According to reports, the Vancouver Canucks and goaltender Thatcher Demko are closing in on a five-year contract extension worth $25 million. The contract carries a salary cap of hit of $5 million.
Hearing from Vancouver: #Canucks and G Thatcher Demko are closing in on a long-term extension. 5 years, $25 million. #TSN
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) March 31, 2021
Canucks Extend Thatcher Demko
Demko burst on the scene and made a name for himself during the Canucks run in the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs. He started a game against the Vegas Golden Knights in the second round with the Canucks trailing 3-1 in the series. He allowed one goal on 43 shots in a Canucks victory. He became the first rookie goalie since Jose Theodore in 1997 to win an elimination game in his playoff debut. In the following game, Demko recorded his first career playoff shutout in Game 6 to force the series to a Game Seven. Demko nearly pulled off the comeback, but the Canucks just ran out of gas. During all three games, Demko was named the first star. Demko stopped 123 of 125 shots with a .984 save percentage.
The Canucks originally selected Demko in the second round (36th overall) in the 2014 NHL Draft. For his career, Demko has a 2.92 goals-against average with a .911 save percentage. In 25 games this season, Demko has a 2.77 goals-against average and a .917 save percentage.
Going Forward
With this contract, the Canucks are saying that Demko is their starting goalie of the future. Even with Braden Holtby signed for two years, he will most likely remain the backup, unless the Canucks decide to move in another direction. With the core of the team so young, the Canucks want Demko to grow with guys like Bo Horvat, Elias Pettersson, Nils Hoglander, and Brock Boeser. Currently the Canucks sit in sixth place with 35 points, trailing the Montreal Canadiens by four points. However, the Canadiens have games in hand.
There were a lot of expectations coming into the season for the Canucks after their run. However, injuries and inconsistent play see the Canucks on the outside looking in. One thing has been consistent and that is Demko has been rock solid for the Canucks when he is in between the pipes. If he is going to play like this the Canucks have a bright future ahead.
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