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In league roster moves today, Elliotte Friedman took to X to announce that several NHL players have been placed on waivers. Among them, a name that will catch the attention of Vancouver Canucks fans is former goaltender Spencer Martin, who is now with the Carolina Hurricanes.
This news comes on the heels of the Canucks losing another depth goaltender, Jiri Patera, earlier in the day. Patera, claimed off waivers by the Boston Bruins, leaves a gap in Vancouver's goalie pipeline-one that could easily be filled by a familiar face like Martin.
Jiri Patera claimed off waivers
For the Canucks, goaltending depth has been a serious concern, especially with the health of their key players in question heading into the season. Thatcher Demko, the team's undisputed number one goalie, is dealing with a somewhat unknown injury, while the backup situation remains in flux. With Arturs Silovs showing promise but still gaining experience, and Kevin Lankinen recently added to the mix, having a seasoned backup in Martin could provide some much-needed stability.
Martin, who spent two seasons splitting time between the Abbotsford Canucks in the AHL and the Vancouver Canucks in the NHL, played in 35 NHL games during that span. His performance during those seasons was a bit of a mixed bag, with flashes of solid play but also some struggles, especially during his second year when the Canucks were dealing with various defensive issues. Despite that, Martin has shown he's a capable NHL-caliber goaltender, and given the Canucks' current situation, bringing him back could be a smart insurance policy.
If the Canucks were to claim Martin off waivers, he would likely slot in as their fourth goaltender when everyone is healthy. This would put him behind Demko, Silovs, and Lankinen on the depth chart. However, in a season where goaltending injuries seem almost inevitable, having a player like Martin waiting in the wings in Abbotsford could prove invaluable. His familiarity with the organization and experience playing within the Canucks' system make him an ideal candidate to return, especially at a time when the team can't afford to be short-staffed in the crease.
