Vancouver Canuck goalie Jacob Markstrom cleared waivers today and will be assigned to the minor-league Utica Comets.All 29 other National Hockey League teams passed on the 24-year-old netminder who was acquired by the Canucks from the Florida Panthers last March as part of the Roberto Luongo trade.Markstrom started just three games last season for the Canucks and only after the team was eliminated from the playoff race. His lack of NHL playing time the last year, coupled with a $1.4-million-US one-way salary made Markstrom unappealing on the waiver wire.Although the Canucks retain their third-string goalie, he will cost them $275,000 against their NHL salary cap and also causes a logjam of netminders in the minors. Joacim Eriksson and Joe Cannata played in Utica last season and were expected to return to the AHL this year.The Canucks placed Markstrom on waivers Friday after deciding to go with starter Ryan Miller and backup Eddie Lack this season. General manager Jim Benning said he wanted to use an extra roster spot for a 14th forward, not a third goalie.