Canucks’ Joacim Eriksson Headed to the KHL

Vancouver Canucks goaltender Joacim Eriksson has signed a contract with the KHL’s Dinamo Riga, according to Igor Eronko of Sports.ru.

The 25-year-old Swedish goaltender played 41 games for the Utica Comets last season, posting a .908 save percentage for the AHL’s Calder Cup also-rans.

Eriksson was down the Canucks’ goaltending depth chart, but his departure may effect the team’s plans.

Vancouver has (again) temporarily found themselves with an embarrassment of riches. Eddie Lack and Jacob Markstrom have performed very well recently, with Ryan Miller and his $6 million cap hit sitting atop the pile. Lack was the heir apparent, but Markstrom had a knockout year as Utica’s top goaltender, played 32 games with a .934 save percentage.

The Canucks are rumored to be shopping Markstorm or Lack to interested teams. Eriksson wasn’t a top asset, but that will leave Utica without either of the goaltenders they had last year if Lack or Markstrom gets shipped out.

The next goaltender on their depth chart is 25-year-old Joe Cannata, who spent most of last year playing for the Ontario Reign in the ECHL.

RELATED: Crowded Crease Means Lack or Markstrom Will Be Traded

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