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NHL Insider Sheds Light on What Thatcher Demko's Next Vancouver Canucks Contract Will Look Like
Photo credit: Bob Frid - USA TODAY Sports
A reporter has shared what he believed a Thatcher Demko contract extension could look like with the Vancouver Canucks, as the netminder becomes eligible to sign one as of July 1st.
While all the talk thus far in the offseason has been about Vancouver's need for some help in their top-six forward group, Patrik Allvin is going to need to make a difficult decision regarding their goaltending situation.
With Kevin Lankinen locked up to a five-year extension and Arturs Silovs playing lights out during the Calder Cup Playoffs, it could lead the team to potentially move on from Thatcher Demko, who has one year remaining on his contract.
Reporter shares what a potential Thatcher Demko contract extension could look like
The Vancouver Canucks essentially have four options when it comes to Thatcher Demko between now and next July - Trade him this summer, sign him to a contract extension this summer, trade him before the deadline during the 2025-26 season or let him walk to free agency on Canada Day 2026.
Obviously, the Vancouver Canucks wouldn't like that last scenario play out, which is happening this summer with Brock Boeser and Patrik Allvin could turn his attention to trading the netminder at some point this summer, allowing them to bring Arturs Silovs to the NHL on a full-time basis, something the Latvian has earned at this point.
In late May, reports indicated that Thatcher Demko would be open to a change of scenery this summer, with Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff wondered about the Philadelphia Flyers as a landing spot, reuniting him with his now former Head Coach Rick Tocchet.
On the flip side, if the Vancouver Canucks were to trade Arturs Silovs instead to capitalize on the value he has from his performance in the Calder Cup Playoffs, they could run with a Thatcher Demko-Kevin Lankinen tandem next season and potentially look at a contract extension for the American netminder.
In an article on Canucks Army this week, David Quadrelli took a look at what a potential contract extension could look like for Thatcher Demko, one that would be fair for both the player and the team.
Quadrelli believes that Thatcher Demko's salary would start with a six or seven, with a mid-range term, likely three or four years.
"The cap hit likely starts with a six or a seven, and it would be hard to imagine the term being much more than three or four. This gives Demko guaranteed money, and also allows him to hit the open market again at age 32 or 33." Quadrelli said.
Quadrelli's prediction for a Thatcher Demko extension, if the team decides to go down that route and not trade him, is either three years at $7.5 million annually or four years with an AAV of $6.75 million.
It's certainly going to be interesting to which direction the Vancouver Canucks head with their goaltending situation and who will be on the opening night roster, alongside Kevin Lankinen, when opening night rolls around in early October.
Source: David Quadrelli/Canucks Army
What's the sweet spot for an extension between the Canucks and Thatcher Demko?
What's the sweet spot for an extension between the Canucks and Thatcher Demko?
Previously on Vancouver Hockey Daily
| POLL | ||
JUIN 18 | 1791 ANSWERS NHL Insider Sheds Light on What Thatcher Demko's Next Vancouver Canucks Contract Will Look Like Do you think the Vancouver Canucks will sign Thatcher Demko to a contract extension this summer? | ||
| Yes | 602 | 33.6 % |
| No, I think he'll be traded | 1189 | 66.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
