Seeking depth in the crease, Carolina Hurricanes claim goalie off waivers from Columbus
The Carolina Hurricanes have added a goalie with NHL experience, claiming Spencer Martin off NHL waivers Friday from the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Martin, 28, has played in 13 games this season with the Blue Jackets, posting a 3-8-1 record with a 3.65 goals-against average and .887 save percentage. He has appeared in 51 NHL games with the Colorado Avalanche, Vancouver Canucks and Blue Jackets, with a 17-25-6 record, 3.63 GAA and .886 save percentage.
With goalie Pyotr Kochetkov in the concussion protocol and Frederik Andersen out indefinitely with blood-clotting issues, the Canes recalled rookie pro Yaniv Perets from the Norfolk Admirals of the ECHL to serve as the backup to starter Antti Raanta. Perets made his NHL debut Monday against the Los Angeles Kings, stopping the only shot he faced in the Canes’ 5-2 loss.
Canes coach Rod Brind’Amour said Friday he does not yet know how Martin will be used, adding, “We’ll just see how its goes. We obviously, with the guys we’ve got down (injured) and the whole uncertainty of the whole position, I just think we’re trying to give us another option and a little more security there.”
Kochetkov has been able to get in some skating the past few days with goalie coach Paul Schonfelder, but has not practiced with the team. Andersen’s return is uncertain.
The Canes have a back-to-back next week, going to Boston and then home against New Jersey. Having Martin offers an option while Kochetkov works his way back.
The Blue Jackets placed Martin on waivers Thursday for the purpose of assigning him to the Cleveland Monsters of the AHL.
Martin’s last win came Dec. 29 against the Toronto Maple Leafs, when he allowed three goals. In his previous game, he gave up seven goals against the New York Islanders.
Martin was a third-round draft pick of the Avalanche in 2013. He was claimed off wavers by the Blue Jackets from the Canucks in September 2023.
This story was originally published January 19, 2024 at 2:46 PM.
