Vancouver has now officially sent both of its 2013 first-round draft picks back to their respective junior clubs, returning Hunter Shinkaruk to WHL Medicine Hat on Monday -- one day after dispatching Bo Horvat to OHL London.
Horvat, the ninth overall selection (acquired in the Cory Schneider trade) was the more ballyhooed prospect heading into training camp, but it was Shinkaruk (24th overall) that lasted longer and arguably made the bigger impression.
Head coach John Tortorella said he really liked Shinkaruk’s camp, adding the 18-year-old was “trying like hell” to make the team.
The moves mean none of Vancouver’s last four first-round picks -- Horvat, Shinkaruk, Nicklas Jensen and Brendan Gaunce -- are still with the team. It’s unclear what Vancouver plans to do with Zac Dalpe and Jeremy Welsh (acquired yesterday from Carolina) or Ryan Stanton, claimed off waivers from Chicago on Monday morning.