Canucks predicted to make surprise Thatcher Demko decision with goalie

Thatcher Demko was viewed as a possible goalie trade candidate.

But it sounds like the Vancouver Canucks may actually try to keep him around.

TSN's Darren Dreger told 1050AM that he thinks Demko is more likely for an NHL extension rather than a trade.

“It made sense until recently that they would have to consider trading Demko. But I was told by a couple teams today that Demko is more or less off the market,” Dreger said.

That's tricky for Vancouver, because they just extended goalie Kevin Lankinen for five years and $22.5 million.

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But Demko, who has a $5 million deal remaining for 2025-26, could be a candidate to get a new contract to stay in reserve as long as his season gets off to an OK start.

Dreger added that a Demko deal would probably be a multi-year extension.

Demko is coming off a bumpy season. He had a 10-8-3 record but just an 88.9 save percentage. Demko had a 2.90 goals against average.

In his career, the 29-year old is 126-89-20 with a 2.80 GAA and 91.0 save percentage.

Demko was an All Star for Vancouver in both 2021-22 and 2023-24.

Now he's firmly a backup, but he seems to be one that's content with making the most of his role.

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