Canucks Reportedly Considering Trade of Goaltender Thatcher Demko
The Vancouver Canucks are coming off a disappointing 2024–25 NHL season, one that fell far short of expectations following their strong performance the previous year. After finishing first in the Pacific Division during the 2023–24 campaign, the Canucks failed to qualify for the Stanley Cup Playoffs this time around, prompting sweeping changes throughout the organization.
The shake-up began during the season and has continued into the offseason. Among the most significant moves was the blockbuster trade that sent star forward J.T. Miller to the New York Rangers. Additionally, head coach Rick Tocchet, who earned the Jack Adams Award last season as the NHL’s top coach, parted ways with the organization shortly after the season concluded.
Now, the team may be preparing for another major roster change—one that could catch Canucks fans off guard. Reports suggest the organization is considering trading goaltender Thatcher Demko, a long-standing face of the franchise.
Demko, who is under contract through the 2025–26 season with a $5 million annual cap hit, has struggled with injuries over the past year. He missed almost the entire playoff run last season and was unavailable for training camp, preseason action, and the early months of the 2024–25 season due to a lingering lower-body injury. While he returned late in the year, his health remains a major question mark moving forward.
According to NHL insider David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, Demko may be open to moving on from Vancouver. “Demko appears open to a change of scenery and is expected to be in play as he enters the final year of his contract,” Pagnotta reported. “He does not have any no-trade protection, and while health has been a concern, he’s excited about having a normal offseason.”
Fueling trade speculation is Vancouver’s recent commitment to goaltender Kevin Lankinen. After signing Lankinen to a one-year deal last offseason to serve as insurance amid Demko’s injury concerns, the 29-year-old exceeded expectations, ultimately earning a five-year contract extension. Lankinen’s rise came as Arturs Silovs struggled to maintain consistency, reinforcing the team’s need for dependable goaltending.
With Lankinen now locked in as the probable long-term starter, the Canucks may view moving Demko as both a strategic and financial decision. Demko’s $5 million cap hit, combined with his injury history and the absence of trade protection, makes him an intriguing trade target for several teams seeking to improve their goaltending situation.
Despite his recent absences, Demko remains a highly regarded netminder when healthy. If Vancouver makes him available, he’s expected to draw significant interest from teams that either missed the playoffs or struggled with goaltending consistency throughout the season.
This potential move would mark yet another dramatic shift in the Canucks’ roster following a tumultuous season. In addition to the Miller trade, Vancouver dealt with internal issues, most notably a public feud between Elias Pettersson and Miller, which some believe contributed to the locker room tension and Miller’s eventual departure.
Should the Canucks decide to part ways with Demko, it would further signal a new era in Vancouver—one led by Lankinen in goal and shaped by an evolving front office strategy. As the team looks to rebound from a disappointing campaign, all signs point to more bold decisions ahead as they reshape their roster for the future.
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