Thatcher Demko on his way out of Vancouver? Evidence says yes
Photo credit: Daily Hive
All-Star goalie Thatcher Demko will be eligible for a new contract on July 1 and has made it a clear desire to resign with the Canucks.
The Vancouver Canucks need to decide what they want to do with Thatcher Demko.
Despite another tough season riddled with injuries, Demko told the media at his exit interview this year that he wants to stay in Vancouver.
«I've always wanted to be a Canuck since day one. I want to be here. I'd like to get an extension done [and] stay here." -Demko
Noah Strang from the Daily Hive writes that while there was a time when committing to Demko long term seemed like a straightforward decision for the Canucks, his recent injury history has significantly complicated matters.
"The emergence of Kevin Lankinen, who the Canucks signed to a five-year deal, has also made re-signing Demko less of a priority. Lankinen performed well this past season and is now locked up until the summer of 2030." -Strang
Demko was outstanding during the 2023-24 campaign, but a pair of injuries late in the season limited him to just one playoff appearance. Unfortunately, those health concerns lingered into this past year, he managed only 23 games and never seemed fully at ease, posting a .889 save percentage.
"Due to the uncertainty surrounding injuries, Demko's extension is now much harder to predict. The Canucks will be hesitant to make such a big commitment while Demko will be roaring to prove he still deserves it." -Strang
Canucks GM Jim Rutherford expressed that it's a very tricky situation with plenty of risk during the team's year-end media availibility.
"From those comments, it sounds like the Canucks will be eyeing a much shorter contract. It's possible they could be targeting a value similar to the $33 million over four years that the Ottawa Senators signed with Linus Ullmark." -Strang
We'll have to wait until the summer to see what the Canucks decide to do with Demko.
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