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Rumors Heat Up as Frank Seravalli Names Canucks Goaltender the Top Trade Target

Originally posted on Hockey Latest | By Daniel Lucente | Last updated May 29, 2025 3:06 PM ET

NHL insider Frank Seravalli has just revealed the top 20 trade bait board players on his list, and Thatcher Demko of the Canucks tops all goaltenders.

The Vancouver Canucks are likely to be one of the NHL's busiest teams this summer, but additions tend to come with hard subtractions, particularly in goal.

Following the re-signing of free-agent sensation Kevin Lankinen in February, it seems increasingly likely the Canucks will say goodbye to veteran goalie Thatcher Demko.

NHL analyst Frank Seravalli recently listed Demko as one of the league's best and top trade targets, along with teammate Elias Pettersson, in his recent Daily Faceoff report.

'The Canucks have an interesting dilemma on their hands. They have a talented goaltender who is one of the faces of their franchise dealing with a significant injury. He battled through it and put up respectable numbers, and looked great on some nights. But the Canucks also re-signed Kevin Lankinen to a five-year extension. And Demko's deal is up after one more,' Seravalli wrote of Demko. 'Will they try to move him? Or do they like the tandem? Demko seemed awfully loyal to coach Rick Tocchet. Wondering if a reunion in Philadelphia is possible.'
- Frank Seravalli

Demko, 29, is in the final year of a five-year, $25 million deal he inked in 2021 and will be extension-eligible on July 1. Despite the strong finish to 2025, there are questions.

A serious knee injury during the early part of the season affected Demko's game and training regimen, raising questions about his long-term status as a No. 1 goaltender.

His second-half performance boosts his trade value, especially with this summer's market lacking in bona fide starting-caliber goaltenders.

But if he is not traded this summer and does not regain his level in 2025-26, Vancouver will lose bargaining leverage, or worse, be stuck with a falling commodity.

Lankinen, on the other hand, is signed at a lower $4.5 million AAV through 2030. Shelling out as much as $9.5 million for a tandem that is potentially only middle-of-the-pack may cripple the team elsewhere.

Demko would rather stay in Vancouver, but both sides might be better off in a trade. As the NHL Draft approaches, the Canucks management is under the spotlight to make a decision with Demko while his stock is high.

This article first appeared on Hockey Latest and was syndicated with permission.

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