Canucks send Mancini to minors for a reset, claim Crotty off waivers

The Vancouver Canucks have assigned defenseman Victor Mancini to the AHL's Abbotsford Canucks to help him reset his game following early-season struggles. To fill his roster spot, Vancouver claimed 27-year-old defenseman Cam Crotty off waivers from the Minnesota Wild. Canucks head coach Manny Malhotra explained that the demotion will allow Mancini to gain valuable playing minutes and rebuild his confidence away from the NHL spotlight.

Crotty became available after Minnesota placed him on waivers to open a roster spot for returning captain Jared Spurgeon. The Ottawa Senators had hoped to reclaim Crotty, but Canucks general manager Ryan Johnson and the scouting staff moved to secure the 6-foot-3 right-shot defenseman to provide short-term stability.