The Vancouver Canucks have made it official: emerging superstar goaltender Thatcher Demko has declined reported overtures from the Detroit Red Wings and signed a 3‑year, US $25.5 million extension with Vancouver. The deal kicks in for the 2026‑27 season and carries an average annual value (AAV) of $8.5 million, up from his prior $5 million AAV
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Age & Performance: The 29‑year‑old two‑time All-Star posts a career record of 126–89–20 with a 2.80 GAA, .910 save percentage, and nine shutouts in 242 NHL games
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Leadership & Loyalty: GM Patrik Allvin emphasized Demko’s “importance as both a top goalie and team leader” and praised his decision to remain committed to the franchise’s vision—choosing to stay in Vancouver over exploring offers elsewhere
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Market Buzz: Earlier rumors linked Demko to Detroit, potentially via trade to fill their goaltending void, but Demko ultimately elected to stay put
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🏆 Why This Matters
Core Stability: Demko joins Brock Boeser (7 years, $50.75 million) and Conor Garland (6 years, $36 million) as cornerstone extensions, signaling continuity for the Canucks’ emerging core
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Health Concerns: While injuries have limited him to 23 games last season, Vancouver is betting on his long‑term elite form
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Cap Implications: At $8.5 million AAV, this places him among the league’s top-paid goaltenders—on par with Vezina finalist Connor Hellebuyck
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📣 What Demko Said
On social media, Demko expressed deep pride in being a Canuck since being drafted:
“I’ve always wanted to be a Canuck since Day 1 … I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity to continue my tenure in Vancouver.”
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🔍 Final Take
Vancouver ducks a major trade scenario, holding onto their starting goalie and maintaining core chemistry. Detroit’s goaltending pursuit ends in disappointment, while the Canucks reaffirm their competitive aspirations with Demko in new.
