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 might be seeking to deliver somebody in on a PTO.
Sportsnet 650: Iain MacIntyre on the Vancouver Canucks goaltending state of affairs. They could be seeking to deliver somebody in on a PTO over a contract. Antti Raanta is one potential choice that might be thought-about.
** NHLRumors.com transcription
Dan Riccio: “However I did need 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 additionally 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 most likely kicked the tires on, on a bunch of fellows that whose names haven’t surfaced. You recognize, Raanta makes some, I suppose, linear sense, if, if, if you consider his cease in Arizona with Rick Tocchet as effectively.
However I additionally need to make the purpose, as a result of I heard what you mentioned 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 important to keep in mind, within the context of what we’re discussing now, and what’s, I’m positive going to proceed to be mentioned on this market about goaltending well being is, the Canucks aren’t on the lookout for a man to be within the prime two this 12 months.
They’re trying 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 throughout the preseason video games, when you want anyone to take some workload. And, and if it, when you’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 on the lookout for.
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 recognize, 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 effectively, the benefit of the PTO is it offers them loads of flexibility. The workforce doesn’t need to should tackle one other contract that, that it’s bought to handle underneath the wage cap. And I do know they’ve plenty of, plenty of gamers who can play in Abbotsford, and also you, you may bury the complete weight of their contract. It’s not going to price them.
However they, they haven’t had any semblance of cap flexibility in years, and if potential, they need 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.”
