Thatcher Demko Gets Brutally Honest About His Future After Kevin Lankinen Signs Long-Term Contract
Photo credit: Bob Frid - USA TODAY Sports
Vancouver Canucks netminder Thatcher Demko recently shared his feelings after the team signed Kevin Lankinen to a long-term extension back in February.
After a strong showing in his first season as a member of the Vancouver Canucks, Patrik Allvin signed Kevin Lankinen to a five-year contract extension worth $22.5 million ($4.5 million AAV).
Following the signing of Kevin Lankinen to an extension, many were wondering what that meant for the future of Thatcher Demko in Vancouver, who has one year remaining on his current deal and is set to become a free agent in 2026.
Thatcher Demko opens up on future in Vancouver, team signing Kevin Lankinen long-term
In a recent interview with Iain MacIntyre of Sportsnet, Vancouver Canucks goaltender Thatcher Demko said that the signing of Kevin Lankinen has nothing to do with his future with the team and that he's happy for his teammate for landing an extension.
"Kevin deserved every penny of that contract for what he's done. He's a great guy, great teammate. I'm happy for Kevin. I've always been committed to this team and love being a Canuck. So it didn't change anything on my part." Demko said according to MacIntyre.
Demko went on to say that he didn't take any offense to the Canucks signing Kevin Lankinen, saying that he deserves to get paid for the season he's had thus far.
"I didn't take offense to it or anything like that. I think the team has every right to reward a guy like that." Demko said.
If Thatcher Demko is able to return to the goaltender he was last season, along with Kevin Lankinen continuing his strong play, the Vancouver Canucks could be set up very well for the 2025-26 season before a difficult decision will need to be made on the former before free agency hits on Canada Day 2026.
So far this season, Demko and Lankinen have combined for 31 wins, five shutouts, an .895 save percentage and a goals against average of 2.73.
It's certainly going to be interesting to see how Rick Tocchet utilizes the tandem over the final 11 games of the regular season, with Vancouver trying to remain in the hunt for a playoff spot.
Source: Iain MacIntyre/Sportsnet
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