Canucks officially part ways with veteran in completed transaction just one day before NHL season start

Chris Driedger is out in Vancouver after Manny Malhotra and the Canucks made a late crease decision before opening night.

The Canucks released Driedger from his professional tryout on Monday, ending his push for an NHL contract at the final stage of training camp.

The timing makes the move stand out. Vancouver waited until the eve of the regular season before closing the door on the veteran goaltender's bid for a roster spot.

Driedger arrived at camp without a guaranteed contract, meaning every practice, preseason appearance and crease assignment carried weight. The Canucks ultimately decided they had seen enough.

That leaves Driedger looking for another opportunity just as NHL clubs lock in their opening rosters. Jobs become harder to find once teams settle their goalie tandems and organizational depth charts.

"The Canucks have released goalie Chris Driedger from his PTO."

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For Vancouver, this is more than a routine camp cut. Moving on from Driedger provides another clear indication of how Malhotra wants his crease structured entering the season.

Canucks make their final call on Driedger

The decision also removes one layer of competition from the Canucks' goaltending picture. Driedger wasn't simply another prospect getting preseason experience; he entered camp trying to earn an NHL deal.

That distinction matters. A PTO gives a veteran a chance to force management into a decision, but it offers no protection when the roster numbers tighten before puck drop.

Vancouver kept the evaluation alive deep into camp before making the cut. That gave the coaching staff time to compare its options rather than settling the crease early.

Now the attention shifts directly to the goalies who survived the final roster decisions. Their workload, practice reps and early-season deployment become much clearer with Driedger no longer in the room.

For Driedger, the next move could depend on another club developing an immediate need in goal. The regular season starting also means teams will quickly learn whether their current depth can hold up.

For the Canucks, there is no more audition. Malhotra's group is moving forward, and Driedger won't be part of it when Vancouver begins its season.

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