The offseason has already started for 30 of the NHL’s 32 teams, and David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period believes the busiest teams from that group has been the Vancouver Canucks. In one matter in particular, Pagnotta reports that Canucks netminder Thatcher Demko is open to a change of scenery this summer.
It’s a stark contrast from Jim Rutherford’s expressed desires at the end of the season. Rutherford bluntly said, “We would like to extend him.” Pagnotta’s report could indicate that Demko isn’t on the same page as the Canucks, is open to being traded if there isn’t an extension by the end of the offseason, or it’s just plain conjecture.
Any team interested in acquiring Demko will be trading for a gamble. He’s had storied issues staying healthy over the last two years, but still carries a career .910 SV% in 242 games. He’s reportedly entering the offseason healthy, so he’ll have a full summer of preparation, which could give goalie-hungry teams enough comfort to pull the trigger on a move.
Other notes from the Pacific Division:
- Although the Seattle Kraken ultimately hired Lane Lambert as their next head coach, the team reportedly garnered interest from the Chicago Blackhawks’ former bench boss. Bill Meltzer, a contributor for the Philadelphia Flyers, reported that Luke Richardson expressed interest in the coaching vacancy in Seattle, but it is unclear whether he secured an interview. The Boston Bruins’ and Pittsburgh Penguins’ vacancies are the only two remaining for Richardson, and there’s no belief he’s a frontrunner for either.
- The Calgary Flames have promoted the head coach of their AHL affiliate, the Calgary Wranglers. Calgary announced they’ve added Trent Cull as an assistant coach on a full-time basis for the 2025-26 NHL season. Cull guided the Wranglers to two straight postseason appearances, losing in the Pacific Division semifinals during his first year and the First Round this postseason.
Flyers have 2 first round picks and really, really need a good goalie. I see a deal here. :)
Demko is a great goalie when healthy.
If Dallas chooses not to fire Deboer for throwing Oettinger under the bus in the post series interview maybe Oettinger might decide he wants out, top 5 goaltender in the league in my opinion and signed for like 7 more years
If Jim Nill doesn’t fire DeBoer for how poorly he game planned against the Oilers (same failed strategy as last year), then they deserve what they get. How he botched the Oettinger situation is just the cherry on top.
Fire the coach because he stated factual info on his goalie who had a horrible series and has stb against Edmonton in consecutive years? Or the goalie wants to walk because he doesn’t like reality? Wow, how weak are you?
Strong enough to block you again. Once a loser, always a loser.
Reunion with Tocchet in Philly.
Pittsburgh can send Jarry for Demko, if Rutherford misses him. (:
I really feel like the NHL is suffering something of a goalie shortage right now. It feels like maybe only 25 teams have a true #1 goaltender, and there’s a sharp drop-off after that. Curious to see how teams work with this.