And then there were two, then one and now maybe none.

With as many as five players in contention for a Vancouver Canucks ’ opening night lineup spot Thursday, the wants and needs of the NHL club have played a prominent role in determining how the roster is set before the Monday 2 p.m. (PST) deadline.

There was the option to carry 13 or 14 forwards or seven or eight defencemen plus two goalies for the 23-player list. On Sunday, the club reassigned defencemen Victor Mancini, 23, and Tom Willander, 20, to its AHL affiliate in Abbotsford.

Mancini had two goals in three pre-season games and is growing a more complete game. Willander skates well and makes smart plays and his two assists in four exhibition outings spoke of future potential.

Veteran Derek Forbort, 33, is in load management a

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