Vancouver Canucks: A look at the goaltending depth chart

VANCOUVER, BC - MARCH 9: Thatcher Demko #35 of the Vancouver Canucks is switch out with teammate Jacob Markstrom #25 during their NHL game against the Vegas Golden Knights at Rogers Arena March 9, 2019 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. (Photo by Jeff Vinnick/NHLI via Getty Images)
VANCOUVER, BC - MARCH 9: Thatcher Demko #35 of the Vancouver Canucks is switch out with teammate Jacob Markstrom #25 during their NHL game against the Vegas Golden Knights at Rogers Arena March 9, 2019 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. (Photo by Jeff Vinnick/NHLI via Getty Images)
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VANCOUVER, BC – FEBRUARY 9: Goalie Michael DiPietro #75 of the Vancouver Canucks readies to make a save during the team warm up prior to NHL action against the Calgary Flames on February, 9, 2019 at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. (Photo by Rich Lam/Getty Images)
VANCOUVER, BC – FEBRUARY 9: Goalie Michael DiPietro #75 of the Vancouver Canucks readies to make a save during the team warm up prior to NHL action against the Calgary Flames on February, 9, 2019 at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. (Photo by Rich Lam/Getty Images)

Michael DiPietro

I wrote an article just yesterday about the recent success Michael DiPietro is having in the OHL playoffs with the Ottawa 67’s. DiPietro is hands down the best goaltender in the OHL, and got a taste of NHL action that I’m sure the Canucks would have rather avoided giving him in retrospect.

DiPietro is a solid goaltending prospect who can hopefully step in with the Utica Comets in the near future and continue his development. At just 19 years old, it will likely be a while before we see DiPietro in a Canucks’ uniform again.

Jake Kielly

This was one of a few great college free agent signings by the Canucks late this season. Along with Brogan Rafferty and Josh Teves is goaltender Jake Kielly. Kielly had just wrapped up his third season with Clarkson University before signing with the Canucks. In his last two seasons with Clarkson, Kielly posted a .929 save percentage and played in 39 games each season.

The Minnesota native was nominated for the Hobey Baker Award this year, awarded to the NCAA’s top player. He was nominated for the award last year, as well. On top of that, he was also up for the Mike Richter award, awarded to the best Division 1 goaltender in the NCAA.

Kielly reported to the Canucks and was given some practice time with the team and goaltending coach Ian Clark. He improves the Canucks depth, and gives them another solid young goaltender in their system. Kielly will most likely be assigned to the Utica Comets out of training camp.