Photo: Bob Frid – USA TODAY Sports
After sending their former captain Bo Horvat to the New York Islanders in the first major trade of the season, the Vancouver Canucks are understood to still be in the trade market. The name which has cropped up this time is goaltender Thatcher Demko. In today’s NHL Rumours, we examine what that would look like.
NHL Rumours
NHL Rumours: Thatcher Demko Is a Potential Trade Target
Per Emily Kaplan via ESPN, multiple teams have enquired about the 27-year-old’s availability and what it would take to pry him away from British Columbia.
Although Vancouver is not understood to be actively shopping Demko, Kaplan reports that they would be happy to listen to any reasonable offer that is tabled.
What Does Demko Have to Offer?
This season has been difficult for the Canucks organization and it has been no different for Demko. Before becoming injured, the Californian had a 3-10-2 record. That came with an .883 save percentage and a 3.92 goals against average (GAA).
However, based on his previous years’ statistics, this seems to be a blip. His career record to date is 70-63-13 with 2 shutouts. He also boasts a save percentage of .909 and a GAA of 2.94.
Not only this but Demko has three years left on his team-friendly $5 million per year contract, relative youth behind him and an average goaltender market working in his favour. Therefore, it is clear to see why he is garnering interest across the league.
Where Could He Land?
One team that screams out as a perfect match is the Pittsburgh Penguins. Currently, coach Mike Sullivan has Tristan Jarry and Casey DeSmith as his first-choice tandem between the pipes. Jarry is a very good NHL goaltender. Although has had some trouble in the playoffs, the only major concern would be his injury record. He is once again currently hurt.
When Jarry is out, they look to rely on DeSmith and unfortunately he does not appear to meet the required standards. With a streaky record, he sits 33rd in GAA and 16th in save percentage. If the Penguins want to boost their form and start to look like a playoff team, a new goaltender to accompany Jarry would be a good start.
The potential trade is boosted by Vancouver president of hockey operations Jim Rutherford’s long-standing ties with Pittsburgh. Rutherford drafted and later traded for Kasperi Kapanen, showing a soft spot for the Finn. With the Penguins and Kapanen well overdue a parting of ways, the winger could be sent to western Canada as part of a package. However, picks would likely be involved as well. Something to keep an eye on as NHL rumours.
