The Vancouver Canucks have announced that forward Tyler Motte has been moved to the injured reserved list with an upper-body injury.
#Canucks have placed Tyler Motte on IR and recalled forwards Zack MacEwen and Justin Bailey from the @UticaComets. pic.twitter.com/3d09gKI3BC
— Vancouver #Canucks (@Canucks) January 30, 2020
Tyler Motte Injured
Tyler Motte was injured when checked into the boards by Erik Karlsson during Thursday night’s match against the San Jose Sharks.
This will be the third trip to the injured reserve list for Motte this year. He started the season there, not playing until October 15th. He lasted just six games, getting injured against the Washington Capitals ten days later. Rejoining the Canucks on December 15th, Motte had scored 3 goals and 4 points in this 18 game stretch.
Originally drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks, in the 4th round of the 2013 entry draft, Motte subsequently played for the Columbus Blue Jackets before coming to the Canucks in a 2018 trade.
Over a four-year NHL career, Motte has 21 goals and 14 assists for 35 career points spanning 177 career games.
What This Means for the Future
Motte has been a high-energy player for the Canucks, bringing speed and tenacity to their fourth line. An important part of their depth, he’s a frequent penalty killer and is often matched against opposing scorers. Though not attributable to him alone, the Pacific division leaders are just 12-12-3 when he is absent from their lineup.
His absence is providing an opportunity for AHLers Zack MacEwen and Justin Bailey. Bailey is best known for recently scoring three hat tricks in a four-game span with Utica. MacEwen, however, has been the more recent call-up for Vancouver and is a regular go-to for the Canucks. Both players come with good size and speed, and GM Jim Benning has said he wanted to “have a look at” Bailey.
At least one of the two will get a chance with Vancouver on their Eastern road trip, likely only after Tim Schaller draws back in.
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