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Vancouver Canucks: 5 Takeaways from Year-End Press Conference

By Janik Beichler

Jun 27, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Vancouver Canucks general manager Jim Benning announces Jake Virtanen (not pictured) as the number six overall pick to the Vancouver Canucks in the first round of the 2014 NHL Draft at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 27, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Vancouver Canucks general manager Jim Benning announces Jake Virtanen (not pictured) as the number six overall pick to the Vancouver Canucks in the first round of the 2014 NHL Draft at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 7, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Boston College Eagles goalie Thatcher Demko (30) looks on during the second period of the semifinals of the 2016 Frozen Four college ice hockey tournament against the Quinnipiac Bobcats at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

There Will Be no Goalie Controvery Anytime Soon

Benning was asked what he will tell prospect goalie Thatcher Demko if Jacob Markstrom looks like the starter of the future. After all, Demko projects to be an elite starter as well. The GM had a fitting response.

"If (Demko) decides to sign with us now, he is going to have to spend some time developing his game into the pro game and into a No. 1 goalie at some point, too. (…) Goalies develop in dog years almost, we have to be patient with him."

Goalies develop in dog years. Sounds about right. Indeed, goaltenders tend to take much more time to develop than skaters.

One example is Anaheim Ducks goalie John Gibson. The American made his NHL debut aged 20 and is now in his third professional season. But, he still spent time in the American Hockey League this year and is just starting to turn into a starter.

Braden Holtby of the Washington Capitals is one of the best goaltenders in the league today. He started his professional career aged 20 as well, but it took him three years to become the starter for the club.

Next: Canucks Facing Tough Draft Decisions

Now, three years are obviously not much. However, Markstrom will get his shot at the starting position and Demko will have at least three years to develop and be brought along slowly.

Dog years are a bit of an exaggeration, but we get the point.

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