In hockey, as in life, you sometimes find yourself back at the beginning.
As the Vancouver Canucks’ unexpected and remarkable 2023-24 season wrapped up in May, the biggest question concerning the team was the health of their star goaltender, Thatcher Demko. He had been intensifying his on-ice activities and seemed close to making a return.
Now, as we approach late August and just a month from the start of training camp, Demko’s status is once more the central topic of discussion in this passionate hockey city.
This week, Rick Dhaliwal reported on Sportsnet 650 that the Canucks are still exploring the goalie market, a pursuit that continues into the weekend.
The team is considering various options, likely seeking extra assurance in net. This is understandable, as Demko is still without a clear timeline for his rehabilitation and is recovering from consecutive knee injuries.
Multiple league sources later informed The Athletic that Demko is not expected to be ready for training camp or preseason games. While the team is optimistic that its Vezina Trophy finalist will be available for opening night on October 9 against the Calgary Flames, even that prospect seems uncertain at this late stage of summer.
There appears to be a veil of secrecy surrounding the specifics of his situation. Up to this point, those close to the matter have not confirmed if Demko underwent surgery this summer.
What is clear is that Demko made an extraordinary effort to return for the playoffs but suffered an injury late in Game 1 of Vancouver’s first-round series against the Nashville Predators. This was a heartbreaking setback for the immensely talented and fiercely competitive goaltender. Nevertheless, Demko traveled with the team, supported his teammates, and continued working toward a return as Vancouver’s playoff journey continued.
Leading up to Game 6 of Vancouver’s second-round series against Edmonton, Demko’s rehabilitation — including post-integration work and push-offs — showed enough progress that a return seemed near, if not imminent. Unfortunately, the Canucks were eliminated in Game 7 of that series, leaving Demko without a chance to return to the net.
By the NHL Draft in Las Vegas, the dynamics of Vancouver’s goaltending strategy appeared to evolve behind the scenes. Reports surfaced that Demko hadn’t skated since Game 7 against the Oilers. The uncertainty prompted the team to revive contract discussions with veteran backup Casey DeSmith and sign young, experienced netminder Jiří Patera during unrestricted free agency.
Although Demko arrived in Vancouver about a week ago alongside other Canucks goaltenders, there seems to have been a recent shift in the team’s goaltending strategy.
This week, the organization reached out to unrestricted free agent goaltender Kevin Lankinen, a veteran Finnish goalie who performed well as a backup for the Predators last season.
The Canucks clearly have a strong interest in the 29-year-old Lankinen, who has played over 100 NHL games and has consistently maintained an average save percentage at the NHL level. Additionally, there is existing familiarity between Lankinen, a Helsinki native, and new Canucks goaltending coach Marko Torenius.
While Lankinen has become Vancouver’s leading target for goaltending insurance, and it’s believed the club made him an offer this week, reaching an agreement may not be straightforward. Lankinen has no contract as late August approaches, but he earned $2 million last season and possesses the experience and profile typically sought after by NHL teams, leading to contracts above a veteran minimum one-year deal.
This situation presents intriguing options for the club, particularly regarding their need for short-term veteran insurance in net as they pursue high ambitions for this season.
From a salary-cap perspective, Vancouver could create the necessary space to afford Lankinen if they decided to place Tucker Poolman’s $2.5 million contract on long-term injured reserve for the season. However, the current plan is for the team to start the season outside of LTI. For Canucks management, the primary goal remains to accumulate salary-cap space throughout the upcoming season,
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with the aim of enhancing cap flexibility by the 2025 trade deadline.
Regardless of how this situation unfolds — and the team is likely to explore other, potentially more budget-friendly options on the waiver wire in the upcoming weeks — the Canucks’ interest in Lankinen indicates some lingering uncertainty regarding their goaltending situation as the offseason approaches its conclusion.
This also implies that the team prefers to have an additional experienced goaltender alongside Patera, Artūrs Šilovs, and Nikita Tolopilo, especially if Demko is not cleared in time for the season opener.
