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Minor moves: Panthers and Coyotes make deal, Canucks sign Oreskovich

Tim Thomas;  Victor Oreskovich

Boston Bruins goalie Tim Thomas defends on a shot by Vancouver Canucks right wing Victor Oreskovich during the second period of Game 6 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals in Boston, Monday, June 13, 2011. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Jonathan Hayward)

AP

As training camp slowly approaches, there were a few minor deals around the NHL as teams look to round out their teams (and organizational depth) for the upcoming season.

The Florida Panthers and Phoenix Coyotes completed a minor swap of prospects. The Panthers sent goaltender Marc Cheverie to the Coyotes in exchange for Justin Bernhardt. Both players spent the majority of last season with the ECHL affiliates. Bernhardt had 6 goals and 25 points in 47 games for the Las Vegas Wranglers, while Cheverie put up a 13-9-5 record and 3.11 goals against average with the Cincinnati Cyclones. Cheverie also saw action in 15 games with Florida’s AHL affiliate in Rochester—posting an underwhelming 2-7-1 record and a 3.91 goals against average. He goes from the Panthers (who have Jacob Markstrom waiting in the wings) to the Coyotes that have been impressed with goaltending prospect Mark Visentin. Best of luck breaking through.

Both players will look to get their careers on the right track with their new organizations.

Up in the Northwest, the defending President’s Trophy winning Vancouver Canucks rounded out their roster by signing winger Victor Oreskovich to a one-year, two-way deal worth $605,000. Oreskovich appeared with both Manitoba (AHL) and the Canucks last season before carving out a niche for himself in Vancouver on the 4th line. A quick look at the roster gives the Canucks about 32 players who can fight it out for a spot on the 4th line next season.

Vancouver Canucks assistant general manager Laurence Gilman commented to the Vancouver Sun in regards to the signing:

“Victor made great strides last year, but this a year to establish himself. It’s a short term and as a result he has the ability, if he performs to a level, to use this year for a spring board for greater things.”

Oreskovich was originally acquired by the Canucks along with Keith Ballard from the Florida Panthers for Michael Grabner, Steve Bernier, and a first round pick (Quinton Howden). The 25-year-old Whiby, ON native only played in 16 regular season games last season; but grabbed a hold of his opportunity with the big club by appearing in 19 games in the postseason. While still looking for his first goal in a Canucks uniform – he only had three assists in 35 total games last season – Oreskovich is the type of player who uses his 6’3” frame to battle down low, wear down opponents, and play a physical brand of hockey that is welcomed on a team that’s stacked with offensive talent.