As Vancouver Canucks Star Goalie Thatcher Demko Enters Final Year of $5 Million AAV Contract Without a No-Trade Clause, NHL Speculation Heats Up as Edmonton Oilers Emerge as Prime Trade Destination in Urgent Bid to Solve Lingering Goaltending Crisis Ahead of the 2025 Season
As the 2025 NHL offseason gains momentum, all eyes are now on Thatcher Demko, the 29-year-old goaltender for the Vancouver Canucks, whose contract status has made him one of the league’s most talked-about potential trade assets. Demko is entering the final year of his current deal, which carries a $5 million average annual value (AAV)—and notably, includes no no-trade clause. That key detail leaves the Canucks free to move him to any team, and the frontrunner appears to be the Edmonton Oilers.
The Oilers, coming off another postseason meltdown largely pinned on inconsistent goaltending, are urgently exploring elite-level reinforcements in net. While Demko has had injury concerns in the past, his strong rebound last season—posting a .918 save percentage and multiple clutch performances—has reestablished him as a top-tier NHL goaltender. For Edmonton, he could be the missing piece in a roster packed with offensive firepower but plagued by defensive gaps.
Thatcher Demko is everything the Oilers need: calm under pressure, battle-tested, and with a cap-friendly contract,” said an NHL insider.
The Canucks, meanwhile, may be motivated to trade Demko rather than risk losing him for nothing in free agency. Their front office is rumored to be shopping for younger goaltending options and could command a sizable return from Edmonton, including draft picks and top prospects.
With no contractual hurdles in the way and Edmonton’s urgency growing, analysts believe a blockbuster deal could emerge before training camp. Should the trade materialize, it would not only shake up the Pacific Division but potentially redefine the Oilers’ postseason potential heading into 2025.
For now, the hockey world waits—and Thatcher Demko may be on the brink of a career-defining move.
