And it ends just as quickly as it began.
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The Vancouver Canucks have wrapped up their training camp in Penticton with the <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/news/arturs-silovs-canucks-scrimmage-training-camp">intrasquad scrimmage on Sunday</a>. While a lot of things seemed set in stone heading into the week, there were more than a few moments that stood out throughout camp. As training camp transitions appropriately into the preseason, here are seven takeaways from the four days in Penticton.
<blockquote>Hughes-Hronek is good, but it&#8217;d be nice not to need them together</blockquote>
Talented players like playing with talented players. That&#8217;s a given, and the captain of the Canucks has been vocal in wanting to stick with <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/news/vancouver-canucks-quinn-hughes-filip-hronek-nhl">Filip Hronek as his partner</a>. &#8220;I’m always under the assumption of, ‘Don’t fix what’s not broken.’ Me and Fil were great last year. We were plus-40, the team was a goal away from going to the Conference Finals,&#8217; Quinn Hughes said on Canucks Central Friday. “I haven’t really talked to anyone about it, [but] I love playing with Fil.”
It&#8217;s clear that these two are the best defencemen on this Canucks team. However, to start camp, they were placed in two different groups, with Rick Tocchet trying out different pairing partners with them throughout the week.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
Quinn Hughes and Filip Hronek open <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Canucks?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Canucks</a> camp in different groups, and on different pairs. Desharnais going to get the first look with Quinn?
Lekkerimäki in the same group as Pettersson and DeBrusk. 👀 <a href="https://t.co/aSBNooa2Re">https://t.co/aSBNooa2Re</a>
&mdash; Thomas Drance (@ThomasDrance) <a href="https://twitter.com/ThomasDrance/status/1836806558929633787?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 19, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Hughes-Hronek is a great pairing, cementing themselves as one of the league&#8217;s best tandems. But is that necessarily the best for the team? In an interview earlier in the summer with the Athletic, Tocchet hinted at trying to see if Hronek could be the guy to drive his own pairing this upcoming season. &#8220;Saying that, does Fil tend to defer too much? I think he does,” Tocchet continued. “We had that talk at the end of the year, so it’s not something he’s shocked by. He knows he defers too much and I’d like to see him be more forceful with his decisions.&#8221;
&#8220;The thing with Huggy too is that he can play with a lot of different guys. With a bigger defenceman that can sling him the puck, and play a smart game, that’s a luxury too if that could happen, and then Filip could drive his own pair. That’s something we have to look at as an organization.&#8221;
It would certainly go a long way in helping stabilize the back end for Vancouver, and they&#8217;ve been testing the waters at training camp to see who might be able to fit alongside the pair that aren&#8217;t each other.
<blockquote>The kids are alright</blockquote>
For the longest time, a dearth of prospects was the norm. That has begun to tilt the other way ever so slightly. Perhaps it was low expectations heading into training camp, but more than a few Canuck prospects looked darn good and made great auditions for themselves in front of the big team&#8217;s brass.
Vilmer Alriksson dominated headlines through the Young Stars tournament, getting more than a few glowing reviews from Tocchet himself. Defenceman Elias Pettersson looked sharp, while Aatu Räty looks to have taken a step in his skating as well. Kirill Kudryavtsev looked smart and poised, definitely showing a lot of promise for a former seventh-rounder. Ty Young, the Canucks&#8217; prospect goalie with the Prince George Cougars, has himself an admirer in Marco Torenius.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
Vilmer Alriksson is one of the most intriguing prospects the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Canucks?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Canucks</a> have given his size and skillset.
Great hands in tight for a goal in today’s Young Stars game. Potential diamond in the rough, but he needs a big year in junior.
(🎥: <a href="https://twitter.com/Canucks?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Canucks</a>) <a href="https://t.co/lqMGvoZrFQ">pic.twitter.com/lqMGvoZrFQ</a>
&mdash; Grady Sas (@GradySas) <a href="https://twitter.com/GradySas/status/1835469083955134649?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Probably the biggest headline through it all was just how good Jonathan Lekkerimäki looked. The Canucks&#8217; first-rounder was firing home pucks as if he belonged with presumable top-6 forwards. In all, there were plenty of pleasant surprises amongst the Canucks prospect group &#8211; and that in and of itself was a win.
<blockquote>Lekkerimäki has a legit shot at making the team</blockquote>
Speaking of Lekkerimäki, the Swedish winger put together a strong camp that most probably didn&#8217;t expect. Iced in a trio with Elias Pettersson and Jake DeBrusk, his finishing caught plenty of attention. Lekkerimäki&#8217;s getting himself compliments left and right and has, at the very minimum, pushed himself into a legitimate conversation to make Vancouver&#8217;s team.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
“It reminds me a little bit, and this might be a stretch, and he’s gonna love that I said this, but in a way, kinda like a younger Pasta shot where it’s a quick release off his stick.”
