The Manitoba Moose haven't resorted to an official help wanted advertisement just yet, but they're not far off.
Truth is, they've been looking for an experienced forward, preferably another centre with offensive ability, since free agency opened on July 1.
The ad itself might read something like this:
American Hockey League team, located in a hockey hotbed with strong fan base, playing in a virtually new arena with NHL-calibre amenities, seeking top-flight forward with ability to put the puck in the net and not be a liability in the defensive zone.
Experience preferred, but strong character traits just as, if not more, important.
Interested parties still looking for work should contact Moose general manager Craig Heisinger.
The need to bring in another veteran forward accelerated yesterday when news broke that Matt Pettinger had been signed to a two-way deal by the Canucks, who are dealing with a myriad of injuries -- the latest two sustained by Moose call-ups Alexandre Bolduc (shoulder) and Michael Grabner (ankle).
"We've been doing it, honest," said Arniel, when asked about the search for a veteran forward. "Obviously, we try to keep stuff close to our vest, but since training camp, both us and Vancouver have been trying to swing a deal. We're trying to sort of turn over every stone possible to find those players and we've been talking to other American League teams. There's just not a lot of movement right now and not a lot of players available."
Arniel cracked a smile when asked what his ideal veteran pickup might look like?
"I'll take anything right now with two legs and can handle a stick," Arniel joked, before returning to serious mode. "Certainly we want someone who can fit into the mould here. We're trying. Hopefully, through the middle of the week here we'll get some help from somewhere else."
With defenceman Lawrence Nycholat expected to be out another couple of weeks for sure with shoulder and knee injuries and Pettinger up with the Canucks, the Moose dressed only three veterans (of five allotted) last night against the Norfolk Admirals: captain Mike Keane, defenceman Nolan Baumgartner and centre Marty Murray.
The Moose aren't about to feel sorry for themselves, most likely because they understand nobody will be cutting them any slack while they deal with a depleted lineup.
News that Pettinger had been signed and recalled by the Canucks was met with a collective shrug of the shoulders in the Moose locker room.
"It's kind of an everyday occurrence for us right now," said Murray. "We can't be frustrated. It's the nature of this league. You can't start to make excuses."
ken.wiebe@sunmedia.ca
