VANCOUVER, The Canucks have secured the future of their star netminder, Thatcher Demko, with a significant three-year extension worth $25.5 million (average annual value of $8.5 million), set to begin in the 2026–27 NHL
🏒 Why It’s a Big Deal
- Reliable, Elite-level Play When Healthy: At 29, Demko boasts a career record of 126–89–20, a 2.80 goals-against average, a .910 save percentage, and nine shutouts over 242 game
- Vezina-Caliber Credentials: He was a finalist for the NHL’s top goaltender award following his stellar 2023–24 campaign (35–14–2, 2.45 GAA, .918 SV%)
- Locker Room Leader: GM Patrik Allvin praised Demko as “one of the top goalies in the National Hockey League and a key leader in our locker room”
🤕 The Elephant in the Crease: Health & Injuries
While his peak form is undeniable, Demko’s injury history has been a concern:
- Played just 23 games in 2024–25 due to lingering injuries, posting a modest 2.90 GAA and .889 save percentage
- Nearly every season has been marred by lower-body injuries—hips, groin, and knees—leading many analysts to question long-term durability
- Despite injuries, Vancouver’s medical team and leadership believe the investment is worthwhile: “If Demko stays healthy, he’s worth every penny
🧩 Strategy Behind the Deal
The extension gives Vancouver strong goaltending depth, pairing Demko with fellow goalie Kevin Lankinen, who signed a five-year, $4.5 million AAV deal in February This duo could be one of the NHL’s most formidable tandems, managing playing time strategically to reduce Demko’s risk of injury .
💬 Reaction from Analysts
- Sportskeeda’s Abhishek Dilta acknowledged Demko as “third‑highest‑paid goaltender in the NHL,” noting that his $8.5 million cap hit ranks him alongside elite
- Georgia Straight gave the extension a “C+”, cautioning that Vancouver may have preferred to promote Lankinen and Silovs rather than commit to Demko’s health risk
- NHL Trade Rumors observed that before signing, the Canucks considered trading Demko to avoid redundancy with Lankinen and developing prospect Arturs Silovs
🔮 What’s Next?
- Canucks Strategy: With goaltending depth secured, management can focus on bolstering the forward lines and defense to push for playoff contention in the Pacific Division.
- Risk Mitigation: Demko’s usage will likely be monitored carefully, sharing duties to minimize injury risk while maximizing performance.
While not the $55 million deal rumored in tabloids, the $25.5 million extension is a substantial commitment—locking in a dynamic talent who, when healthy, can anchor the Canucks’ playoff ambitions.
Let me know if you’d like to dive deeper into his career stats, contract structure, or comparisons with other top NHL goalies