&#8211; Jake DeBrusk on Jonathan Lekkerimäki’s wrist shot, via SN’s 650 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Canucks?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Canucks</a> Central.
&mdash; Grady Sas (@GradySas) <a href="https://twitter.com/GradySas/status/1836931079846121482?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 20, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
“Up until today, I didn’t really consider it a legitimate chance that he would stay in that spot,” said <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/news/kevin-lankinen-training-camp-canucks-conversation">Harman Dayal on Canucks Conversation.</a> “But the more I watch him play, the more I think he’s got an opportunity. I don’t think he’s necessarily the favorite to stick with the main team for the full 82 games, but he’s going to get a real crack at it – especially if he impresses in the preseason. His hockey IQ and playmaking off the rush have been really impressive. Considering the Canucks are focusing on being a team that attacks more off the rush, does that give Lekkerimäki a better chance?&#8221;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
Jonathan Lekkerimäki has parts of his game he&#39;ll need to round out but his skill off the rush is already special. He completely deked out Höglander 1v1 and then scored five-hole on Silovs <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Canucks?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Canucks</a>
&mdash; Harman Dayal (@harmandayal2) <a href="https://twitter.com/harmandayal2/status/1837547574599004644?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 21, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
At the very minimum, Lekkerimäki is going to be featured in quite a few exhibition games as the Canucks want to take a long, hard look at their best prospect. Tocchet has said as much, and that is in and of itself encouraging to hear. Not many expected the Swede to be in this position coming in.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
First video: Jonathan Lekkerimäki makes a creative pass in close to Jake DeBrusk
Video two: Elias Pettersson tries to make a creative pass to Jonathan Lekkerimäki. <a href="https://t.co/hyFPbABpw5">pic.twitter.com/hyFPbABpw5</a>
&mdash; David Quadrelli (@QuadrelliD) <a href="https://twitter.com/QuadrelliD/status/1837551896057548812?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 21, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote>Conor Garland has found a home with the Canucks</blockquote>
It&#8217;s seriously hard to believe that Conor Garland, at this point last year, had gotten into a fight with Dakota Joshua at camp and, a couple of weeks later, put in a trade request because he just didn&#8217;t have a fit in Vancouver&#8217;s lineup. Now, after his least productive season (on paper!), Garland is an indispensable part of this team&#8217;s forward corps and is best friends with Joshua.
Tocchet has said that Garland can play with any of the guys. That versatility was certainly put to the test during training camp, as both Joshua and Teddy Blueger are currently out of the running; the winger was slotted in with many different combinations to get things going. The best part is that Garland didn&#8217;t seem out of place at all.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
The line of Höglander &#8211; Räty &#8211; Garland has strung together a few strong reps in a row.
Höglander having another good day at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Canucks?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Canucks</a> training camp.
&mdash; Noah Strang (@noahstrang_) <a href="https://twitter.com/noahstrang_/status/1837564132348121355?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 21, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
The Swiss-knife versatility will be needed this year as Vancouver will be trying to figure out some different combinations up front to be a better team off the rush. For one of the best 5v5 players in the league, Garland should be a key asset in that regard. It&#8217;s hard to believe that a year ago, this player who could play anywhere didn&#8217;t have a fit in the lineup.
<blockquote>The Canucks want to be better on the rush</blockquote>
A key point emphasized coming into camp was how the Canucks could become a better team off the rush. &#8220;Sometimes we break out and we’re ahead of everybody, but somehow the other team catches up. I don’t think it’s the other team’s faster, I think sometimes we play a little bit safer. Guys are just content and get and chip in a puck because we are one of the best teams forechecking teams, especially on the same side chip,&#8221; Tocchet said in his opening media availability. &#8220;But I think there’s more weak side plays for us, and I think that’s on me to get the players to do that.”
That emphasized point was underlined and highlighted by the focus and time that Vancouver devoted to working rush drills into training camp. With the added speed in the roster with the likes of Kiefer Sherwood, Danton Heinen, and Jake DeBrusk, there&#8217;s plenty of tools that the Canucks will want to take advantage of to make them that better team in transition offensively.
It&#8217;s also why Lekkerimäki has a better shot than first thought to crack the lineup, given some of the plays that he put together through the Young Stars and training camp. Vancouver&#8217;s focus and execution on the rush will be truly tested in the first couple of exhibition and regular season games.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
