Canucks Sign Thatcher Demko to Two-year Contract Extension
5 years ago
The Canucks took care of some business yesterday, signing Thatcher Demko to a two year contract extension
The full press release is as follows:
Vancouver, B.C. – Vancouver Canucks General Manager Jim Benning announced today that the club has re-signed goaltender Thatcher Demko to a two-year contract extension that carries an average annual value of $1.05 million.
“We were pleased with the progression Thatcher took in his game last season and the way he held his own against NHL competition down the stretch,” said Benning. “Playing in the World Championships will be another important part of his development and we’re excited to see where he takes his game next.”Demko, 23, appeared in nine games for Vancouver during the 2018.19 season, posting a record of 4-3-1 along with a .913 save percentage and a 2.81 GAA. During the month of March, he registered a .924 save percentage in six starts, which included a career-best 37-save performance on March 28th versus Los Angeles. He also became the first goaltender in Canucks history to win his first two NHL appearances following a 36-save victory over Buffalo on January 18th.Demko started the season with the Utica Comets, posting a record of 8-5-1 along with a .911 save percentage and a GAA of 2.58 in 16 games. An AHL All-Star in 2018, Demko is the Comets all-time leader in wins (55-35-12).The 6-4, 192-pound native of San Diego, California, was originally drafted by Vancouver in the second round, 36th overall, at the 2014 NHL Entry Draft.
It’s a deal that makes sense for both sides, as Demko gets a chance to prove that his late season performance wasn’t a mirage and that he can build on it. While the organization gets cost certainty for the next two seasons on who they expect to be the backup.
With Demko signed, the Canucks have about $53.4M on the books for next season but that is number will be quite fluid as the spring moves along.
Demko will represent the United States at the World Championships next month.
