Vancouver Canucks GM Jim Benning said Thursday that the team expects to move one of their three goaltenders Thursday night or Friday, according to Shawn McKenzie of Sportsnet. He’s also said that he’s hoping to gethoping to acquire a 2nd or 3rd round draft pick.
Canucks GM Jim Benning said they will likely move one of their goalies by tonight or tomorrow.
— Shawn McKenzie (@ShawnMcKenzieSN) June 25, 2015
What is surprising is the timeline. With the number of goaltenders rumored to be available by trade (Cam Talbot, Craig Anderson, Robin Lehner, Antti Raanta, among others), as well as the handful of goaltenders that will become free agents on July 1 (Devan Dubnyk, Jhonas Enroth, Antti Niemi, Michael Neuvirth, among others), it wasn’t clear how the goaltending market would shape up leading into the NHL draft on Friday.
It looks like the most likely of the three goaltenders to move will be Eddie Lack. With his experience and being higher on Vancouver’s depth chart than Markstrom, he should bring the biggest return. It’s unlikely that anyone is asking or that the Canucks would be willing to move Ryan Miller.
Much like NYR and Talbot, VAN has multiple offers on Lack. Hearing BUFF among most interested. #TSN
— Aaron Ward (@TSNAaronWard) June 24, 2015
While the Sabres may be the most interested, the Edmonton Oilers, Dallas Stars, Calgary Flames, and San Jose Sharks have all been rumored to be kicking tires on goaltenders around the league. Depending how free agency goes, more teams may join the fray, including the Minnesota Wild should they find that there isn’t a middle ground with pending free agent Devan Dubnyk.
There may be a Fleury of activity once the first goaltender moves and the Price is set. Things will move Fasth and there won’t be a Lack of parties interested.
Canucks GM Jim Benning on domino effect of goalie trades: "Once one of the goalies moves, it opens up the market for the rest of 'em."
— Katie Strang (@KatieStrangESPN) June 25, 2015
RELATED: Crowded Crease Means Lack or Markstrom Will Be Traded
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