The Vancouver Canucks are coping with some goaltending well being points as we head in 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 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 in all probability kicked the tires on, on a bunch of fellows that whose names haven’t surfaced. You already know, Raanta makes some, I assume, linear sense, if, if, if you concentrate on his cease in Arizona with Rick Tocchet as properly.
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 had been speaking about this final season being as poorest, which it actually was. However you must 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 usually are not in search of a man to be within the prime two this yr.
They’re wanting 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 through the preseason video games, for those who want anyone to take some workload. And, and if it, for those who’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 exchange Arturs Silvos, or exchange for an prolonged interval Thatcher Demko.
The, the group’s plan, they usually’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, perhaps he received’t be. Who is aware of, perhaps he performs within the preseason. You already know, 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 want to usher in 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 group 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 plenty of, plenty of gamers who can play in Abbotsford, and also you, you may 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 potential, they need to keep out of LTIR to start out the season. Now, perhaps that’s wishful considering. We’ll see the way it goes, however that’s their that’s their goal, to offer themselves some flexibility going into the season.”
