The Canuck Way
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Five questions for the Canucks heading into next season

By Joshua Rey

VANCOUVER, BC - APRIL 03: Quinn Hughes #43 of the Vancouver Canucks skates the puck againsts Evgenii Dadonov #63 of the Las Vegas Golden Knights during the second period in NHL action on April, 03, 2022 at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. (Photo by Rich Lam/Getty Images)
VANCOUVER, BC - APRIL 03: Quinn Hughes #43 of the Vancouver Canucks skates the puck againsts Evgenii Dadonov #63 of the Las Vegas Golden Knights during the second period in NHL action on April, 03, 2022 at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. (Photo by Rich Lam/Getty Images) /
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EDMONTON, AB – APRIL 29: Goaltender Spencer Martin #30 of the Vancouver Canucks skates against the Edmonton Oilers during the third period at Rogers Place on April 29, 2022 in Edmonton, Canada. (Photo by Codie McLachlan/Getty Images)
EDMONTON, AB – APRIL 29: Goaltender Spencer Martin #30 of the Vancouver Canucks skates against the Edmonton Oilers during the third period at Rogers Place on April 29, 2022 in Edmonton, Canada. (Photo by Codie McLachlan/Getty Images) /

#4: Will Spencer Martin prove to be a capable backup?

Spencer Martin was traded to the Canucks from the Tampa Bay Lightning last summer for future considerations and frankly, it looked like he would be goaltending depth in Abbotsford.

However, he got called up to the NHL for the first time when the Canucks were dealing with COVID-19. The best part is that he did well. Martin had a 3-0-3 record with a 1.74 goals against average and a .950 save percentage. Not bad for a guy who hasn’t played in the NHL since the 2016-17 season.

The Canucks signed Martin to a one-way, two-year contract shortly before last season ended. So they have confidence he can be a capable backup to Thatcher Demko. Demko played 64 games last season and which was third-most in the NHL and he started 61 games which were the fifth most in the NHL.

The Canucks cannot overplay Demko again and Martin needs to prove he can handle the backup role. This time, he needs to prove it over a whole season. Luckily for Martin, he will continue to learn under goaltending coach Ian Clark who is a master at teaching goalies.

#5: Does Jack Rathbone stick around in the NHL this time?

Rathbone looked like he was ready for the NHL last season. However, he only played nine games with the Canucks. With Abbotsford, it was clear he was too good for the AHL. Rathbone had 40 points in 39 AHL games.

This preseason and training camp is a big test for Rathbone. Will he prove that he belongs in the NHL? He has the offensive skills but the one thing that Rathbone needs to work on was his play away from the puck.

It could be a make-or-break year for Rathbone. If he doesn’t make the NHL this year, it will be disappointing to see him in Abbotsford again. Hopefully, Rathbone learned a lot from last year.

Next. What’s in store for Oliver Ekman-Larsson’s second year with the Canucks?. dark

What other questions surround the Canucks heading into next season? Let me know in the comments below!

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