Thatcher Demko’s Recovery and the Canucks’ Search for a Goalie
Introduction:
The Vancouver Canucks’ 2023-24 season ended with uncertainty surrounding the health of star goaltender Thatcher Demko. As the team prepares for the upcoming season, Demko’s availability remains uncertain. The Canucks are now exploring the goalie market to find additional insurance in case Demko is unable to play. However, the exact details of Demko’s current condition are unknown, and it is unclear whether he underwent surgery during the summer.
Demko’s Journey and Setbacks:
Thatcher Demko pushed himself to return for the playoffs last season but suffered a knee injury in Game 1 of the first-round series. Despite the setback, Demko continued to support his teammates and worked towards returning to the lineup. However, the Canucks were eliminated before he could make it back on the ice.
Shifts in Goaltending Plans:
During the NHL Draft, rumors began to circulate that Demko had not skated since Game 7 against the Edmonton Oilers. This uncertainty led the Canucks to restart contract talks with Casey DeSmith and sign Jiří Patera in free agency. While Demko is now in Vancouver, the team recently reached out to unrestricted free agent Kevin Lankinen, indicating their desire for another experienced option in case Demko is not cleared to play.
The Challenge of Signing Lankinen:
The Canucks have shown strong interest in Kevin Lankinen, who has played over 100 NHL games and has a solid track record. However, reaching an agreement with Lankinen may be difficult as he earned $2 million last season and is likely to demand a higher contract. Vancouver could afford Lankinen by placing Tucker Poolman’s contract on long-term injured reserve, but the team plans to enter the season without doing so. This decision is part of their larger strategy to maximize salary-cap flexibility at the 2025 trade deadline.
The Departure of Ian Clark:
Ian Clark, the Canucks’ highly regarded goaltending coach, will no longer serve in that role but will remain with the organization in a scouting and development capacity. Clark has a strong relationship with Demko, and his departure raises questions about the impact on the young goalie. While it is unclear why Clark lost his title as director of goaltending, this change opens the possibility of another team offering him a director-level role.
Other Updates:
There have been no talks between the Canucks and winger Brock Boeser regarding a contract extension. Winger Dakota Joshua has arrived in Vancouver early and is already skating, demonstrating his commitment to improving his fitness. The decision to trade Vasili Podkolzin was based on the team’s investment in wing depth and the likelihood that Podkolzin would struggle to make the roster. The Canucks received a fourth-round pick in return, which they intend to use to improve the team.
Conclusion:
As the Vancouver Canucks prepare for the upcoming season, the availability of star goalie Thatcher Demko remains uncertain. The team is actively exploring the goalie market for additional insurance, with Kevin Lankinen emerging as their top target. However, signing Lankinen may be challenging due to salary considerations. The departure of Ian Clark as goaltending coach adds further uncertainty to the Canucks’ crease situation. The team will need to navigate these challenges while also addressing other roster needs to maximize their chances of success in the upcoming season.