Vancouver Canucks sign goaltender Dylan Ferguson on a PTO

With the news breaking today from General Manager Patrik Allvin, the Canucks hope Ferguson can make a strong impression during training camp. Ferguson, 25, is being brought in as goaltending insurance while Thatcher Demko continues to recover from a lingering injury. The Canucks are hoping Ferguson can add some competition during training camp.

After a year in the KHL, Ferguson has another chance to make an impact in North America. Last season, he played 23 games with Dinamo Minsk, posting a 9-9-0 record along with a respectable 2.51 GAA and a .904 save percentage. These stats ranked him 30th and 46th, respectively, among league goaltenders.

Originally drafted by the Dallas Stars in 2017, Ferguson has taken a unique path to where he is today. His NHL debut came with the Vegas Golden Knights, where he was thrust into action during the team's inaugural season due to multiple goalie injuries. Since then, he's spent time bouncing between the ECHL and AHL, with moments of brilliance sprinkled throughout his journey.

Ferguson's NHL career also includes two appearances with the Ottawa Senators in 2022-23. Injuries have slowed his development, limiting him to just 29 games in the minors, where he recorded a 2.56 GAA and a .915 save percentage.

While he has yet to secure a permanent spot in the NHL, Ferguson's resilience and ability to perform in high-pressure situations make him a worthy candidate for the Canucks' PTO.

Arturs Silovs is projected to take over the starting role in Thatcher Demko's absence, with Jiri Patera likely backing him up. Ferguson, a former teammate of Patera during their time in Vegas, will now challenge Nikita Tolopilo and Ty Young for playing time. Although an NHL contract for Ferguson this season seems improbable, a strong performance could prompt the Canucks to offer him a deal, securing his rights through the 2025-26 season.

Ferguson's addition gives the Canucks some much-needed depth and ensures they won't be left scrambling if their goaltending situation becomes more precarious. With plenty of competition at training camp, all eyes will be on Ferguson to see if he can turn this PTO into something more long-term.