DARRYL DYCK
Swedish newspaper Expressen is reporting that the Vancouver Canucks have signed goaltender Eddie Lack, a European professional and former international player.
The 22-year-old spent most of this season with Brynas in the Swedish elite league, where he caddied for Jakob Markstrom, the Florida Panthers super prospect and one of the best young goaltenders in the world.
Lack, who is 6-foot-4 and 183 lbs., was never drafted by an NHL team. He posted a 2.67 goals against average and a .911 save percentage in 14 games this season, and was even better in two postseason contests (1.53 and .946).
He is also internationally experienced, having played for Sweden at both the world junior, and world under-18 championships.
The Canucks have not yet announced Lack's signing, so wondering where he fits is pure speculation at this point. But Vancouver is exceedingly thin in goaltending depth, and its ranks are likely to get thinner next season, after NHL backup Andrew Raycroft departs in free agency.
Management's plan calls for Cory Schneider to assume the No. 2 job. The 24-year-old former first-round draft pick, and a top prospect in his own right, has played three seasons in the American Hockey League.
Should Schneider bump up to the big leagues, Lack figures for a job with the AHL's Manitoba Moose. The Canucks have just four goaltenders under contract, but they've also drafted a pair of goalies in the last two years.