The Vancouver Canucks welcomed a new face to the dressing room Saturday, although he’s already familiar with quite a few players.

Emerson Etem, who was acquired from the New York Rangers Friday in exchange for Nicklas Jensen and a 6th round pick in 2017, took part in game day skate this morning; he was one of 11 Canucks who skated.

He spoke post-skate and to no one’s surprise, he’s excited to be here, excited for a fresh start and excited to show what he can do. He's also excited to see a few former WHL teammates.

“I’ve shown flashes of what I can do, but now it’s about being more consistent,” said Etem, who will not play Saturday.

It’s been a month to the day that Dan Hamhuis took a slap shot to the face against the New York Rangers and he returned to the ice this morning.

Skating with a full cage, Hamhuis, alongside fellow injured teammates Luca Sbisa and Brandon Sutter, skated prior to the team’s morning session. Although coach Desjardins said Hamhuis is still roughly a month away from action, he’s incredibly happy to be back on the ice.

“It’s a testament to the great trainers and medical staff here,” said Hamhuis. “They took such great care of me and then it was just a matter of waiting for it to heal.”

Hamhuis had his jaw wired shut, which meant holiday dinners through a straw. He’ll be wearing that smile for a long time to come now that the breaks and fractures are healing.

Coach Desjardins said he was all for getting Etem from the Rangers because of his speed and shot. Desjardins coached Etem for one season in Medicine Hat of the WHL and he said their familiarity will help the right winger adjust to the Canucks quickly.