Major Development Emerges Regarding Thatcher Demko's Contract Negotiations, per Multiple Sources

While salary and structure specifics remain to be finalized, both sides have apparently agreed on term, and the expectation is that a contract will be signed immediately following Demko's July 1 eligibility.

Demko has a year remaining on his current contract and barely survived a 2024-25 season, playing only 23 games due to injury, with a 2.90 goals-against average and .889 save percentage.

Demko has been injured a lot in his career

Injuries have plagued him throughout his career, and Demko has played more than 40 games in a season only twice.

But his 2023-24 season was elite, as he posted a 2.45 GAA and .918 SV% over 51 contests, making him a Vezina Trophy finalist.

It is that elite ceiling that has AFP Analytics envisioning him as signing his next contract for $34.7 million over five years ($6.9 million AAV).

The Canucks must weigh that plus against risk now, especially after signing backup Kevin Lankinen to a five-year, $22.5 million contract this summer.

If Demko can stay healthy, the Canucks might have one of the NHL's top tandems locked up for the long term.