Markstrom

[Fast Tony DeNiro]

What do we think of him? He had a decent season, and he has the pedigree. Could we see him solidify a hold on the #1 gig in Vancouver? Or is Miller's big contract going to be too much of a hurdle?

Looking to pick him up as a cheap #2 for my team next season.

[Axeman33]

He's always had the skill, it was the injuries that kept setting him back. No different than most skilled, big goalies with that pedigree; if he can stay healthy, he's legit. I think he's worth picking up as a #2. I am not sure how many starts he steals this year as the Canucks seem pretty bullish on still trying to win games and I'd say management/coaches still feels that Miller gives them the best chance to do that (although I would disagree).

I don't think he steals the #1 job this year, but he's certainly their guy long-term.

[finminer]

I've always liked Markstrom, and I saw him play a lot in the AHL. Not that he didn't have flaws, but I feel like he got kind of a raw deal, never getting a lot of support on some really bad defensive teams in both the AHL and NHL. Getting jacked back and forth and getting shelled in both places made him into something of a head case. In 13-14, his GAA was something like 3.50 and I read a bunch of stuff where he got slammed, when the BEST goalie on the team's GAA was 3.20! That's why that Utica season in 14-15 was so important. He was supported, got some focused coaching and regained his confidence. He's still on a weak defensive team, but he is more mature and confident now. I'm glad to see him have some success. Miller is really washed up, so I think he'll make a decent cheap backup in a pinch.

[Goldendelicious]

Miller's contract is up end of next season. So 2017/18, Markstrom will be the #1 guy backed-up by whoever. Demko is the contingency plan for the Canucks but their hope will ride on Markstrom taking another step. Ride it out this season, but Markstrom is only <1 year away from being a starting NHL goalie.

[ericdaoust]

He'll be the guy to bridge them between Miller and Demko. Next year I think he gets just over half of the starts when healthy (which won't be all year). Probably 40ish.

[Rodgort]

He could easily solidify the hold on #1 in Van next year, Miller is awful.

My question is can Markstrom be your #2 guy when Van will likely be terrible next year, which likely will not help his stats. I'd prefer him as a #3 myself, but if he is the best available take him

[Eskimo Brother]

He could easily solidify the hold on #1 in Van next year, Miller is awful.

My question is can Markstrom be your #2 guy when Van will likely be terrible next year, which likely will not help his stats. I'd prefer him as a #3 myself, but if he is the best available take him

In a 20 team league while starting 1G, he could be a decent option as a cheep number 2 for quantity, but I would probably rather go with a more quality backup.

[yougo]

He's always had the skill, it was the injuries that kept setting him back. No different than most skilled, big goalies with that pedigree; if he can stay healthy, he's legit. I think he's worth picking up as a #2. I am not sure how many starts he steals this year as the Canucks seem pretty bullish on still trying to win games and I'd say management/coaches still feels that Miller gives them the best chance to do that (although I would disagree).

I don't think he steals the #1 job this year, but he's certainly their guy long-term.

The long term guy is Demko.

[Moses]

Miller UFA after next season.
Markstrom UFA after next season.

I see the Canucks giving Markstrom the first shot a taking the reins. They have to know what they have in him before (if) they offer him a contract.

[The Bottlenecker]

Miller's contract is up end of next season. So 2017/18, Markstrom will be the #1 guy backed-up by whoever. Demko is the contingency plan for the Canucks but their hope will ride on Markstrom taking another step. Ride it out this season, but Markstrom is only <1 year away from being a starting NHL goalie.

Goldendelicious is bang on here, so if you can get him now for cheap, then do so. My only hesitation is if he doesn't "break out" this year, will the Canucks opt to start Demko in 2017-18 instead?

[Moses]

Goldendelicious is bang on here, so if you can get him now for cheap, then do so. My only hesitation is if he doesn't "break out" this year, will the Canucks opt to start Demko in 2017-18 instead?

Markstrom is a UFA at the end of the year. Anything could happen here.

[Goldendelicious]

Markstrom is a UFA at the end of the year. Anything could happen here.

True, but the Canucks then have both goalies UFA at the end of the year. One being a badly declining 36 year old and the other being a starter quality goalie of age 27. You think that Markstrom is going to leave a situation where he is the anointed starter to evaluate the open market? I get your point, but I just don't see anyway Markstrom is not announced as the opening night starter in 2017. I fully expect him to get a contract extension at some point this season, maybe even this summer.

--Edit--
Demko of course could pull a Murray/Hellebuyck type AHL season but even if he does, I still believe the Canucks are better off for the future and their rebuild to give him 2 years in the A to work with how the competition adjusts to him (2nd pro year is always huge for guys who had breakouts as coaches start to analyze/gameplan more for them).

[Chico Resch]

Ive always believed in him, and think that he will be a very good goalie for years to come.

With that in mind, I think this year is the year to prove it. See a 50/50ish split this year. If he doesn't prove it, I think they look to Demko.

It's really put up or shut up time for JM.

[Crazy Joe Davola]

He should receive about 60% of the starts this year if he plays well. The Canucks want to win games, so if he's the better guy (which he was a lot last season) he'll get the ball.

Trouble is, Vancouver won't be very good so he'll be a slightly weaker #2 for your team.

[Fast Tony DeNiro]

Thanks guys. Ended up trading Luongo, Ben Hutton, and a couple prospects for Markstrom and Zibanejad. Being we only start 1 goalie per week, having Andersen and Markstrom saves me a lot of money. And hopefully Markstrom can turn into something.