With Chris Tanev fit to return, the Vancouver Canucks have sent defenseman Troy Stecher back to the AHL's Utica Comets, the team announced Wednesday.

Stecher impressed in his three games playing predominantly on the top pair with Alex Edler, taking more than 21 minutes a night and showing an ability to push the puck up ice, as well as proficiency in the defensive end.

The 22-year-old is a product of the North Dakota system that's produced a glut of NHL talent over the past several years.

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