As the offseason slowly creeps up, Thatcher Demko rumors continue to dominate headlines in Vancouver. With just one year left on his current contract, the 29-year-old goaltender is eligible to sign a long-term extension with the Canucks this summer. But the decision isn’t as straightforward as it seems.
Canucks Face a Tough Decision on Demko’s Future
Demko is coming off a phenomenal season last year that earned him a finalist nod for the Vezina Trophy, and his current deal—carrying a cap hit of just $5 million annually—suddenly looks like one of the biggest bargains in the NHL. However, that value comes with a caveat: health.
Canucks insider Ben Kuzma of The Province recently noted that Demko’s contract is well below the going rate for top-tier goalies. Linus Ullmark, who was traded to the Ottawa Senators, just inked a four-year deal worth $8.25 million per season. Based on performance alone, Demko deserves a similar payday.
But here’s where things get tricky.
Demko has played more than 35 games only twice in the last five seasons. He’s had recurring injury issues that not only impacted his availability but also placed added strain on Vancouver’s goaltending depth. One commenter summed it up perfectly: “If Demko is healthy, he’s an $8 million goalie. But over five seasons, he’s only had two healthy years.”
The Canucks’ front office has to weigh the risk of locking in a long-term deal against the very real chance that they’ll need a high-end backup capable of playing 30+ games each year. That’s not just a depth concern—it’s a financial one. If Vancouver gives Demko $8 million annually, they may not have the flexibility to build around him or invest in a strong tandem partner.
Personally, I see the Canucks leaning toward a “wait and see” approach. Let Demko prove he can stay healthy through the first few months next season. If he can avoid the injured list and maintain his elite level of play, Vancouver could offer a four or five-year extension in the $7.5–$8 million range—maybe even front-loaded to protect against late-career drop-off.
If he stumbles or suffers another setback? The Canucks may be forced to reevaluate the future of their crease altogether.
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