Patrik Allvin shopping goaltenders still: Canucks linked to a veteran netminder

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Cooper Godin
July 5, 2024 (11:10)

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The Vancouver Canucks have recently been named as the best fit for a veteran goaltender on the free agent market to play behind Thatcher Demko next season.

Patrik Allvin and the Vancouver Canucks may be on the hunt for a veteran backup in free agency or at least a third option in case they need Arturs Silovs to get into more games down in Abbotsford. There are quite a few veterans available on the free agent market including a North Vancouver native.

In a recent article on theScore, Josh Wegman shared that he believes the Vancouver Canucks would be the best fit for 34-year-old netminder Martin Jones, who spent last season with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Wegman says that the Canucks could use some depth in the crease, even after signing Jiri Patera on July 1st and the fact that Arturs Silovs likely has the inside track to land the backup role. He added that Jones' contract would likely be less than a $1 million USD and if he were to struggle, he could be placed on waivers.

"Arturs Silovs endeared himself to Canucks fans with some magical moments in the postseason. However, Vancouver could still stand to add depth in the crease behind Thatcher Demko.

Enter Martin Jones, the lone elder statesman on this list and a native of North Vancouver, British Columbia." Wegman said.

He went on to add, "Jones would likely come with a sub-$1-million cap hit, especially to play for his hometown team. He could also be placed on waivers if he struggles out of the gate. There would be no downside to bringing him in."

Last season, Jones appeared in 22 games for the Maple Leafs where he had a record of 11-8-1 with a 2.87 goals against average, a .902 save percentage and two shutouts. He also appeared in five games in the AHL for the Toronto Marlies.

Signing Martin Jones would be a cheap and potentially reliable option for the Canucks behind Thatcher Demko. Even though Arturs Silovs is more than ready to be a backup in the NHL on a full-time basis, if Demko gets injured for an extended period of time next season, having a tandem of Silovs and Jiri Patera might not be ideal.

Do you think the Vancouver Canucks should sign Martin Jones? Let us know what you think in the poll below!

Source: theScore
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