Jonathan Lekkerimäki showing off his skill on this beautiful end to end rush! 
🎥: Vancouver Canucks <a href="https://t.co/lufqwO62Pa">pic.twitter.com/lufqwO62Pa</a>
&mdash; CanucksArmy (@CanucksArmy) <a href="https://twitter.com/CanucksArmy/status/1835812081246798053?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote>The Canucks&#8217; forward depth gives them options</blockquote>
While it looked like Vancouver was entering camp with a glut of bottom 6 wingers that couldn&#8217;t really separate themselves, it turned out to be quite an intriguing competition for the final few spots, as well as leading to more questions about how the lineup would all click together.
Take Daniel Sprong, who is trying to shake his lackadaisical defensive reputation in Vancouver. He&#8217;s buying into what Tocchet is preaching and showing off the weapon that makes him such an interesting depth addition – his shot.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
&quot;There was some pop&quot; <a href="https://twitter.com/patersonjeff?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@patersonjeff</a> is impressed by the shot of new <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Canuck?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Canuck</a> Daniel Sprong.
Presented by <a href="https://twitter.com/bet365_ca?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@bet365_ca</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NeverOrdinary?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NeverOrdinary</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/bet365?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#bet365</a> <a href="https://t.co/DBHgewRQyk">pic.twitter.com/DBHgewRQyk</a>
&mdash; Sekeres and Price (@sekeresandprice) <a href="https://twitter.com/sekeresandprice/status/1837528967970279544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 21, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Then there&#8217;s Sammy Blais, the bottom-6 winger signed to an AHL deal that&#8217;s looking to cash in on the PTO opportunity. He fits the wrecking ball mentality that Tocchet preaches and is an addition that Allvin was more than keen about having on board to see if he can be an NHL contributor. Certainly, Blais matches what the Canucks want to bring to the bottom of their lineup, that sandpaper and grit to make them hard to play against. There&#8217;s Arshdeep Bains, Linus Karlsson, and Phil Di Giuseppe, all of them looking to make a push as well.
This isn&#8217;t even getting into what the Canucks want for their top six on top of that. Danton Heinen is getting a great look and opportunity to click alongside Miller and Boeser. Then DeBrusk was brought in to be Pettersson&#8217;s partner in crime.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
Confirmed: Jake DeBrusk can shoot the puck. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Canucks?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Canucks</a> <a href="https://t.co/HBpOei7IAk">pic.twitter.com/HBpOei7IAk</a>
&mdash; Noah Strang (@noahstrang_) <a href="https://twitter.com/noahstrang_/status/1837547928778690781?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 21, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
In all, Vancouver has plenty of interesting conversations to be had about how their forward lineup will be put together. At the very minimum, there are intriguing depth options that&#8217;ll give plenty of permutations for the Canucks to try out.
<blockquote>Organizational goaltending depth</blockquote>
Thatcher Demko&#8217;s injury headlined the conversation in the crease, and for good reason. Missing your number-one starter is never an ideal situation, but it is the reality the Canucks will have to contend with currently.
However, Vancouver has done a good job of figuring out a variety of stop-gap measures. Arturs Silovs won&#8217;t be thrown to the wolves at the very least, which is great news for the talented Latvian netminder. He&#8217;ll get an opportunity to prove himself at the NHL level without having his long-term development harmed by being shelled.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
Nice little move from Ty Mueller but Artūrs Šilovs is up to the task. <a href="https://t.co/1KD2PTVfjT">pic.twitter.com/1KD2PTVfjT</a>
&mdash; Canucks Insider (@CanucksInsider) <a href="https://twitter.com/CanucksInsider/status/1837931460411773051?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 22, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Signing Kevin Lankinen to a team-friendly deal was a masterclass by Allvin to further shore up Vancouver&#8217;s goaltending. Jiri Patera was unconvincing at best throughout training camp, so adding the veteran netminder should help stabilize the situation further while providing a safety net and competition for Silovs. Patera as the fourth-best goalie in an organization&#8217;s depth chart, is a pretty good situation to be in, and that isn&#8217;t even factoring Nikita Tolopilo into the equation as someone who could push Patera further down.
It&#8217;s the best of an unideal situation, and given the timeline that Vancouver had to work with, it&#8217;s some creative patchworking to create this goaltending depth within the system. At the very minimum, the Canucks have three goalies with NHL experience that they can play in case things don&#8217;t go to plan with Demko.
Vancouver will begin their preseason action on Tuesday, September 24th, as they host the Seattle Kraken at Rogers Arena.
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Quinn Hughes and JT Miller skate during day two of Vancouver Canucks training camp in Penticton, BC. Sep 19, 2024

