MAJOR | Insider reveals the Canucks reportedly considered making big trade this summer

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Cooper Godin
April 18, 2023 (10:22)

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The Vancouver Canucks will have a lot to mull over this off-season as they look to improve their roster ahead of the 2023-24 campaign. General Manager Patrik Allvin has his focus set on the NHL Entry Draft, free agency and trying to sign Elias Pettersson to an extension, which could come as early as July 1st.

But among the moves the Canucks reportedly considered making this summer was trading away star goaltender Thatcher Demko, as Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman mentioned in his recent '32 Thoughts' article.

"There was a time Vancouver may have considered moving Thatcher Demko this summer, but that's over after how he played upon return from injury." Friedman said.

Trading Demko would have been a big mistake for Patrik Allvin as the Canucks don't have a very strong goaltending depth in their system. If they were to trade Demko, Allvin would either have to get back another number one goaltender in return or go out into free agency and sign one, which would be extremely tough given the lack of options on the open market this summer.

The only name that would likely appeal to the front office is 27-year-old Tristan Jarry and it remains unknown if the Penguins are going to re-sign him or let him walk to free agency on July 1st.

Upon his return from injury on February 27th, Demko had a record of 11-4-2 with a GAA of 2.67 in March, 1.73 in April and one shutout. The San Diego native has three years remaining on his contract with a cap hit of $5 million.

Source: Elliotte Friedman - 32 Thoughts