Although the Vancouver Canucks appear to have a stable goaltending pipeline on paper, this past season served as a reminder of just how quickly that depth can be tested.

Injuries forced the organization into uncomfortable territory, making call-ups a necessity rather than a mere insurance policy. Goaltenders like Nikita Tolopilo and Jiri Patera were pushed into larger roles than anticipated, while younger options such as Ty Young and Aku Koskenvuo endured inconsistent results in their respective leagues. It was a good reminder that depth in goal can evaporate quickly.

That reality raises an important question as the offseason looms. With uncertainty surrounding Patera’s next contract, combined with a lower performance from both of their young up-and-comers, should the Canucks be looking to add another goaltender to the mix?

Across the hockey world, there are always undervalued or overlooked netminders who fall outside of the traditional draft-and-develop model. Whether it’s a breakout NCAA performer, a European pro finding his game, or a former draft pick rebuilding value, these are the types of bets that cost little and can occasionally return meaningful value.

This year, three names stand out as particularly intriguing options.

Johnny Hicks represents the type of swing that organizations rarely take, but perhaps should more often. At just 5-foot-10, he doesn’t fit the traditional mould of an NHL goaltender in 2026. The list of sub-six-foot goalies who have carved out long careers is short, with Juuse Saros standing as the lone current full-time example.

And yet, Hicks continuously does the one thing you want to see from any goalender: win.

Although he committed as a backup, his dominant play forced the Denver coaching staff’s hand, eventually making him the go-to option midway through the season. The University of Denver freshman put together one of the most dominant seasons in recent NCAA history, finishing with a 16-0-1 record, a 1.19 goals against average, and a .957 save percentage. His performance peaked on the biggest stage, backstopping Denver to a national championship with 78 saves across two Frozen Four games, including a 49-save double-overtime performance against Michigan.

His game is built on elite athleticism, strong lateral movement, and steady puck tracking. He doesn’t rely on size to block, but instead uses quickness and anticipation to stay ahead of plays.

A Kamloops native, he has followed a path that includes dominant stretches in the BCHL, a WHL stop, and now NCAA success. Since 2023, his record stands at a whopping 77-11-2 across those three tiers.

Hicks may be the upside play, but Alexander Smolin may be the most NHL-ready of the group.

The 22-year-old has quietly established himself as one of the more intriguing undrafted goaltenders outside of North America, putting together a strong season in the KHL with Metallurg Magnitogorsk. Splitting time in tandem with Colorado Avalanche prospect Ilya Nabokov, Smolin produced a 23-8-2 record alongside a .915 save percentage and a 2.33 goals-against average, outperforming his counterpart despite slightly fewer starts.

His play has elevated further in the postseason, where he is undefeated (6-0-0) with a dominant 1.08 goals-against average, a .955 save percentage, and a shutout. He’s only allowed seven goals.

Smolin’s game is built on efficiency. He moves well, tracks pucks cleanly, and competes on second efforts, all while maintaining structure within his crease. While not exceptionally large by modern standards, his mobility and active hands allow him to compensate effectively.

At 22, he sits in an ideal window — young enough to continue developing, but experienced enough to transition into a professional role in North America immediately.

Nick Malik rounds out the list as a classic reclamation candidate.

Originally drafted by the Tampa Bay Lightning as an overaged netminder in 2022, Malik appeared to be trending upward early in his development before a pair of difficult seasons in Finland stalled his progress. Tampa ultimately chose not to sign him, while he was simultaneously released by his team in Liiga.

But a reset and a swap in countries pushed a reset, where he’s now found his game in a big way. Now playing in Czechia, Malik has re-established himself as one of the top goaltenders in the Extraliga, posting a league-leading 1.65 goals against average alongside a .929 save percentage. At 6-foot-3, he brings the size teams covet, but now pairs it with improved structure and confidence in his game.

Malik has already navigated adversity, adjusted his game, and found success at the professional level, traits that have NHL teams checking back as a low-risk addition with potential upside. Although he is signed for two years, an interested team can always use out-clauses or loan options often built into European contracts to bring him over immediately.

Nikita Tolopilo is a classic example of how finding a gem overseas can benefit your organization. Even with the younger options available in the system, adding multiple options, increasing internal competition, and creating a deeper pool of viable goaltenders is how organizations insulate themselves at the position.

And right now, that’s exactly the type of opportunity the Canucks should be exploring.