The Ian Clark Situation
This week, it was revealed that Ian Clark will no longer function as the Canucks’ goaltending coach and has stepped down as the director of goaltending. Nevertheless, he will continue with the organization in a scouting capacity and as a goaltending development coach.
There is no denying that Clark is one of the NHL’s most esteemed and effective goaltending coaches. His departure from that role is a significant loss for the franchise.
Clark has established a strong rapport and considerable mutual trust with Demko. Several years ago, Demko openly advocated for Clark to remain with the team during Clark’s final season amid the pandemic. While it is unclear how Demko’s camp views this week’s changes, it is evident that they were informed in advance and were not taken by surprise.
This decision was made by Clark himself. The physical demands of being a full-time goaltending coach made it inevitable for the 58-year-old Vancouver native to transition away from a hands-on on-ice role.
What remains challenging to understand is the rationale behind Clark losing his title as director of goaltending during this transition.
At the very least, this shift opens up the possibility for another team to extend a director-level opportunity to Clark. Since such an offer would represent a promotion, the Canucks would likely find it difficult to deny him permission to pursue a new role within another NHL organization.
The timing is also less than ideal. Not only is it late in the summer, but the team has a star goaltender recovering from consecutive knee injuries and is still seeking additional backup options in goal.
Quick Notes
No Update on Brock Boeser: Following a 40-goal season, Canucks winger Brock Boeser became eligible for an extension on July 1. We checked on this matter this week and found that there have been no discussions between the two parties this summer.
Dakota Joshua Arrives Early: With his new contract signed, Canucks winger Dakota Joshua has made his way to Vancouver early and is already skating at Scotia Barn (the former Eight Rinks) with several local NHL players. Following a challenging season, where he faced scrutiny regarding his fitness during last fall’s training camp, this demonstrates Joshua’s determination to avoid a repeat of that situation.
Vasili Podkolzin Trade Notes: The choice to trade Vasili Podkolzin was not an easy one. However, given the team’s significant investment in wing depth this summer, leadership believed it would be challenging for Podkolzin to secure a spot on the roster out of training camp. While last season posed difficulties for Podkolzin in terms of production, he possesses a distinct profile with his size, work ethic, and skill. Now eligible for waivers, the team recognized that he would likely not clear if he didn’t make the top 13 forwards. Thus, they opted to trade him now for a fourth-round pick instead of risking him being lost on waivers or accepting a low offer from a team looking to bypass the waiver process closer to Canadian Thanksgiving.
The Return: Longtime observers of this hockey club will not be surprised to learn that the fourth-round pick — originally belonging to the Ottawa Senators — acquired in the Podkolzin trade is already seen as a valuable asset by the Canucks’ hockey operations leadership. It serves as valuable capital, explicitly earmarked for potential improvements during this season.
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PTOs: The Canucks have signed Sammy Blais to an American Hockey League contract, which includes an invitation to training camp. In light of Podkolzin’s departure, the organization aimed to add more size to their forward lineup to improve their overall options. They also considered Jujhar Khaira, a native of Cloverdale, for a similar role. Meanwhile, two players who remain available but have not elicited interest from the Canucks are Nick Cousins and Milan Lucic.
(Photo of Thatcher Demko: Harry How / Getty Images)
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Canucks’ Goaltending Gamble: The Ongoing Uncertainty Surrounding Thatcher Demko
Overview of the Canucks’ Goaltending Situation
The Vancouver Canucks have been navigating a challenging landscape regarding their goaltending strategy, specifically centered around Thatcher Demko. As one of the most promising goalkeepers in the NHL, Demko’s performance, health, and future with the team have become topics of intense discussion among fans and analysts alike.
### Current State of Thatcher Demko
– **Injury History**: Demko has faced multiple injuries in recent seasons, raising concerns about his durability.
