Journalist makes a bold claim regarding Canucks' Thatcher Demko: It's promising

PUBLICATION

Cooper Godin
August 8, 2024 (12:31)

SHARE THIS STORY

An NHL.com writer makes a big claim regarding Vancouver Canucks goaltender Thatcher Demko heading into the 2024-25 season.

On Thursday night, the NHL Network will be starting their nine-part series looking at the league's best players by position and an overall ranking and first up is goaltenders.

Before the NHL Network show, the writers at NHL.com shared their opinions on who should be the top ranked goaltender heading into the 2024-25 season and for Mike G. Morreale, he chose Vancouver Canucks netminder Thatcher Demko.

Morreale says that Demko was a big reason for the Canucks' turnaround last season and if he's 100% healthy after dealing injuries down the stretch and Stanley Cup Playoffs, the 28-year-old is the best goaltender entering the 2024-25 campaign. He also added that he believes Demko will be on the US' roster for the 4 Nations Face-off in early 2025.

"The Canucks goalie finished second in voting for the Vezina Trophy last season after he helped the Canucks to a dramatic turnaround and first place in the Pacific Division with a 35-14-2 record, 2.45 GAA, five shutouts, and NHL career-high .918 save percentage in 51 games (all starts). He was the first Canucks goalie to be a Vezina finalist since Roberto Luongo in 2011, and he matched the highest finish in voting by a Vancouver goalie (Luongo, 2007; Kirk McLean, 1992). Demko was limited to 32 games in 2022-23 because of a knee injury, and Vancouver went 38-37-7 and missed the playoffs by 12 points." Morreale said.

He added, "It's obvious how much a healthy Demko means to the Canucks, which is why I feel he is the best at his position entering 2024-25. In fact, I expect the 28-year-old to be included on the United States roster for the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off in February."

Demko, a native of San Diego, California, appeared in 51 games for the Canucks last season where he had a record of 35-14-2 along with a 2.45 goals against average, a .918 save percentage and five shutouts.

It's going to be another big season for Thatcher Demko and he'll be relied on heavily by Rick Tocchet throughout the year to get them back to the position they were in during the 2023-24 campaign and potentially repeat as Pacific Division champions. We'll have to wait and see where the NHL Network ranks Thatcher Demko heading into the 2024-25 season, but there's no doubt he should be in the top-five, at least.

Source: NHL.com
Best goalie entering this season debated by NHL.com