Jacob Markstrom Waived by Vancouver Canucks

With Ryan Miller in town and Eddie Lack looking like a capable back-up netminder, the Vancouver Canucks decided today they no longer had the need for AHL veteran Jacob Markstrom. The team waived the goaltender today in hopes of sending him back down to the AHL’s Utica Comets.

The move comes as a surprise to many as waiving the goaltender may end up costing the Canucks the services of Markstrom should he be claimed off waivers by one of the other 29 teams. However, there is a good chance that with teams solidifying their goaltending in camp that other teams pass on Markstrom at this point in time. The Canucks are always very careful about their waiver claims but they may get beat this time around.

Jacob Markstrom was drafted by the Florida Panthers in the 2nd round of the 2008 NHL draft. He then battled in the SEL before joining the Rochester Americans in the AHL. He suited up for Panthers in 43 games between 2010 and the 2013-2014 season before being traded to the Vancouver Canucks in the deal that sent Roberto Luongo packing.

In return for the veteran Luongo, the Canucks received a highly skilled and promising young netminder in Markstrom. There was some belief that Markstrom would battle Lack for the rights to the crease this season before the Miller trade and even after there was word they would carry three goaltenders to start off the season.

However, with Bo Horvat and Hunter Shinkaruk forced the Canucks hand.

"“ Once we get through camp and these guys deserve to be here, it’s easier to carry 14 forwards than three goalies.” ~ Canucks  GM Jim Benning"

Markstrom’s final stat line with the Canucks, at least for now, looks a little something like this; 1-2 with a 3.00 goals against average and .868 save percentage.

So for the time being it appears his NHL netminding days will have to wait as he’s headed back to the AHL, should he not be claimed. The 24 year-old netminder who is 6 foot 6 and 196 pounds, is widely considered to be one of the best goaltenders who isn’t playing at the NHL level yet. There aren’t a ton of open creases around the league right now, so the chances are high Markstrom stays with the Canucks organization.