The Vancouver Canucks have claimed winger Brandon McMillan off of waivers from the Coyotes.
McMillan, 24, has just one goal and two assists in 50 games this season. He only has 14 goals in 163 career NHL games for the Coyotes and Ducks.
Given those numbers, it’s a bit of a curious pick-up. And not surprisingly, it has people in Vancouver scratching their heads and wondering if it could be the precursor for a trade:
Canucks pick up Richmond boy Brandon McMillan off waivers. Odd to see another bottom 6 guy as most teams try to cut down from 50 contracts
— Blake Price (@justBlakePrice) February 12, 2015
Granted, there is a minor preexisting connection to McMillan, a British Columbia native, and the Canucks:
Worth noting that Canucks coach Willie Desjardins coached Brandon McMillan on the '10 World Juniors team that won silver in Saskatchewan.
— Mike Halford (@MikeHalford604) February 12, 2015
It also may be that McMillan is being brought in to help replace injured forward Brad Richardson, one of Vancouver’s top penalty killers.
The Canucks have surrendered 10 power-play goals in their last eight games.