Vancouver Canucks: Rome, Bolduc Injuries at Opportune Time as Salo Recovers

Vancouver Canucks reporter Kristin Reid reported today that the team will be without the services of both defenceman Aaron Rome and centre Alexandre Bolduc for three to four weeks.

Bolduc left late in the game on Friday against the Washington Capitals after he injured his shoulder while taking a faceoff. This is the third time he's injured the shoulder.

First, on Oct. 29, 2009 against the Los Angeles Kings on a faceoff and then again on Jan. 13, 2010 against the Minnesota Wild in a fight with John Scott. He then had surgery on that shoulder and was sidelined for the rest of the season.

Rome played 2:37 before he suffered a sprained MCL.

The injuries come at an opportune time for Mike Gillis and the Vancouver Canucks as defenceman Sami Salo is inching towards a return.

Salo has been participating in full practices since Dec. 30 and we could see his return before the All-Star break (Jan. 27-31 for the Canucks).

According to CapGeek.com, the Canucks need to clear $1,835,833 to activate Sami Salo from long-term injured reserve.

If placed on long-term injured reserve, Rome ($750,000) and Bolduc ($500,000) will clear a total of $1,250,000 in cap space. 

The Canucks could then waive Andrew Alberts and send him the minors to clear the required remaining $585,833 in cap space.

So much for trading Mikael Samuelsson and Raffi Torres, as it was suggested by Iain MacIntyre two days ago.