Vancouver signs Matt Pettinger to NHL deal

[caps05]

The Vancouver Canucks today announced they have signed forward Matt Pettinger to a National Hockey League contract.

Pettinger, 29, has appeared in seven games so far this season with the Moose since signing a pro tryout contract on Oct. 10/09. In that span, he's scored four points (2g & 2a) and eight penalty minutes. The Edmonton, AB native played in two games last season with the Moose after being re-assigned by Vancouver on Oct. 8/08. In that time, he scored two goals. He was then claimed by the Tampa Bay Lightning on re-entry waivers on Oct. 27/08 and played in 59 games where he scored 15 points (8g & 7a) and 24 penalty minutes. In his nine-year pro career, Pettinger has played in 413 NHL games with Tampa Bay, Vancouver and the Washington Capitals where he's scored 120 points (64g & 56a) and 204 penalty minutes. In 151 career AHL games with the Portland Pirates and Moose, Pettinger has 76 points (41g & 35a) and 196 penalty minutes.

He was originally drafted by the Capitals in the second round, 43rd overall, in the 2000 NHL Entry Draft.

[stevecanuck16]

Just some NHL talent to fill in while we're bogged down with injuries. I remember Pettinger being really excited to play for the Canucks last time around, so its nice to see him get another shot.

[GIANTSFAN]

It's insane how injured the Canucks are. Have they been taking lessons from Salo? I don't ever recall a Canucks team being this injury riddled. I know Montreal & Washington went through this about a decade ago, & they had it even worse. The season is only 1 month in, & the Canucks have yet to have a single game with their complete roster & they won't have a complete roster for some time yet. What's the deal with Demitra? I thought he was supposed to be back weeks ago. With Grabner out for a few weeks, Pettinger gets the call. I'm sure he thought his NHL dream was dead. Even the Moose's roster is getting depleted to the core. No talent left to call up, just active bodies. If the Canucks suffer another injury, I think Gillis will be shopping for some fill ins.

[bengino]

Originally Posted by GIANTSFAN

It's insane how injured the Canucks are. Have they been taking lessons from Salo? I don't ever recall a Canucks team being this injury riddled. I know Montreal & Washington went through this about a decade ago, & they had it even worse. The season is only 1 month in, & the Canucks have yet to have a single game with their complete roster & they won't have a complete roster for some time yet. What's the deal with Demitra? I thought he was supposed to be back weeks ago. With Grabner out for a few weeks, Pettinger gets the call. I'm sure he thought his NHL dream was dead. Even the Moose's roster is getting depleted to the core. No talent left to call up, just active bodies. If the Canucks suffer another injury, I think Gillis will be shopping for some fill ins.

Demitra re-aggravated the injury, out for a few more weeks.

[bengino]

Pettinger is a decent guy, he's a decent depth signing too.

[The Crow]

He played last season for Tampa, and I will say that he's always giving 100% and he doesn't shy away from physical play. A good energy guy for the third or fourth line.

[avamania2003]

Originally Posted by GIANTSFAN

It's insane how injured the Canucks are. Have they been taking lessons from Salo? I don't ever recall a Canucks team being this injury riddled. I know Montreal & Washington went through this about a decade ago, & they had it even worse. The season is only 1 month in, & the Canucks have yet to have a single game with their complete roster & they won't have a complete roster for some time yet. What's the deal with Demitra? I thought he was supposed to be back weeks ago. With Grabner out for a few weeks, Pettinger gets the call. I'm sure he thought his NHL dream was dead. Even the Moose's roster is getting depleted to the core. No talent left to call up, just active bodies. If the Canucks suffer another injury, I think Gillis will be shopping for some fill ins.

what happened to Grabby ?

[Dave Brown HOF]

Originally Posted by avamania2003

what happened to Grabby ?

He twisted his ankle. He was kicking the soccer ball around with a few of the other players before the game in the hallway area, as is usual for the Nucks before a game and he twisted it. Actually, I'm surprised that Salo hasn't been out from a concussion before from having to head the ball during their little pregame ritual.