And it ends just as quickly as it began.
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The Vancouver Canucks have wrapped up their training camp in Penticton with the <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/news/arturs-silovs-canucks-scrimmage-training-camp">intrasquad scrimmage on Sunday</a>. While a lot of things seemed set in stone heading into the week, there were more than a few moments that stood out throughout camp. As training camp transitions appropriately into the preseason, here are seven takeaways from the four days in Penticton.
<blockquote>Hughes-Hronek is good, but it'd be nice not to need them together</blockquote>
Talented players like playing with talented players. That's a given, and the captain of the Canucks has been vocal in wanting to stick with <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/news/vancouver-canucks-quinn-hughes-filip-hronek-nhl">Filip Hronek as his partner</a>. "I’m always under the assumption of, ‘Don’t fix what’s not broken.’ Me and Fil were great last year. We were plus-40, the team was a goal away from going to the Conference Finals,' Quinn Hughes said on Canucks Central Friday. “I haven’t really talked to anyone about it, [but] I love playing with Fil.”

It's clear that these two are the best defencemen on this Canucks team. However, to start camp, they were placed in two different groups, with Rick Tocchet trying out different pairing partners with them throughout the week.

https://twitter.com/ThomasDrance/status/1836806558929633787

Hughes-Hronek is a great pairing, cementing themselves as one of the league's best tandems. But is that necessarily the best for the team? In an interview earlier in the summer with the Athletic, Tocchet hinted at trying to see if Hronek could be the guy to drive his own pairing this upcoming season. "Saying that, does Fil tend to defer too much? I think he does,” Tocchet continued. “We had that talk at the end of the year, so it’s not something he’s shocked by. He knows he defers too much and I’d like to see him be more forceful with his decisions."

"The thing with Huggy too is that he can play with a lot of different guys. With a bigger defenceman that can sling him the puck, and play a smart game, that’s a luxury too if that could happen, and then Filip could drive his own pair. That’s something we have to look at as an organization."

