Canucks forward David Booth out 4-6 weeks

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VANCOUVER, British Columbia -- The Vancouver Canucks have another hole to fill on their second line.

David Booth, who has yet to take part in training camp, will be out four to six weeks with a groin strain.

Canucks coach Alain Vigneault revealed the extent of the injury Tuesday, a day after Booth underwent an MRI. His absence leaves two holes on Vancouver's second line because center Ryan Kesler is recuperating from offseason shoulder and wrist surgery and remains out indefinitely.

Mason Raymond, who missed much of last season while recovering from a serious back injury, is the only holdover from the second line able to participate in camp.

Journeyman forward Andrew Ebbett and Jordan Schroeder, the club's top draft pick (22nd overall) in 2009, are auditioning to fill Kesler's spot, while second-year pro Zack Kassian has been playing the other wing alongside Raymond.

Vigneault has expressed a desire to keep his third and fourth lines intact.

The 28-year-old Booth had 16 goals and 13 assists in 56 games with Vancouver in 2011-12 after coming over in an early-season trade from Florida. He also had one assist with the Panthers.

It's unclear when the seven-year veteran got injured. Booth worked out with teammates informally late last week before the NHL lockout ended, participating in drills and scrimmages, but has been sidelined since then.

The Canucks open their season at home Saturday against the Anaheim Ducks.

Copyright 2013 by The Associated Press

This story is from ESPN.com's automated news wire. Wire index

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