Photo credit: Canucks Army
Patrik Allvin took the stage alongside Jim Rutherford and Rick Tocchet to address the upcoming training camp. He confirmed it for Tucker Poolman.
Poolman and the Canucks: Not this year
Tucker Poolman, a 30-year-old defenseman for the Vancouver Canucks, will miss the entire 2023-2024 NHL season due to lingering injury issues, as confirmed by Canucks General Manager Patrik Allvin. Poolman, whose persistent headaches and concussion-related symptoms have plagued them since the 2021-2022 season, will remain on long-term injured reserve (LTIR), sidelining him for the foreseeable future. The announcement from Allvin has clarified Poolman's status after months of speculation about whether he could return to the lineup.
Poolman, who signed a four-year, $10 million contract with the Canucks in July 2021, was initially brought in to bolster the team's blue line with his solid defensive play and physicality. He had previously shown promise during his time with the Winnipeg Jets, where he was known for his stay-at-home defensive style and ability to eat up minutes on the ice. However, his time in Vancouver has been overshadowed by injury struggles significantly impacting his availability.
Since joining the Canucks, Poolman has only played in 43 games, including just 11 games in the 2022-2023 season. His ongoing health issues have made it impossible for him to return to form, and his absence has left a notable gap in the team's defensive depth. The Canucks have been forced to adjust their lineup and rely on younger or less experienced players to fill the void left by Poolman's prolonged injury.
Patrik Allvin's recent confirmation that Poolman will not play this season removes any lingering uncertainty and allows the Canucks to move forward with their roster planning. With Poolman on LTIR, Vancouver will gain additional cap relief, which could be used to address other areas of need during the season.
The focus now shifts to Poolman's long-term health and recovery. While the team continues to monitor his condition, there is no definitive timeline for his return to hockey, and questions about his future in the NHL remain. For the Canucks, the immediate priority will be navigating the upcoming season without Poolman while hoping for a full recovery for the defenseman down the line.
