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Vancouver Canucks expected to waive Spencer Martin


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Vancouver Canucks expected to waive Spencer Martin (msn.com)

 

Story by Josh Erickson, Pro Hockey Rumors 1h
 
 
Vancouver Canucks goalie Spencer Martin (30)
Vancouver Canucks goalie Spencer Martin (30)

The Vancouver Canucks are expected to place goaltender Spencer Martin on waivers today unless a trade materializes in the next few hours, reports Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman. Martin, a candidate to compete for the backup job behind Thatcher Demko just a few weeks ago, was pushed down the team’s depth chart after the Canucks acquired Casey DeSmith in a trade with Montreal last week.

 

 

Even without acquiring DeSmith, the path to a roster spot in Vancouver for Martin wasn’t solid. After falling flat in his first shot at full-time NHL duties last season, many speculated that 22-year-old netminder Arturs Silovs may get the backup spot to start the season after a strong showing at the World Championship, guiding Latvia to a bronze medal. With DeSmith now in the fold, however, that point is moot, and both netminders are slated for AHL Abbotsford to start the season.

However, sending both netminders down will make for quite the crowded crease in Abbotsford. Vancouver also has Zach Sawchenko and Nikita Tolopilo signed to two-way contracts, plus 22-year-old Jonathan Lemieux is signed to an AHL contract for 2023-24. Lemieux is likely destined for assignment to ECHL Kalamazoo, but that would still leave four goalies competing for ice time at the AHL level. It’s clear why Vancouver would look to move on from Martin, the most veteran of the bunch at 28 years old.

 

Martin had been an AHL netminder for all of his pro career up until last season. A six-game stint near the end of 2021-22 with Vancouver earned him the upper hand on capturing the backup spot behind Demko to start 2022-23, going 3-0-3 in six starts with a sparkling .950 save percentage and 1.74 goals-against average. However, that momentum failed to translate when Martin did assume the backup role. He was arguably one of the worst netminders in the NHL last season – while his 11-15-1 record in 27 starts wasn’t awful, his .871 save percentage and 3.99 goals-against average fell far below the league average. To visualize it better, Martin conceded 27.5 more goals than the average NHL netminder would have given the same workload and shot volume.

That being said, he could still get some interest on the trade market from teams looking to fill a third-string-shaped hole on their goalie depth chart. The Columbus Blue Jackets come to mind with few options behind Elvis Merzlikins and Daniil Tarasov, both of whom have recent injury histories. 130-game NHL veteran Aaron Dell is in camp on a professional tryout, however.

 

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This seems obvious to me. DeSmith is the backup, so he's going to Abby. If someone claims him, that sucks, but not the end of the world. Silovs can handle starter duties in Abbotsford and Tolopilo might be ready for AHL backup duties.

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4 minutes ago, PhillipBlunt said:

So........was trading him out of the question, and if not, why didn't that happen?

 

Recoup a pick at least. 

 

 

 

nobody willing to give up an asset when they know there's going to be a bushel of 3rd string goalies on waivers. 

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With his numbers last year its doubtful anyone wants him - only trade value would be for an AHL swap i imagine, which might be an option once he clears.
Assuming they want Silovs Tollopilo in the A next year - but could be wrong, they may want some more experienced hands there too with one of the kids. 

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Yeah can't be helped having to waive Martin. I'm sure they tried to trade him. Would have been nice to grab a late round pick or something. Perhaps if he doesn't get claimed someone will be more interested now that he's sent down and cleared? 

 

Ty Smith got waived. Isn't that a bit risky? Feels like he will definitely be claimed. Only 23 and had 4 points in 9 NHL games last season and 24 points in 39 AHL games. But I also know he hasn't impressed much at the NHL level, so maybe the Pens aren't stressing it. Either way they are in an immediate win-now mode then will start a rebuild. 

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33 minutes ago, PhillipBlunt said:

So........was trading him out of the question, and if not, why didn't that happen?

 

Recoup a pick at least. 

 

 

If he goes through waivers, he would be more valuable because he can be placed in the AHL. Claim him and he is with the club. Trade will happen affter

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