"The Vancouver Canucks have recalled Yann Sauve from the Manitoba Moose and the rookie defenceman figures to fill in for the injured Sami Salo in Wednesday night's game against the Colorado Avalanche at Rogers Arena (7 p.m., Sportsnet, Team 1040).

Earlier today, Canucks coach Alain Vigneault seemed to be holding out hope that Salo might be able to play Wednesday night.

"I think there's a good possibility, but that being said we'll see tomorrow morning how he feels," Vigneault said after today's practice. "If he can go, great. If he can't, we've got plenty of time to call somebody up from Manitoba and get him here by game time."

But just a couple of hours after Vigneault made those comments, the Canucks issued a release saying Sauve was being summoned from the farm.

Salo was hurt Monday night when a shot by Minnesota forward Kyle Brodziak struck his left elbow late in the first period of Vancouver's 4-2 win over the Wild. Salo left the game immediately and did not return.

Vigneault said Salo was feeling better today.

"His elbow is a little numb from that shot he took yesterday, but is feeling much better today."

Defenceman Kevin Bieksa practised for the first time today since fracturing a bone in his foot Feb. 15 in Minnesota. But Vigneault said there's no chance Bieksa will play Wednesday night.

"I didn't even talk to Kevin yet, but just by watching him skate today he's still not quite ready and it wouldn't make any sense," Vigneault said. "Today was his first practice with the team. We'll have to give him a little more time."

Bieksa agreed he's not quite ready to play after a month-long layoff."