Getting a stable third stringer could be essential for the Vancouver Canucks during the 2024-25 season.

Heading into the 2024 offseason, one question facing GM Patrik Allvin is what the organization's goaltending depth will look like. With Casey DeSmith potentially moving on, the Vancouver Canucks face a depth issue at the goaltending position. While adding depth goaltenders may not be at the top of the list, it is an area of concern that needs to be addressed in free agency. 

At this moment, the Canucks only have three goaltenders signed for next season. Those three are Thatcher Demko, Nikita Tolopilo and Ty Young. Artūrs Šilovs is also expected to be back, but as a restricted free agent, he needs a new contract this offseason. While the group includes some young, promising players, adding an experienced tender could help with development as well as provide a safety net in case of injury. 

The first goaltender who could fit the bill is Aaron Dell. The 35-year-old spent the 2023-24 season with the Ontario Reign, going 7-4-1 with a .914 SV%. With 130 NHL games under his belt, Dell could be a great mentor to Tolopilo next season while also providing the Abbotsford Canucks will solid goaltending throughout the season. 

Next up is Ales Stezka, who played for the Coachella Valley Firebirds this season. In his first AHL season, the 27-year-old goaltender went 18-6-2 and finished the season with a .914 SV%. A former Czech Extraliga Best Goalie award winner, Stezka showed this season he can adjust to the North American ice surface and perform well when dropped in the starter role. 

The last option is to re-sign Zach Sawchenko, who performed well during the 2024 Calder Cup Playoffs for Abbotsford. Bringing back the 26-year-old knows would be beneficial as there is familiarity between him and the organization. While he didn't play a ton during the regular season, only suiting up for six games, he has had success in the past and could be a reliable AHL option. 

As mentioned, adding goaltending depth may not be a top priority, but it is something Allvin and his team need to figure out. Having strong goaltending in the AHL is crucial as it helps create a winning environment at every level of the organization. Regardless of who the Canucks bring in, they should be able to help at the AHL level and in the NHL if needed. 

Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more.

REPORT: Canucks Struggling To Meet Hurricanes Price For Necas

The Curious Case of Former Canucks Defenceman Oliver Ekman-Larsson

Josh Bloom Scores 2024 Memorial Cup Winning Goal

Canucks Must Be Careful During 2024 Offseason To Avoid Future Cap Issues

Vancouver Canucks Relinquish Rights To Viktor Persson

Josh Bloom, Saginaw Spirit Punch Their Ticket To The 2024 Memorial Cup Final

Former Canucks Defender Making A Case For The 2024 Conn Smythe Trophy

Former Canucks D-Man Could Miss Critical Game 5 Against Oilers

BREAKING: Elias Pettersson Finishes Second In Lady Byng Trophy Voting

Bloom, Spirit End Memorial Cup Round-Robin With Loss To The London Knights