Former Vezina finalist of the Canucks, Thatcher Demko, has been linked to the Philadelphia Flyers by Frank Seravalli, to reunite with Rick Tocchet.
After a disappointing 2024-25 campaign marred by injuries, off-ice drama, and a fourth missed playoff berth in five seasons, the Vancouver Canucks are looking to begin anew this summer.
President of Hockey Operations Jim Rutherford has proposed an in-your-face approach this offseason, and GM Patrik Allvin will be counted on to add to the roster both in free agency and trades. The front office is determined not to see last season's letdown occur again.
As the group makes its mind up regarding holding free agents like Brock Boeser, attention is also paid to key players eligible for contract extensions on July 1st, including forward Conor Garland and goalie Thatcher Demko.
Both have been the backbone of the team, but both are left uncertain regarding their long-term futures with Vancouver.
Demko, in particular, is not just in the news these days for the back-and-forth health situation of the last year, but for trade rumors as well.
Frank Seravalli sees a Demko-Tocchet reunion in Philly possible
NHL insider Frank Seravalli has paired Demko with the Philadelphia Flyers and former head coach Rick Tocchet.
'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. 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
While nothing is happening right now, the connection adds to the intrigue of an offseason already of dire importance for the Canucks.
Deals for Garland and Demko may be discussed, but with the club's shifting priorities and Demko's recent string of injury problems, it appears unlikely to happen this summer.
