Intriguing NCAA prospect will be on the market since he doesn't want to sign in Buffalo
When prospects are coming from the NCAA it's always longer before they sign their first professional contract in order to keep their eligibility. Sometimes the players even wait it out in order to hit the free agent market just like Jimmy Vesey did a few years ago when he refused to sign in Nashville.
Though the Sabres are about to live in the same situation in their organization with the prospect they drafted back in the 3rd Round of the 2019 draft picks, Erik Portillo. The netminder has been performing at the University of Michigan where he's put up tremendous numbers over the last three years.
He's a 6'6'' Swede that crossed the border to experience the North-American game. At the collegiate level, he started 66 games, posting an excellent 46-17-1 along the way with a 0.922 save percentage and only 2.26 goals against average.
He definitely fits the ideal goaltending standards it's common knowledge that Ian Clarke, the goaltending coach, likes big-bodied netminders. The Sabres still hold his rights until Aug. 15th, 2023, they will probably try to deal with him in order to have some sort of return.
Canucks good benefit from adding another young goaltender to their ranks. With Collin Delia's contract coming to an end by this season's end, a 22-year-old like Portillo could fit in well with Silovs in the AHL and would definitively increase the internal competition. Should the Canucks call and asks about the acquiring costs?
CREDIT: Habs et LNH
| POLL | ||
Should they give the Sabres a call about Portillo? | ||
| Yes | 136 | 60.4 % |
| No | 89 | 39.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