It would certainly go a long way in helping stabilize the back end for Vancouver, and they've been testing the waters at training camp to see who might be able to fit alongside the pair that aren't each other.
<blockquote>The kids are alright</blockquote>
For the longest time, a dearth of prospects was the norm. That has begun to tilt the other way ever so slightly. Perhaps it was low expectations heading into training camp, but more than a few Canuck prospects looked darn good and made great auditions for themselves in front of the big team's brass.

Vilmer Alriksson dominated headlines through the Young Stars tournament, getting more than a few glowing reviews from Tocchet himself. Defenceman Elias Pettersson looked sharp, while Aatu Räty looks to have taken a step in his skating as well. Kirill Kudryavtsev looked smart and poised, definitely showing a lot of promise for a former seventh-rounder. Ty Young, the Canucks' prospect goalie with the Prince George Cougars, has himself an admirer in Marco Torenius.

https://twitter.com/GradySas/status/1835469083955134649

Probably the biggest headline through it all was just how good Jonathan Lekkerimäki looked. The Canucks' first-rounder was firing home pucks as if he belonged with presumable top-6 forwards. In all, there were plenty of pleasant surprises amongst the Canucks prospect group - and that in and of itself was a win.
<blockquote>Lekkerimäki has a legit shot at making the team</blockquote>
Speaking of Lekkerimäki, the Swedish winger put together a strong camp that most probably didn't expect. Iced in a trio with Elias Pettersson and Jake DeBrusk, his finishing caught plenty of attention. Lekkerimäki's getting himself compliments left and right and has, at the very minimum, pushed himself into a legitimate conversation to make Vancouver's team.

https://twitter.com/GradySas/status/1836931079846121482

“Up until today, I didn’t really consider it a legitimate chance that he would stay in that spot,” said <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/news/kevin-lankinen-training-camp-canucks-conversation">Harman Dayal on Canucks Conversation.</a> “But the more I watch him play, the more I think he’s got an opportunity. I don’t think he’s necessarily the favorite to stick with the main team for the full 82 games, but he’s going to get a real crack at it – especially if he impresses in the preseason. His hockey IQ and playmaking off the rush have been really impressive. Considering the Canucks are focusing on being a team that attacks more off the rush, does that give Lekkerimäki a better chance?"

https://twitter.com/harmandayal2/status/1837547574599004644

At the very minimum, Lekkerimäki is going to be featured in quite a few exhibition games as the Canucks want to take a long, hard look at their best prospect. Tocchet has said as much, and that is in and of itself encouraging to hear. Not many expected the Swede to be in this position coming in.

https://twitter.com/QuadrelliD/status/1837551896057548812
<blockquote>Conor Garland has found a home with the Canucks</blockquote>
It's seriously hard to believe that Conor Garland, at this point last year, had gotten into a fight with Dakota Joshua at camp and, a couple of weeks later, put in a trade request because he just didn't have a fit in Vancouver's lineup. Now, after his least productive season (on paper!), Garland is an indispensable part of this team's forward corps and is best friends with Joshua.

Tocchet has said that Garland can play with any of the guys. That versatility was certainly put to the test during training camp, as both Joshua and Teddy Blueger are currently out of the running; the winger was slotted in with many different combinations to get things going. The best part is that Garland didn't seem out of place at all.

https://twitter.com/noahstrang_/status/1837564132348121355

The Swiss-knife versatility will be needed this year as Vancouver will be trying to figure out some different combinations up front to be a better team off the rush. For one of the best 5v5 players in the league, Garland should be a key asset in that regard. It's hard to believe that a year ago, this player who could play anywhere didn't have a fit in the lineup.
<blockquote>The Canucks want to be better on the rush</blockquote>
A key point emphasized coming into camp was how the Canucks could become a better team off the rush. "Sometimes we break out and we’re ahead of everybody, but somehow the other team catches up. I don’t think it’s the other team’s faster, I think sometimes we play a little bit safer. Guys are just content and get and chip in a puck because we are one of the best teams forechecking teams, especially on the same side chip," Tocchet said in his opening media availability. "But I think there’s more weak side plays for us, and I think that’s on me to get the players to do that.”

