The Canucks have identified their needs: Allvin poking around on the market

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Cooper Godin
August 20, 2024 (1:54 PM)

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The Vancouver Canucks are reportedly 'poking around' on the goaltending market with Demko's status still in limbo as of mid-August.

With Thatcher Demko's status still uncertain and him not being back to 100 percent healthy after back-to-back knee injuries, it appears that the Vancouver Canucks may be looking at external options as a bit of a safety net.

While on Sportsnet 650, Rick Dhaliwal said that the Canucks may be continuing to poke around the goaltending market for insurance, in case Thatcher Demko isn't ready to go out of the gate. Dhaliwal didn't mention any players by name but mentioned that now is the time to start talking to agents about PTOs.

"I wouldn't be surprised if the Canucks continue to poke around the goalie market again, mostly just to protect themselves. Now the Canucks may need insurance just in case, which is a good move on their part. This is the time to talk to player's agents about PTOs." Dhaliwal said.

There are still a number of goaltending options available on the free agent market for Patrik Allvin and the Canucks' management group to take a look at. Given the situation they're in with Demko still not at 100 percent health and having a young Arturs Silovs, it may be smart to eye up a veteran netminder with plenty of experience.

Among the options for Patrik Allvin to consider are Martin Jones, Antti Raanta, David Rittich, Aaron Dell and possibly Keith Kinkaid.

We'll have to wait and see how Demko progressing in the coming weeks as we approach training camp, but as Dhaliwal says, it wouldn't be a shock to see them bring in a netminder, whether it be a guaranteed contract or PTO, as insurance.