The Vancouver Canucks have reassigned depth defenseman Frank Corrado to the Utica Comets of the American Hockey League, according to Vancouver Sun reporter Brad Ziemer.

The timing of the decision seems a bit odd, particularly considering the questionable status of Canucks top-four defender Chris Tanev for Vancouver's game against the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday.

In all likelihood the Canucks would prefer that Corrado, 21, log first-pairing minutes and play in all situations in Utica, as opposed to gathering cobwebs in the Rogers Arena press box.

A fifth-round draft pick at the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, Corrado has appeared in 22 NHL games between the regular season and playoffs over the past two seasons.