Canucks Add Goaltending Depth
Vancouver Canucks Sign Goaltender Chris Driedger to Professional Tryout Agreement
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Key Points
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Beyond the NHL, Driedger has logged extensive American Hockey League experience (217 games) with teams including Binghamton/Belleville Senators, Springfield Thunderbirds, Coachella Valley Firebirds, Charlotte Checkers and Manitoba Moose, posting a 106-78-24 record with a 2.74 GAA, .910 save percentage and eight shutouts.
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Sean Finn, hired as an amateur scout, brings seven years of KHL experience in player development and hockey operations, including roles as Lokomotiv Yaroslavl’s Director of Player Development and Director of Hockey Operations (2015–2020), Avangard Omsk Youth Hockey Supervisor (2020–2021), and Kunlun Red Star Development Coach (2022–23).
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If Demko is unavailable, Driedger would have to beat out Tolopilo for the No. 2 spot, while Kevin Lankinen would likely begin the season as the No. 1 option according to one assessment of the Canucks’ depth chart.
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Driedger’s NHL resume includes 67 career games with Ottawa, Florida and Seattle, posting a 31-24-5 record with a .917 save percentage and a 3.05 GAA; he was drafted by Ottawa in the third round, 76th overall, in 2012, and has playoff experience including 18 Calder Cup playoff appearances in the AHL with a 2.67 GAA and .906 SV in those appearances.
The Vancouver Canucks signed veteran goaltender Chris Driedger to a professional tryout agreement as Thatcher Demko recovers from hip surgery, according to Yahoo Sports. The 32-year-old gives Vancouver added depth in net and a safety option if Demko's return is delayed. Driedger, who recently played in Russia's KHL, posted an 8-9-2 record with a .897 save percentage in 23 games before returning to North America.
The Canucks also hired Sean Finn as an amateur scout, leveraging his seven years of KHL experience in player development. General manager Ryan Johnson signaled the team will not rush Demko back and remains open to carrying three goaltenders if needed, The New York Times reported. The moves reflect Vancouver's cautious depth-focused approach heading into training camp.
Driedger Returns to NHL After KHL Stint
Driedger arrives with a solid NHL résumé: 67 games, 31-24-5 record, and a .917 save percentage across stints with Ottawa, Florida, and Seattle. Heavy notes he was drafted third-round by Ottawa in 2012. In the AHL, he logged 217 games with five teams, posting a 106-78-24 record with a 2.74 goals-against average and eight shutouts. His experience includes 18 Calder Cup playoff appearances.
Depth Chart Implications With Demko Uncertain
If Demko cannot play, Kevin Lankinen would likely start as the No. 1 goalie, according to depth chart assessments. Driedger would need to beat out fellow backup Tolopilo for the secondary role. The PTO gives Vancouver flexibility without committing long-term salary, The Hockey News explained. This structure lets the team assess Demko's readiness without pressure while building insurance.
Sean Finn Brings Deep KHL Hockey Operations Experience
Finn spent seven years building talent development systems in Russia and China. He served as Lokomotiv Yaroslavl's Director of Player Development and Hockey Operations from 2015 to 2020, then moved to Avangard Omsk as Youth Hockey Supervisor. Most recently, he coached development for Kunlun Red Star in 2022-23. House of Hockey notes his hiring strengthens Vancouver's international scouting capability ahead of the draft season.
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