The Vancouver Canucks have recalled defenseman Kirill Kudryavtsev and assigned forward Joseph LaBate . The move once again shifts around roles near the bottom of the Canucks’ lineup, as they try to bear through seven different injuries.

Kudryavtsev’s recall will reward his impressive start to the Abbotsford Canucks season. He has points in four of the team’s five games so far, with five assists total. Kudryavtsev has looked strong and confident. He’s made plays on both ends of the ice, and excelled at creating plays off of the blue line. His performance has been a sure step forward from the 26 points and plus-18 he posted in 65 games as an AHL rookie last season.

It’s not yet clear if he’ll have a chance to crack into the NHL lineup. Vancouver also recently recalled Victor

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