Canucks’ Boeser, Rossi, Buium return to ice; Garland absent with illness

The Vancouver Canucks could be looking forward to some reinforcements when they return to game action.

Boeser missed the final five games before the break after a high hit from Pittsburgh Penguins defenceman Bryan Rust resulted in a concussion. Rust was suspended three games for the hit. In 50 games this season, the 28-year-old has 12 goals and 13 assists.

Rossi, one of the key pieces for the Canucks in the Quinn Hughes trade, has been out since Jan. 1 with a lower-body injury. Head coach Adam Foote told reporters after practice that Rossi is healthy and ready to go.

On the season, the 24-year-old Austrian has 13 points in 17 games prior to his trade and two points in eight games with the Canucks.

Chytil and Buium both skated in non-contact jerseys.

Buium, another pillar in the Hughes trade return, suffered a facial fracture on Jan. 25 against the Penguins after taking a puck to the face. He returned to the game with a bubble after receiving stitches, but was placed on injured reserve shortly thereafter. In addition to the non-contact jersey, the 20-year-old defenceman also practised with a cage.

Chytil, 26, has been out since Feb. 2 against the Utah Mammoth, when he was forced to leave early because of migraines. He was playing in just his 12th game of the season after a concussion cost him three months from mid-October to mid-January. He had just returned to the lineup on Jan. 23 but has dealt with multiple concussions over his nine NHL seasons.

Meanwhile, Conor Garland was the only non-Olympian absent from Tuesday’s skate. The Canucks told reporters that the 29-year-old American was dealing with an illness.

The 32nd-place Canucks return to game action on Feb. 25 against the Winnipeg Jets.