"Christian has been a key contributor at both the AHL and NHL level this season," said Allvin. "He has developed nicely under the watchful eye of our Abbotsford coaching staff and player development team. This has allowed him to step into his current role in the NHL and show that he can help our team get results."
Wolanin, 28, has split this season between Vancouver and the Abbotsford Canucks (AHL), collecting three points (0-3-3) and a +4 plus-minus rating in 15 NHL games so far. Prior to being recalled on February 18, he had registered 55 points (6-49-55) in 49 AHL games with Abbotsford to lead all Canucks skaters and AHL defencemen in scoring. Despite having not appeared in AHL game action since February 15, Wolanin still ranks atop each category and sits third in assists in the league.
The 6'2", 190-pound defenceman was selected to represent the Pacific Division at the 2023 AHL All-Star Classic earlier this season and helped guide the team to an All-Star Challenge Championship. On December 5, he was named the AHL Player of the Week with 10 points (1-9-10) in four games.
Now in his sixth professional season, Wolanin has recorded 23 points (6-17-23) and 20 penalty minutes in 85 career NHL games with the Canucks, Buffalo Sabres, Los Angeles Kings, and Ottawa Senators. In 138 regular season AHL games with Abbotsford, Ontario Reign, and Belleville Senators, Wolanin has posted 108 points (15-93-108), 77 penalty minutes, and a +21 rating. He also appeared in five Calder Cup Playoff games with Ontario last season, notching a goal and three assists.
Originally born in Quebec City, Quebec, Wolanin has presented the United States on the international stage as a dual citizen, playing in the 2019 and 2021 World Championships, earning bronze in the latter year. He was originally selected by the Ottawa Senators in the fourth round, 107th overall in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft.
