Canucks Insider Drops Major Update on Thatcher Demko’s Health and Future in Vancouver
As the 2025 NHL offseason heats up, change appears to be on the horizon once again for the Vancouver Canucks. This time, the spotlight is on star goaltender Thatcher Demko, whose future with the team has become a hot topic of discussion among insiders.
After spending much of the 2024 offseason rehabbing from injury and refining both his training routine and style of play, Demko is reportedly back to full health. According to sources, the 29-year-old is entering this summer in great physical condition and is already preparing for the upcoming season — a potentially pivotal one for his career.
However, despite his return to form, it seems the Canucks may be ready to move on. With Demko entering the final year of his current contract — which carries a $5 million cap hit and includes no trade protection — speculation is growing that Vancouver won’t be offering him a long-term extension. Instead, the team appears to be shifting its focus toward newly acquired goaltender Kevin Lankinen.
NHL Network insider David Pagnotta recently reported that Demko is open to a change of scenery and could be on the move this offseason. “He’s healthy, training hard, and preparing for a normal summer,” Pagnotta said. “But with Vancouver leaning toward Lankinen, other teams needing a goaltending upgrade may come calling.”
Adding fuel to the fire, fellow insider Frank Seravalli has listed Demko as one of the league’s top 20 trade candidates. With multiple reliable sources reporting similar intel, it’s becoming increasingly clear that Vancouver is seriously considering its options — and Demko could be a major trade chip.
Eastern Conference teams like the Carolina Hurricanes and Philadelphia Flyers are rumored to be in the market for a high-caliber goalie and could make a strong push for Demko. While the Canucks haven’t publicly stated what they’re seeking in return, interest is expected to be high.
One thing is certain: as the offseason unfolds, Thatcher Demko’s name will continue to dominate trade conversations. Whether he remains in Vancouver or finds a new home elsewhere, his future is one of the most intriguing storylines heading into the 2025-26 NHL season.