It’s time for another round of NHL rumours. The Stanley Cup Playoffs are just days away, but that doesn’t mean the other teams are going to remain quiet. Clubs that are missing out on the post-season are going to have to deal some tough decisions. A number of contracts are coming up in the summer. However, teams can always extend players entering the final year of a deal once July 1 rolls around. One team that has some decisions to make is the Vancouver Canucks. This edition of NHL rumours deals with an important player that is eligible for an extension in the summer.
All NHL rumors come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Future of Vancouver Canucks Goalie Could Be Decided This Summer
Rumour: A recent edition of TSN’s Insider Trading looked into the future of Vancouver Canucks goalie Thatcher Demko. The American netminder is eligible for a contract extension after July 1.
Analysis: Demko has been bitten by the injury bug, but can be a solid option in net when healthy. The San Diego native was recently ruled out for the rest of the season as the Canucks were eliminated from post-season contention.
He currently makes $5 million, but he’ll be looking to get some sort of a bump in pay. Demko is an All-Star and placed second in the Vezina Trophy voting last season. However, injuries have been a concern and one wonders if Canucks General Manager Patrik Allvin would be willing to give a long-term commitment to the former Boston College product.
Vancouver already added some insurance in goal by inking Kevin Lankinen to a $4.5 million cap hit for the next three seasons after this one. The Finn could serve as a starter in case Demko runs into more injury struggles.
What It Means
Demko can sign a new deal on July 1 if the two sides agree to a new deal. TSN’s Darren Dreger said that the two sides have engaged in talks. However, nothing has come out of these discussions. The two sides are going to come up with options and then meet again in the summertime.
It’s uncertain on where the talks will go between the Canucks and Demko. A new deal could come, but could trade talks also be part of the discussion? Vancouver does need some reinforcements in their forward ranks, but free agency may be thin for centres.
Perhaps a trade involving Demko could land a second-line centre for Allvin and the Canucks. Vancouver did get a good season out of Lankinen, but one wonders if that is sustainable in the future. The Canucks could decide to roll the dice with Lankinen in between the pipes in order to add some more scoring depth.
It’s a pivotal off-season for the Canucks this summer. The team has to decide on if they’ll re-sign head coach Rick Tocchet to a new contract. Vancouver does have a team option, but they want to give Tocchet time to decide his next move. The summer months will be key for the Canucks.
Main photo by: Bob Frid-Imagn Images
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