A notable inclusion is Vancouver Canucks' Thatcher Demko, who has claimed the 6th spot, solidifying his reputation as one of the league's elite netminders.
Landing 6th on NHL Network's list is a testament to Demko's consistency and the respect he has garnered across the league. While some may argue that his ranking should be higher, especially after coming in second in Vezina voting. Veterans like Andrei Vasilevskiy and Connor Hellebuyck, who have long been established as the gold standard in goaltending, naturally occupy the top spots.
Demko's position at 6th also reflects his potential to climb even higher. Last season, he posted an impressive 2.45 goals-against average (GAA) and a .918 save percentage, numbers that underscore his elite performance between the pipes. Without the injury issues that have plagued him in the past, it's conceivable that he could have already ranked among the top three. At 28, he is entering what many consider the prime years for a goaltender. His experience, combined with his physical and mental attributes, positions him to challenge for the top spot in the coming season.
POLL | ||
Where do you think Thatcher Demko should be ranked ahead of the 24-25 season? | ||
Top 3 | 80 | 42.3 % |
4-9 | 94 | 49.7 % |
10+ | 15 | 7.9 % |
List of polls |