The worst has happened folks. Fan favourite journeyman forward Vincent Arseneau has been traded by the Abbotsford Canucks to the Providence Bruins in exchange for future considerations.
Arseneau first joined the organization on a PTO during the 2017-18 season. During his initial 20-game stint, Arseneau wowed the brass with his crushing hits, impressive work rate, underrated shot, and tough-as-nails throwback playstyle that won over fans in every barn the Comets played in. The dude was a workhorse, beloved by coaches and teammates for his big goals and willingness to step up for his teammates after every post-whistle scrum.
Just last season, Johnson signed Arseneau to a two-year extension with the Abbotsford Canucks. Citing Arseneau’s important role in establishing team culture, Johnson said of Arseneau, “He is a great example of a player who didn’t have the easy road, but found his way with resilience, courage and sacrifice. We have been fortunate to have him for parts of five seasons, and we are extremely excited to know he will be on the ice and in the community here in the Fraser Valley for two more years.”
Despite the high praise, Arseneau’s latest campaign with the Jr. Canucks was a tough one. Big Vinny missed over half the season due to injury or as a healthy scratch, including all six of the club’s Calder Cup Playoff games. That being said, Arseneau made it count whenever he was in the lineup. Through 35 games, Arseneau racked up 7 goals, 3 assists, and 71 PIMs; the third-most on the team in half as many games played as the two players who led above him.
Before joining the organization, the hulking 31-year-old left-shot winger was a back-to-back ECHL Kelly Cup Champion with the Allen Americans.
The AHL does not have contract restrictions on the number of AHL deals a team can have, so it is pretty likely that the team moved on due to a lack of opportunity for Arseneau next season due to the influx of younger players on ELCs. That, or the drive to and from Abbotsford from Les Isles de la Madeleines, prompted a trade request, with Arseneau preferring a closer pre/post-season commute. Regardless of why, the Big Frenchman will be sorely missed by coaches, players, and fans alike.
Here is a definitive top 8 in Big Vinny moments from the past few seasons.
The first, an honourable mention, goes toward his incredible interview with CanucksArmy’s Chris Faber for theAhl.com, where the two discussed Arseneau’s offseason crabbing job.
8. Trademark intangibles against the Ontario Reign
7. COVID-year teammate Sam Anas’ fearful congratulations of Arseneau’s move to Abbotsford
6. The Tic-Tac-Toe finisher against the Toronto Marlies
5. The snipe through traffic in enemy Moose territory
4. The running man celly after opening the scoring against Syracuse
3. Stepping in on Joel Teasdale after running into Arturs Silovs
2. Fighting Montana Onyebuchi before saluting the Canadian Armed Forces on home ice
1. The end-to-end goal and a celly so hard he fell over
The Providence Bruins got themselves another good one.
Best of luck to one of the real ones in this sport as he returns to wreak havoc on the Eastern Conference.
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