The Vancouver Canucks have placed goaltender Mike McKenna on waivers a day after acquiring the 35-year-old as part of a trade with the Ottawa Senators.
McKenna did not play a game for the Canucks after appearing in 10 games for the Senators, posting a 1-4-1 record to go along with a .897 save percentage and a 3.96 goals-against average. The 35-year-old will report to the Utica Comets, the club’s AHL affiliate, if he clears waivers.
With current starter Jacob Markstrom playing well of late, the move comes as expected after general manager Jim Benning alluded to the idea of recalling goalie prospect Thatcher Demko from the team’s AHL affiliate on Wednesday.
“We’ve been patient with (Demko’s) development,” Benning said. “He’s been down (in the AHL) for 2 1/2 years. He’s playing really well down there right now. We just felt like the foundation for his game is set.
“Now it’s time for him to move up here so we can get a look at where he’s at versus NHL competition.”
The Canucks travel to Montreal to take on the Canadiens Thursday evening after a 4-3 victory over the Senators Wednesday night.
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