The Vancouver Canucks welcomed back an old friend on Monday afternoon.
After losing the experienced goalie on waivers to the Boston Bruins, the Canucks successfully claimed Jiri Patera on waivers, which will now allow them to keep the goalie depth they worked hard at building throughout the NHL offseason.
Because the Canucks were the only team to submit a waivers claim for Patera, the former Vegas Golden Knights shot-stopper was eligible to be sent directly to the AHL to join the Abbotsford Canucks.
And, that is exactly what general manager Patrik Allvin did later on in the day on Monday.
Patera, 25, was not included in the Canucks’ opening night roster, which currently features three goalies. While Patera joins forces with Belarusian goalie prospect Nikita Tolopilo in Abbotsford, newcomer Kevin Lankinen and rookie sensation Arturs Silovs will share the crease in Vancouver.