The Vancouver Canucks are currently negotiating a new contract with their goalie Thatcher Demko, who has been part of the team since he was drafted in 2014. Demko took over as the starting goaltender after the departure of Jacob Markstrom, and the Canucks aim to secure his future amid interest from other NHL teams.
Demko’s Recent Performance and Injury Challenges
Last season, Demko appeared in 23 games, posting a 10-8-3 record with a goals-against average of 2.90 and a save percentage of .889. These statistics were below his previous annual performance, largely due to injuries that limited his playing time. His most impressive season was 2023-24, where he played 51 games, achieved 35 wins, maintained a 2.45 goals-against average, and a .918 save percentage, in addition to five shutouts and earning a finalist spot for the Vezina Trophy.
Potential Impact on Arturs Silovs and Team Roster Decisions
With contract talks ongoing for Demko, the Canucks are also considering the future of goalie Arturs Silovs. Silovs, who has performed exceptionally well in the AHL playoffs—earning MVP honors with a 16-7 record, a 2.01 goals-against average, and a .931 save percentage—has drawn interest from multiple NHL teams. Currently in the final year of a two-year, $1.7 million contract extending through the 2025-26 season, Silovs could be traded if Demko’s extension is finalized. Vancouver’s recent signing of Kevin Lankinen to a five-year, $22.5 million contract has increased their depth in goal, making roster space a key consideration moving forward.
Insider Perspectives on Demko’s Availability and Contract Status
NHL insider David Pagnotta has confirmed that negotiations with Demko are active but noted that interest from other teams remains, suggesting the Canucks are prepared to explore trade options if no agreement is reached. He also indicated that a resolution in Demko’s contract talks would influence decisions regarding Silovs’ future with the team.
“Contract talks continue between Vancouver and G Thatcher Demko on an extension today. Still seems early to predict what direction it goes, and there remains outside interest. If they can’t get a deal, they’ll further explore the market. If they can, Arturs Silovs may get moved.” —David Pagnotta, NHL insider
TSN’s Darren Dreger has added that an extension with Demko appears more probable than a trade, citing feedback from teams that Vancouver’s asking price has been a deterrent and that Demko has effectively become “off the market.”
“[Demko’s status around the league] changed a little bit. I was told by a couple of teams midday today that Demko is more or less now, off the market.” —Darren Dreger, TSN analyst
Future Outlook for the Canucks’ Goalie Situation
The ongoing contract talks surrounding Thatcher Demko carry significant implications for the Vancouver Canucks’ goalie lineup. If an agreement is reached, the team is likely to trade Silovs due to having three NHL-ready goalies on the roster. Vancouver is under pressure to finalize these decisions promptly to manage roster space effectively while maintaining strong goaltending depth. The outcome will shape the Canucks’ strategy moving into the next seasons, balancing their commitment to Demko’s proven talent against opportunities to leverage Silovs’ rising value in the NHL market.