Canucks' Next GM Faces Tough Demko Contract Dilemma

The Vancouver Canucks' new general manager will need to find a solution for Thatcher Demko's costly and injury-plagued contract.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 2:40am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a hockey goaltender in action, with the player's form broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color, conceptually representing the complex dilemma facing the Canucks' new general manager.The Canucks' new GM faces a complex challenge in resolving the team's costly and injury-prone goaltender contract.Vancouver Today

The Vancouver Canucks have dismissed general manager Patrik Allvin after five years, and the team's next GM will inherit a difficult situation with goaltender Thatcher Demko's expensive and injury-prone contract. Demko signed a three-year, $8.5 million per year extension in 2025, but has struggled with injuries and only played in 20 games this past season. The new GM will have to decide whether to try to trade Demko, keep him on the roster, or potentially place him on long-term injured reserve, all while the team rebuilds.

Why it matters

Demko's contract is a major albatross for the Canucks as they look to rebuild the team. The new GM will have to get creative in finding a solution, as Demko's injury history and high cap hit make him difficult to trade. How the Canucks handle this situation could significantly impact their ability to improve the roster and return to contention.

The details

Patrik Allvin signed Thatcher Demko to a three-year, $8.5 million per year extension in July 2025, despite Demko's history of injuries. This season, Demko only appeared in 20 games before being shut down for the year. The new Canucks GM will have to decide whether to try to trade Demko, keep him on the roster, or potentially place him on long-term injured reserve, all while the team is in the midst of a rebuild.

  • Demko signed his three-year extension on July 1, 2025.
  • This past season, Demko appeared in only 20 games before being shut down for the year.

The players

Patrik Allvin

The former general manager of the Vancouver Canucks, who signed Thatcher Demko to a costly contract extension in 2025.

Thatcher Demko

The Vancouver Canucks' starting goaltender, who has struggled with injuries and only played in 20 games this past season after signing a three-year, $8.5 million per year contract extension in 2025.

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What’s next

The Canucks' new general manager will need to decide how to handle Thatcher Demko's contract, whether that involves trying to trade him, keeping him on the roster, or potentially placing him on long-term injured reserve, all while the team continues its rebuild.

The takeaway

Demko's expensive and injury-plagued contract is a major challenge for the Canucks' new general manager, who will have to get creative in finding a solution that allows the team to move forward with its rebuild effectively.