The Bruins have picked up goalie Jiri Patera from the Canucks, according to PuckPedia.
Out of 28 players waived on Tuesday, only Patera got claimed. At 25 years old, he became a free agent this summer with just eight NHL games for the Golden Knights. He signed a two-year deal in Vancouver to be their third goalie behind Demko and Silovs. But after Kevin Lankinen joined late in the summer, Patera dropped to fourth place. Although Demko’s knee injury meant he might start as third-stringer, Lankinen’s arrival made him less needed.
Vancouver’s goalie lineup takes a hit while Boston gains backup security since Jeremy Swayman remains unsigned as their season opener nears. Now it’s between Patera and Brandon Bussi, both needing waivers, to back up Joonas Korpisalo. Fans might wonder if Bussi is the better choice due to his .918 save percentage over 78 AHL games with Providence despite not yet playing in the NHL. Meanwhile, Patera has a .907 save percentage across 85 AHL appearances and had decent numbers during his brief time with Vegas—a .902 save rate and 3.57 GAA through seven starts plus one relief appearance over two years.
Decisions Ahead for Boston:
If Boston opts for Bussi as backup at season start and waives Patera again hoping he’ll clear to Providence, Vancouver could reclaim him for their Abbotsford team if they’re alone in submitting a claim . Should the Bruins keep hold of Patera instead, it strengthens their goalie depth not only now but also next year—a smart move indeed! Vancouver probably thought that second year on his contract would deter other teams from claiming him…but alas!
What do you think? Is this a good strategy by Boston or should they have done something else?