That emphasized point was underlined and highlighted by the focus and time that Vancouver devoted to working rush drills into training camp. With the added speed in the roster with the likes of Kiefer Sherwood, Danton Heinen, and Jake DeBrusk, there's plenty of tools that the Canucks will want to take advantage of to make them that better team in transition offensively.

It's also why Lekkerimäki has a better shot than first thought to crack the lineup, given some of the plays that he put together through the Young Stars and training camp. Vancouver's focus and execution on the rush will be truly tested in the first couple of exhibition and regular season games.

https://twitter.com/CanucksArmy/status/1835812081246798053
<blockquote>The Canucks' forward depth gives them options</blockquote>
While it looked like Vancouver was entering camp with a glut of bottom 6 wingers that couldn't really separate themselves, it turned out to be quite an intriguing competition for the final few spots, as well as leading to more questions about how the lineup would all click together.

Take Daniel Sprong, who is trying to shake his lackadaisical defensive reputation in Vancouver. He's buying into what Tocchet is preaching and showing off the weapon that makes him such an interesting depth addition – his shot.

https://twitter.com/sekeresandprice/status/1837528967970279544

Then there's Sammy Blais, the bottom-6 winger signed to an AHL deal that's looking to cash in on the PTO opportunity. He fits the wrecking ball mentality that Tocchet preaches and is an addition that Allvin was more than keen about having on board to see if he can be an NHL contributor. Certainly, Blais matches what the Canucks want to bring to the bottom of their lineup, that sandpaper and grit to make them hard to play against. There's Arshdeep Bains, Linus Karlsson, and Phil Di Giuseppe, all of them looking to make a push as well.

This isn't even getting into what the Canucks want for their top six on top of that. Danton Heinen is getting a great look and opportunity to click alongside Miller and Boeser. Then DeBrusk was brought in to be Pettersson's partner in crime.

https://twitter.com/noahstrang_/status/1837547928778690781

In all, Vancouver has plenty of interesting conversations to be had about how their forward lineup will be put together. At the very minimum, there are intriguing depth options that'll give plenty of permutations for the Canucks to try out.
<blockquote>Organizational goaltending depth</blockquote>
Thatcher Demko's injury headlined the conversation in the crease, and for good reason. Missing your number-one starter is never an ideal situation, but it is the reality the Canucks will have to contend with currently.

However, Vancouver has done a good job of figuring out a variety of stop-gap measures. Arturs Silovs won't be thrown to the wolves at the very least, which is great news for the talented Latvian netminder. He'll get an opportunity to prove himself at the NHL level without having his long-term development harmed by being shelled.

https://twitter.com/CanucksInsider/status/1837931460411773051

Signing Kevin Lankinen to a team-friendly deal was a masterclass by Allvin to further shore up Vancouver's goaltending. Jiri Patera was unconvincing at best throughout training camp, so adding the veteran netminder should help stabilize the situation further while providing a safety net and competition for Silovs. Patera as the fourth-best goalie in an organization's depth chart, is a pretty good situation to be in, and that isn't even factoring Nikita Tolopilo into the equation as someone who could push Patera further down.

It's the best of an unideal situation, and given the timeline that Vancouver had to work with, it's some creative patchworking to create this goaltending depth within the system. At the very minimum, the Canucks have three goalies with NHL experience that they can play in case things don't go to plan with Demko.

Vancouver will begin their preseason action on Tuesday, September 24th, as they host the Seattle Kraken at Rogers Arena.

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7 takeaways from Canucks training camp 2024

Canucks prospect Tom Willander falls short in World Juniors Bronze Medal showdown

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Defenceman Elias Pettersson shoots the puck at the 2024 Young Stars Classic game between the Vancouver Canucks and Edmonton Oilers

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