back surgery. Washington Capitals

— Boston Hockey Now: Bruins defenseman Matt Grzelcyk is targeting a November return from a shoulder injury. Boston Bruins

Jeepers creepers, have a healthy, fun weekend!