Earlier today on TSN 1040, Canucks goaltending prospect Thatcher Demko was on the afternoon show with Matthew Sekeres and Blake Price. It was your usual prospect interview, covering how his season was going, what is he doing to be so successful and even joked about his 4 losses this season. They also covered the very important issue of ‘How does someone from San Diego adapt to the cold weather in the North East?’

Joking aside, it covered a wide array of topics that provided some insight into who Demko is as a person and hockey player.

They also covered the Hobey Baker award, that Demko is currently leading in fan vote.

Everything was going fine in the interview until Blake Price mentioned Jimmy Vesey, a Nashville Predator prospect who may end up holding out to get UFA status and thus brought up contract status of the prized Canucks goaltending prospect.

Immediate thought for many people would be – uh oh?!

But let’s be real here, this isn’t a concern nor should it raise any red flags. However, there is a history of other high profile NCAA players who have opted to use the ‘loop-hole’ in the CBA to become a UFA after their senior year. So that concern from Canucks fans does have some validity but, in this case, it’s likely ill advised.

Listening to the full interview, Demko is clear that he is focused on trying to help Boston College win the NCAA championships and once the season is concluded will speak to the Canucks. He spoke highly of his teammates and seems very focused on his season with the Eagles.

Last month, I speculated that the Canucks have been planning all the way back to last summer to sign Demko this summer. It was later confirmed by Jason Botchford in The Provies, that Canucks management intends to ‘roll out the red carpet’ to try and get it done this summer. So unless something has changed in the last couple of weeks, that is likely still the same plan.

I was unable to find confirmation, but if I recall correctly, GM Jim Benning had mentioned prior to the season and once again recently in interview, that their plan was to let Demko play the full season at college and focus on just that, playing hockey. So, once again, regardless of the quote above, nothing has changed.

The Canucks want their top goaltending prospect, who is coming off hip surgery, to focus on playing and school. Canucks management is also likely very busy trying to figure out their current roster, and how to handle the upcoming deadline. 

There are also very strict rules in the NCAA about professional contracts and any type of discussion could seriously compromise Demko being allowed to continue his career at Boston College.

So although quotes like that can send a tremor through Canucks nation, there is nothing to worry about. Demko will finish the season, the Canucks will try and sign him to a contract. If he decides that he wants to return to Boston College for senior year, he can do so without the Canucks losing him.

If he is unsigned at this point next year, that’s where things might get a little uncomfortable.