Vancouver Canucks goaltender Thatcher Demko has emerged as a prominent figure in NHL trade discussions as the offseason approaches. Despite being a cornerstone of the franchise, recent developments suggest his future with the team is uncertain.
The Canucks recently solidified their commitment to Kevin Lankinen by signing him to a five-year, $22.5 million contract extension. Lankinen, 29, stepped up admirably in Demko’s absence due to injury, posting a 19-8-7 record with a 2.53 goals-against average and a .905 save percentage over 34 games . His performance has positioned him as the team’s primary goaltender moving forward.
Demko, also 29, is entering the final year of his five-year, $25 million contract, making him eligible for an extension on July 1. However, a significant knee injury sustained late in 2024 has raised concerns about his long-term viability. Although he returned to form towards the end of the season, the injury’s impact on his training and performance cannot be overlooked.
General Manager Patrik Allvin has expressed optimism about retaining both goaltenders, stating, “I do think there’s room. Again, I have a lot of respect for Thatcher, and he’s got another year on his contract. And I believe if you look around the league and see what teams are allocating to goalies, I still think there’s a good chance for us to keep both of them” . However, the financial implications of committing significant cap space to two goaltenders are a concern, especially if Demko cannot return to his previous All-Star form.
NHL insider Frank Seravalli has indicated that Demko is likely to be one of the top names on the trade block this summer. He noted, “I think you only hand out a contract like that [to Lankinen] if you have an indication that things are going sideways [with Demko], either by injury, or by pure change of scenery. So… Will Thatcher Demko be a Vancouver Canuck next season? My answer is no” .
Several teams are reportedly interested in acquiring Demko, including the Carolina Hurricanes, Columbus Blue Jackets, Detroit Red Wings, Edmonton Oilers, Philadelphia Flyers, and San Jose Sharks . His proven track record, coupled with the scarcity of elite goaltenders on the market, makes him an attractive option despite recent injuries.
As the NHL Draft approaches, the Canucks face a pivotal decision: trade Demko while his market value remains high or risk entering the next season with an expensive and potentially unstable goaltending tandem. The outcome will significantly shape the team’s direction in the coming years.
