Thatcher Demko’s Future in Vancouver: What It’ll Take for the Canucks to Make a Deal
A fresh report from NHL insider David Pagnotta is shedding light on the Vancouver Canucks’ offseason strategy, with goaltender Thatcher Demko at the center of potential trade talks. After years as Vancouver’s No. 1 between the pipes, Demko might be on the move—if the price is right.
Demko’s Time in Vancouver Could Be Winding Down
The Vancouver Canucks have long viewed Thatcher Demko as one of their franchise cornerstones, but his future with the club has come into question this offseason. At the end of May, David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period revealed that Demko could be open to a fresh start elsewhere, especially with only one year remaining on his current contract.
The timing of this revelation is no coincidence. The emergence of Latvian goaltender Arturs Silovs—who shone during the Calder Cup Playoffs with the Abbotsford Canucks—has created a realistic path forward where Vancouver could feel comfortable parting with Demko. If the Canucks move forward with a tandem of Silovs and newly signed Kevin Lankinen, that would leave Demko as the odd man out heading into the 2025-26 season.
Still, the Canucks front office—led by General Manager Patrik Allvin—isn’t eager to make a premature deal. They have the leverage to wait, potentially all the way to the 2025-26 trade deadline. However, if the right offer comes along this summer, Vancouver might be compelled to act.
What Would It Take to Trade Demko?
According to Pagnotta, Vancouver’s current priority is clear: boost their top-six forward group. With longtime winger Brock Boeser officially leaving the team on July 1, the Canucks are actively searching for scoring help.
This is where Demko enters the equation. If a rival NHL team comes forward with a young, controllable top-six forward—ideally someone with a few years left on their contract—it might be enough to convince the Canucks to deal their All-Star netminder.
“They are looking for ways to upgrade their scoring punch up front,” Pagnotta explained. “If they are offered a young, controllable top-six forward by a team in need of a new No. 1 goaltender, that might be enough to pry Thatcher Demko out of Vancouver.”
It’s not just one position the Canucks are hoping to strengthen. They’re reportedly in the market for both a second-line center and a top-six winger, indicating that the front office is aiming to make significant improvements this offseason. President of Hockey Operations Jim Rutherford has already made it clear that the organization plans to be aggressive in reshaping the roster.
Potential Suitors: Could a Reunion Be on the Cards?
Naturally, any goaltender of Demko’s caliber will draw attention from teams with questions in net. One intriguing possibility floated earlier this offseason is the Philadelphia Flyers.
Back in May, Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff speculated whether a reunion between Demko and former Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet could be in the cards. Tocchet, who had a strong bond with Demko during his time in Vancouver, could have a say in influencing the Flyers’ goaltending decisions—even if he’s no longer with the Canucks.
“Demko seemed awfully loyal to coach Rick Tocchet,” Seravalli noted. “Wondering if a reunion in Philadelphia is possible.”
Philadelphia currently has a murky goaltending situation. Both Samuel Ersson and Ivan Fedotov have shown they’re capable of playing at the NHL level, but neither has firmly established himself as a long-term starting option. If Flyers GM Danny Briere chooses to bolster his goaltending, there’s every reason to believe Tocchet could recommend Demko as a target.
Demko’s Numbers: Mixed Signals from the 2024-25 Season
From a pure performance standpoint, Demko had a somewhat underwhelming campaign this past season. In 23 games with Vancouver, the 29-year-old netminder posted a 10-8-3 record. His 2.90 goals-against average (GAA) and .889 save percentage were below his career averages, and he registered just one shutout.
However, it’s important to note that Demko’s 2024-25 season was hampered by injuries and inconsistency on the defensive side of the puck. Historically, he’s proven to be a high-end starter when healthy and supported, as evidenced by his two NHL All-Star appearances. His ability to steal games and carry a team through a playoff series remains a valuable asset, especially for contenders looking for stability in goal.
Canucks’ Goaltending Depth Is Creating Leverage
While Demko’s trade value might not be at its peak following a middling season, the Canucks are still in a strong position when it comes to negotiating. That’s because of the continued rise of Arturs Silovs, who impressed during Vancouver’s AHL affiliate’s postseason run. Silovs is widely viewed as NHL-ready, and pairing him with Lankinen—who was signed in free agency to a low-cost, short-term deal—gives Vancouver a cost-effective goaltending solution.
That flexibility allows the Canucks to be patient. They’re not forced to move Demko, which strengthens their position in talks. If a team wants him before the season starts, they’ll need to meet the asking price.
What Happens Next?
With the NHL Draft and free agency looming, the Canucks are expected to be active in reshaping their lineup. While the spotlight is on forwards and scoring, Thatcher Demko’s name will undoubtedly be floated in conversations around the league.
Should a team offer a young forward with upside—perhaps a player stuck behind other stars on the depth chart or due for a change of scenery themselves—Allvin and Rutherford may feel the timing is right to move on from their longtime No. 1 goalie.
But unless the offer checks all the boxes, Vancouver is content to hold onto Demko into next season. Whether he stays or goes this summer, the groundwork is being laid for a possible major shift in Vancouver’s crease—and it all hinges on what the Canucks can get in return.
As the offseason unfolds, Demko will remain one of the league’s most intriguing names to watch on the trade front. The question isn’t just if he’ll be dealt—it’s when, and for what.