According to Drance’s league sources, he wouldn’t make it through waivers as things stand.
This Halak thing is very interesting. I really think it’s going to be the first shoe to fall
Sure but Martin was recalled on January 15 and he has only played 3 games. He doesn't require waivers to be sent back down.
It doesn't detract from the point I was making though. The Canucks should decide quickly whether they want Martin as the backup next year because this is the best time to extend him and possibly get value. Absent injury to the Demko and Halak, the Canucks could send Martin down and all he will have is 3 (and perhaps 4) NHL games this season. Is that enough to get a 1 year 1 way contract? Perhaps. Is it enough to be penciled in for a backup role? I wouldn't bet on it without some odds. Is it enough to get a 2 year 1 way contract? I highly doubt it.
Martin has been terrific but he's very much considered a career AHL goalie. Former Canuck Louis Domingue has gotten some rave reviews for his recent 40 save performance.
Martin has been terrific thus far but do I think he's better than Halak? I don't. Martin's rebound control seems pretty poor to me. I'm not convinced that he will be a decent backup goalie in the NHL over the next two years but I definitely won't rule it out. I simply see this as an opportunity for the Canucks to possibly get some good value out of Martin with very low risk by extending him.
The Canucks should feel more comfortable trading Halak given Spencer's performance. I would roll the dice and trade Halak but I wouldn't be upset if we ended up keeping Halak.