Vancouver is also projected to be without Elias Pettersson for this game. The 27-year-old has missed the last three games with an upper-body injury, but is on the trip with the team. This season, Pettersson has 22 points in 28 games and is averaging 20:37 of a night.

"We all play hockey, and we know it might happen. But I'm really happy for everything Minnesota has done for me," Rossi said.

The Vancouver Canucks begin a five-game road trip in New Jersey on Sunday morning, which will bring them to the Christmas break. Note the 9:30 a.m. PT start time. Friday night was a big news day for the team,

Vancouver Canucks forward Lukas Reichel has hit the waiver wire, and the San Jose Sharks should consider claiming him.