The Vancouver Canucks decided they didn’t want a thin free agent class to ruin their bigger plans. Today, they have announced that star goaltender Thatcher Demko signs a contract extension to stay on with the club. This deal is a three-year contract extension with an average cap hit of $8.5 million per season.
General Manager Patrik Allvin announced today that the #Canucks have agreed to terms with goaltender Thatcher Demko on a three-year contract with a $8.5 million AAV.
DETAILS | https://t.co/Oegg8rYBkb pic.twitter.com/vsAoDhBrLI
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) July 1, 2025
Vancouver Canucks Demko Signs Important Contract Extension
There’s no sugar coating this. Thatcher Demko is an excellent goaltender, and it will be very hard to compensate for his absence. Therefore, the Canuck organization didn’t want to risk that happening.
The Canucks weren’t going to move on from Demko on a whim, as past rumours had suggested. As of just a couple of seasons ago, he was considered a cornerstone of the franchise alongside Elias Pettersson and Quinn Hughes. Losing a star goalie would’ve been detrimental to the team’s outlook. Hence, they are keeping Demko around.
Personally for the goalie, Vancouver is the only NHL organization Demko has ever known. He was drafted by the club in 2014, 36th overall. Since then, he has played 242 games, posting a 126-89-20 record, with nine shutouts. He also carries a 2.80 goals-against average and a .910 save percentage.
Unfortunately, over recent campaigns, Demko has struggled with injury. He only played in 23 games in 2024-25. It does seem like he is coming around, however. Plus, the Canucks can’t afford to risk losing more star power.
Why is Demko So Important to Vancouver?
It is somewhat the image of having a star. But also, he is the starter. They have other options, but not at Demko’s level, yet anyway.
Kevin Lankinen has been a sturdy and reliable second option, but he doesn’t have the peak of Demko.
That being said, Artūrs Šilovs leading the Abbotsford Canucks to a Calder Cup seems to have changed the equation. Šilovs was awarded the Jack A. Butterfield Trophy as playoff MVP, with five shutouts and nearly 700 saves to go with his 16 wins. His last run in the NHL didn’t go very well at all, but trophies can be convincing.
As of this season, Šilovs needs to clear waivers to move to the AHL and back. So, the Canucks will need to decide on a backup. However, the can rest easy knowing they have a number one guy. Let the rest take care of itself.
Main Photo Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