– **Performance Metrics**: Historically, Demko has shown flashes of brilliance, but inconsistency has plagued his game during pivotal moments.
– **Contract Situation**: Demko is under contract until 2026, which ties the Canucks’ payroll to his performance—adding pressure on both the player and management.
### Key Performance Indicators
To assess Demko’s value effectively, it’s crucial to analyze his key performance indicators (KPIs) over the last few seasons. Below is a summary table highlighting his stats:
| Season | Games Played | Wins | Goals Against Average (GAA) | Save Percentage (SV%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020-21 | 29 | 16 | 2.85 | .957 |
| 2021-22 | 64 | 32 | 3.16 | .906 |
| 2022-23 | 38 | 14 | 3.55 | .898 |
### The Risks of Relying on Demko
The decision to lean heavily on Demko as their primary goaltender carries several risks:
– **Injury Concerns**: Ongoing health issues could jeopardize the team’s season.
– **Pressure to Perform**: The weight of expectations can lead to performance anxiety, potentially diminishing his effectiveness.
– **Limited Backup Options**: The Canucks’ backup goaltenders have not consistently demonstrated the ability to step up when needed, placing additional pressure on Demko.
### Case Studies: Teams with Similar Goaltending Dilemmas
Examining other NHL teams that faced similar goaltending uncertainties can provide insights into the Canucks’ situation. Here are a few notable examples:
1. **Chicago Blackhawks and Corey Crawford**
– Ongoing injuries limited Crawford’s availability, but when healthy, he was a top-tier goaltender. The Blackhawks managed to find success by developing a reliable backup and a strong defensive system.
2. **Pittsburgh Penguins and Marc-André Fleury**
– Fleury’s inconsistent performances led the Penguins to explore other options, which ultimately resulted in multiple goaltenders sharing the load. This strategy worked well as they secured a Stanley Cup during this transition.
### Benefits of a Strong Goaltending Strategy
Developing a strategic approach to goaltending can yield several benefits for the Canucks:
– **Increased Team Confidence**: A reliable goaltender instills confidence in the entire team, positively impacting their overall performance.
– **Better Playoff Prospects**: Teams with stable goaltending are often more successful in securing playoff berths and advancing deep into the postseason.
– **Long-Term Success**: Establishing a strong goaltending pipeline can benefit the franchise for years to come.
### Practical Tips for Managing Goaltending Uncertainty
For the Canucks, managing Demko’s uncertainty effectively is paramount. Here are some practical tips:
1. **Load Management**: Implement a strategic plan to manage Demko’s gameplay, ensuring he receives adequate rest while maintaining game sharpness.
2. **Cultivate Backup Talent**: Invest in developing backup goaltenders who can provide reliable support and step in as needed, reducing the pressure on Demko.
3. **Injury Prevention**: Focus on injury prevention strategies, including specialized training and rehabilitation programs, to enhance Demko’s longevity and performance.
### Fan Perspectives and First-Hand Experiences
The Canucks’ fan base has mixed feelings about Demko’s future. Some believe in his potential and hope he can overcome his injuries, while others express frustration over his inconsistency. Here are a few fan perspectives:
– **Optimistic Fan**: “When Demko is on his game, he’s unbeatable. I believe he can bounce back strong this season.”
– **Skeptical Fan**: “His injury history worries me. I think we need to invest in a solid backup plan.”
### The Broader Impact on the Canucks’ Season
The uncertainty surrounding Thatcher Demko significantly impacts the Canucks’ strategy and overall season performance. If he can remain healthy and reclaim his form, the team could position itself for a strong playoff run. Conversely, if injuries persist or performance falters, the Canucks may find themselves in a precarious situation.
#### Conclusion
The ongoing uncertainty surrounding Thatcher Demko’s role as the Canucks’ goaltender encapsulates the essence of risk versus reward in sports. As the season progresses, the Canucks must remain vigilant and flexible in their approach to goaltending to ensure sustained success on the ice.
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