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Linden Vey is out to prove he belongs

Vancouver Canucks v Tampa Bay Lightning

Vancouver Canucks v Tampa Bay Lightning

NHLI via Getty Images

It’s “do or die” time for Linden Vey, the 24-year-old Canucks forward who knows that a repeat performance of last season could mean he’s out of a job.

“This is the year I’ve got to prove to myself and everyone that I belong, and be a guy that the organization needs going forward,” Vey told The Province. “You only get so many opportunities and this has been my best summer in working on my fitness.”

An undersized center who’s the current favorite to skate on Vancouver’s fourth line, Vey worked this offseason to build his strength, “because I have to be able to do a job against big centers.”

Vey was acquired last summer in a trade with the Kings. Essentially gifted a spot on Vancouver’s roster, he finished with 10 goals and 14 assists in 75 games, then was scratched for all but one of the Canucks’ six playoff games.

He blamed a poor summer of preparation for that.

Breathing down Vey’s neck at training camp will be prospects Cole Cassels and Jared McCann, two young centers for which the organization has high hopes.