NHL Rumors: The Vancouver Canucks Trying on the Goaltender Market

The Vancouver Canucks are coping with some goaltending well being points as we head in the direction of the beginning of coaching. They’re monitoring the goaltender market and may very well be seeking to carry somebody in on a PTO.

Sportsnet 650: Iain MacIntyre on the Vancouver Canucks goaltending scenario. They might be seeking to carry somebody in on a PTO over a contract. Antti Raanta is one potential choice that may very well be thought of.

** NHLRumors.com transcription

Dan Riccio: “However I did wish to ask you about your, your follow-up on Rick Dhaliwal’s report right here that you simply simply tweeted out @iMacSportsnet commenting on Demko as he will get to skating. No preseason deadlines right here for Demko to get again into full motion, but in addition that the Canucks could also be sniffing round Annti Raanta as a possible PTO candidate?”

MacIntyre: “Yeah, yeah. I imply, they’ve kicked the tires on Raanta. As, and I believe they’ve in all probability kicked the tires on, on a bunch of men that whose names haven’t surfaced. You realize, Raanta makes some, I assume, linear sense, if, if, if you consider his cease in Arizona with Rick Tocchet as properly.

However I additionally wish to make the purpose, as a result of I heard what you stated Dan, simply earlier than the break, the place you have been speaking about this final season being as poorest, which it actually was. However it’s a must to bear in mind, within the context of what we’re discussing now, and what’s, I’m certain going to proceed to be mentioned on this market about goaltending well being is, the Canucks will not be in search of a man to be within the high two this 12 months.

They’re wanting strictly for depth. For some insurance coverage. PTO is the least expensive type of insurance coverage since you get one other physique for coaching camp. You get one other individual to take some workload in the course of the preseason video games, if you happen to want anyone to take some workload. And, and if it, if you happen to’re bringing in anyone on a PTO, you’re going to offer them present them sufficient respect to offer them an opportunity to earn a contract. However that’s what that’s what they’re in search of.

In the event that they do signal anyone to an precise contract, it’s not going to be to return in and substitute Arturs Silvos, or substitute for an prolonged interval Thatcher Demko.

The, the group’s plan, and so they’re very assured on this, is nonetheless lengthy it takes for for Demko to be prepared. And he could also be prepared for the season over, possibly he received’t be. Who is aware of, possibly he performs within the preseason. You realize, the actual fact he’s on the ice now six weeks forward of the beginning of the common season is an excellent signal.

However no matter what his timeline is, no person envisions it going deep into the common season the place they’re going to wish to herald one other established goalie.

And, and one factor to recollect as properly, the benefit of the PTO is it provides them loads of flexibility. The workforce doesn’t wish to need to tackle one other contract that, that it’s bought to handle beneath the wage cap. And I do know they’ve numerous, numerous gamers who can play in Abbotsford, and also you, you possibly can bury the complete weight of their contract. It’s not going to value them.

However they, they haven’t had any semblance of cap flexibility in years, and if doable, they wish to keep out of LTIR to start out the season. Now, possibly that’s wishful pondering. We’ll see the way it goes, however that’s their that’s their goal, to offer themselves some flexibility going into the season.”