The Vancouver Canucks enter the 2025 NHL offseason with a unique opportunity to leverage their goaltending depth in a market notably thin on quality netminders. With both Thatcher Demko and Kevin Lankinen under contract, and promising prospect Artūrs Šilovs waiting in the wings, the Canucks are well-positioned to address other roster needs by capitalizing on the high demand for goaltenders.
A Sparse Goalie Market
The upcoming free-agent class for goaltenders is notably weak. Among unrestricted free agents (UFAs), 34-year-old Jake Allen leads with a .908 save percentage. Other notable UFAs like Ville Husso and Anton Forsberg also hover around the .900 mark, highlighting the limited options available for teams seeking reliable goaltending.
This scarcity increases the value of goaltenders under contract, especially those with proven NHL experience. The Canucks, with both Thatcher Demko and Kevin Lankinen signed, find themselves in a position of strength.
Vancouver’s Goaltending Depth
Kevin Lankinen, who joined the Canucks on a one-year deal in September 2024, proved his worth by stepping up during Demko’s injury absence. He posted a 19-8-7 record with a 2.53 goals-against average and a .905 save percentage over 34 games. His performance earned him a five-year, $22.5 million contract extension in February 2025.
Demko, when healthy, remains one of the league’s top goaltenders. However, his injury history raises concerns about his long-term durability. Additionally, the Canucks have Artūrs Šilovs, a promising young goaltender who signed a two-year extension in July 2024.
Potential Trade Scenarios
Given the demand for goaltending and the Canucks’ depth at the position, Vancouver could explore trading one of their netminders to address other roster needs. Teams like the Buffalo Sabres, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Philadelphia Flyers are in need of goaltending help. A trade involving Lankinen or Demko could help the Canucks acquire assets such as forwards Noah Cates or JJ Peterka, bolstering their offensive depth.
However, any trade involving Lankinen must be executed before July 1, 2025, when his new contract’s no-move clause takes effect. This clause would complicate potential trades, making the offseason window critical for any such moves.
Financial Considerations
The Canucks must also consider the financial implications of retaining both Demko and Lankinen. Combined, their contracts would account for $9.5 million against the salary cap. With other areas of the roster needing attention, the team must assess whether allocating such a significant portion of the cap to goaltending is sustainable.
Strategic Outlook
Trading one of their goaltenders could provide the Canucks with the flexibility to address other roster needs without sacrificing future assets. Given the thin goaltending market, Vancouver is in a prime position to command a premium return for either Demko or Lankinen.
Ultimately, the Canucks’ decision will hinge on their assessment of Demko’s health, Lankinen’s long-term potential, and the value they can extract from the trade market. With careful planning and strategic execution, Vancouver can leverage their goaltending surplus to strengthen their roster and position themselves for success in the upcoming season.
