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 could possibly be trying to convey somebody in on a PTO.
Sportsnet 650: Iain MacIntyre on the Vancouver Canucks goaltending scenario. They might be trying to convey somebody in on a PTO over a contract. Antti Raanta is one potential possibility that could possibly 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 just 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 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 nicely.
However I additionally need 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 you need to bear 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 are usually not on the lookout for a man to be within the high two this yr.
They’re trying strictly for depth. For some insurance coverage. PTO is the least pricey type of insurance coverage since you get one other physique for coaching camp. You get one other particular person to take some workload in the course of the preseason video games, in case you want any individual to take some workload. And, and if it, in case you’re bringing in any individual on a PTO, you’re going to present them present them sufficient respect to present 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 any individual to an precise contract, it’s not going to be to come back in and change Arturs Silvos, or change for an prolonged interval Thatcher Demko.
The, the group’s plan, and so they’re very assured on this, is nevertheless lengthy it takes for for Demko to be prepared. And he could also be prepared for the season over, perhaps he gained’t be. Who is aware of, perhaps he performs within the preseason. You realize, the very 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 one envisions it going deep into the common season the place they’re going to wish to usher in one other established goalie.
And, and one factor to recollect as nicely, the benefit of the PTO is it provides them a whole lot of flexibility. The staff doesn’t need to should tackle one other contract that, that it’s obtained to handle below the wage cap. And I do know they’ve a number of, a number of gamers who can play in Abbotsford, and also you, you’ll be able to bury the total 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 attainable, they need to keep out of LTIR to begin the season. Now, perhaps that’s wishful considering. We’ll see the way it goes, however that’s their that’s their goal, to present themselves some flexibility going into the season.”
