Vancouver, BC (My Sportsbook) - The Vancouver Canucks placed goaltender Curtis Sanford on waivers, a move intended to clear space for the return of injured netminder Roberto Luongo.

"It was a very challenging decision for us," said Canucks head coach Alain Vigneault. "Curtis is not only respected and liked by his teammates, but the whole coaching staff and management felt exactly the same way."

Sanford played in 19 games thus far for the Canucks, going 7-8-0 with a 2.56 goals-against average. His exit from the club also may have been hastened after Vancouver acquired goaltender Jason LaBarbera from the Los Angeles Kings on December 30 for a seventh-round draft pick.

LaBarbera has posted a 2-1-2 record with a 3.07 GAA since coming over from LA two weeks ago.

Luongo has missed 23 games with a groin injury, initially suffered in Pittsburgh on November 22. Prior to the setback, the 29-year-old was 11-5-2 with a 2.17 GAA and five shutouts.

Following practice on Wednesday, Luongo pronounced himself fit for action as Vancouver welcomes the Phoenix Coyotes to GM Place on Thursday.

"I have no issues and I felt pretty good in practice as far as timing goes," Luongo said. "I'm ready to go for tomorrow."