Vancouver Canucks place local fan-favorite forward on waivers

Arshdeep Bains' journey with the Vancouver Canucks reached a critical point Tuesday. CHEK's Rick Dhaliwal reported that the Canucks placed the 24-year-old forward on waivers, opening the door for the rest of the NHL to claim him.

The move marks a significant moment for a Surrey, B.C. native who quickly became a local favorite after rising through the organization.

Bains was one of general manager Patrik Allvin's first signings after taking over the Canucks' front office. The team signed the undrafted forward to an entry-level contract in March 2022 while he was playing for the WHL's Red Deer Rebels.

Strong AHL performances followed, with Bains earning trust through his playmaking ability and work on the penalty kill.

That progress carried into last season's Calder Cup playoffs and continued into training camp, where a strong preseason helped him make the opening-night roster under head coach Adam Foote.

Bains made an immediate impression in his first game, recording an assist on a Filip Chytil goal and contributing key blocks while shorthanded.

His role diminished as the season progressed. Inconsistent play and tentative shifts led to reduced ice time, and Mackenzie MacEachern eventually moved ahead of him on the depth chart.

After five straight healthy scratches, Bains returned for two games but played fewer than six minutes in each.

Bains has one goal and five points in 26 games this season and two goals with six points in 47 NHL games. He carries a $775,000 cap hit and is signed through next season.

Elsewhere around the league, Elliotte Friedman reported that the St. Louis Blues claimed Jonatan Berggren from the Detroit Red Wings, while the Boston Bruins claimed defenseman Vladislav Kolyachonok from the Dallas Stars, highlighting how quickly roster situations can change across the NHL.