Injury Updates: Canucks Anticipate Di Giuseppe’s Return with Amazing Views

Upon their return from the All-Star break, the Vancouver Canucks may witness the comeback of forward Phil Di Giuseppe, who has been absent from play since sustaining an injury on January 2 against the Ottawa Senators. Di Giuseppe, who has been on the injured reserve list and absent from Rogers Arena, appears to be steadily recovering from a lower-body injury, likely related to a hit by Ottawa’s Travis Hamonic, causing speculation of a knee or ankle injury. Despite not being seen on the ice independently, Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet suggested on Tuesday that Di Giuseppe has been actively skating of late and is improving.

In contrast, there is no update on Guillaume Brisebois, who is believed to have suffered a concussion in the Canucks’ final pre-season game and has not participated in any on-ice activities since. Brisebois took a high hit from the Seattle Kraken’s Brandon Tanev on October 4, prompting Tocchet’s frustration at the reckless hit in a seemingly inconsequential game. Although Tocchet has not explicitly labeled Brisebois’ injury as a concussion, his descriptions of the depth of the defenseman’s health have fueled speculation. Brisebois has encountered challenges in advancing through “protocol levels,” experiencing both good and bad days, periodic skating, and visible struggles, making it difficult for Tocchet to provide a clear prognosis.

Despite Brisebois’ gear remaining in his stall in the Canucks’ dressing room, symbolizing hope, Tocchet cautiously responded to inquiries about the possibility of the defenseman’s season being over. He mentioned that Brisebois has been taking medication, suggesting progress, but emphasized the need to wait and see if it leads to the next recovery level. The uncertainty surrounding Brisebois’ condition contrasts with the Canucks’ prior commitment, as they signed him to a two-year contract extension last summer, positioning him as a seventh or eighth defenseman. Brisebois, a 2015 third-round pick, played 27 NHL games for the Canucks, including 17 last season, during which he scored his first NHL goal.