The Detroit Red Wings are reportedly exploring a significant offseason move to acquire Vancouver Canucks’ goaltender Thatcher Demko. Demko, currently in the fourth year of a five-year, $25 million contract, has faced injuries this season but remains a proven number one goalie when healthy. In 15 games this season, he has posted a 2.87 goals-against average (GAA) and a .891 save percentage (SV%).
The proposed trade would see the Red Wings receiving Demko and forward Filip Chytil from the Canucks. Chytil has two years remaining on his contract and could bolster Detroit’s forward depth. In exchange, the Red Wings would send a third-round draft pick and forward Michael Rasmussen to Vancouver. Rasmussen, currently in the first year of a four-year, $12.8 million deal, has contributed 10 goals and 7 assists for 17 points in 63 games this season.
Detroit’s current goaltending situation includes veterans Petr Mrazek and Cam Talbot under contract for next season. Mrazek, reacquired from the Chicago Blackhawks before the trade deadline, has one more season remaining on his contract. However, both Mrazek and Talbot are considered better suited as backups, and either could be moved to accommodate Demko’s arrival. The Red Wings also have promising goaltending prospects in Sebastian Cossa and Trey Augustine, but they are likely a year or two away from being NHL-ready. Acquiring Demko would provide a reliable stopgap and potentially elevate the team’s performance as they aim to end their playoff drought.
It’s worth noting that this trade scenario is speculative and originates from a user-generated proposal on PuckPedia’s PuckGM tool. While it addresses Detroit’s need for a top-tier goaltender and offers Vancouver salary cap relief, actual trade negotiations involve numerous factors, including player performance, team needs, and salary considerations. As the offseason approaches, it remains to be seen whether the Red Wings will pursue this or similar moves to strengthen their roster.
