Canucks considering carrying 3 goaltenders on roster

Keeping three goaltenders on a regular-season roster isn't a popular strategy among NHL teams, but the Vancouver Canucks might give it a try.

Ryan Miller enters training camp as the Canuck's starting goaltender and Eddie Lack is the presumed backup, leaving Jacob Markstrom as the odd man out in Vancouver's crease. Markstrom will need to clear waivers if the Canucks want to stash him in the AHL, leading to speculation they will keep him with the big club.

Canucks coach WIllie Desjardins is seriously considering the possibility.

“It’s a little tougher keeping three but we’ll need three this year at some time. You just have to believe that because of injuries,” Desjardins told the Vancouver Province.

Markstrom's salary cap hit is $1.2 million if he is on the NHL roster and $275,000 if he is in the AHL. Being relegated to the press box as the third goaltender could have a negative impact on the 24-year-old's development.