Olen Zellweger will draw back into the Ducks' lineup on Wednesday, sending Vaakanainen to the press box as a healthy scratch. The 25-year-old Vaakanainen is in his seventh NHL season. He had 14 points (1G / 13A) in 68 games with the Ducks last season.
After being a healthy scratch in Anaheim's season-opening win, Urho Vaakanainen will make his season debut in place of Olen Zellweger on Sunday. The 25-year-old had a goal, 14 points, and 26 PIMs in 68 games with the Ducks in 2023-24.
Vaakanainen will return to Anaheim for a fourth season after the 25-year-old signed a one-year contract extension to remain a Duck on Monday. The stay-at-home defenseman scored his first career NHL goal in 2023-24 after five previous seasons and ended with a career-high 14 points in 68 games played.
Vaakanainen has appeared in 65 games this season for Anaheim but will head to the press box on Friday as he is replaced by Radko Gudas, who is returning from injury. The 25-year-old played in 68 career NHL games across six separate seasons before sticking with the Ducks this year and has taken a massive step forward with his 14 points (1G/13A), 66 SOG and 26 PIMs in 65 games in 2023-24.
Vaakanainen will draw right back into the lineup after sitting out Tuesday's game as Owen Zellweger will be the odd-man out on Thursday. Vaakanainen has one goal and twelve assists in 61 games this season.
Vaakanainen will be the odd-man out in Seattle on Tuesday. William Lagesson will draw into the lineup in his place.
Vaakanainen will be right back in Anaheim's lineup on Tuesday after sitting out Sunday's game against the Islanders. He'll skate alongside the Ducks' newest player, William Lagesson, on the team's third pair.
Gustav Lindstrom will be a healthy scratch on Wednesday, allowing Vaakanainen to re-enter the lineup after not playing on Monday. The 25-year-old Vaakanainen has nine points (1G / 8A), 48 shots, and 56 hits in 46 games this season.
Jackson Lacombe will draw back into the lineup on Monday, sending Vaakanainen to the press box as a healthy scratch. Vaakanainen has nine points (1G / 8A), 48 shots, and 56 blocks in 46 games this season.
Vaakanainen will re-enter Anaheim's lineup against the Kraken on Saturday in place of the injured Radko Gudas (lower-body). Vaakanainen has no goals and six assists in 24 games this season.
Vaakanainen suffered a lower-body injury in the Ducks game vs. Arizona on January 28th and was placed on IR in advance of Monday's game in Dallas. Kevin Shattenkirk is expected to be back in the Ducks lineup to replace Vaakanainen.
Vaakanainen has yet to collect a point even though he has seven shots and is a -5 plus/minus through seven games this season but will be a healthy scratch Tuesday as he is replaced by Colton White.
Vaakanainen crashed heavily into the end boards in Friday's preseason game and had to be stretchered off of the ice. The Ducks said that Vaakanainen was released from the hospital on Friday night and continues to improve. They have yet to issue another update but expect Vaakanainen to miss the start of the season.
