By far the biggest Vancouver Canucks news of Friday was the robust (and well-earned) contract for Bo Horvat (more on that here).
One smaller update might clarify the other bit of transaction news regarding the Canucks, too.
Earlier today, reports surfaced that Scottie Upshall was invited to training camp by way of a PTO. It wouldn’t be surprising if Upshall got that invite, in part, because Brendan Gaunce’s recovery from shoulder surgery might lean toward the longer side of his rehab window.
TSN’s Blake Price reports that Gaunce, 23, isn’t expected to be available until early November (and could miss more time than that).
Clarification on Gaunce injury: Benning says the Canucks forward is out until at least early November after his shoulder surgery.
— Blake Price (@justBlakePrice) September 8, 2017
This could provide an opening for Upshall, fellow PTO invite Ryan White, and it may allow for a smoother landing as Brock Boeser looks to make the leap.
With Gaunce being out until November I wouldn't be surprised if this was the opening night lineup with both PTO guys being signed pic.twitter.com/5SqoYJXT5i
— Cory Hergott (@CoryHergott) September 8, 2017
Gaunce is likely best served by coming back as close to 100 percent as possible, but you wonder if the Canucks are getting at least a bit antsy when it comes to his development. Gaunce’s two-year contract is a one-way deal, so there’s less motivation to rush back from that end.