Just when things might actually start to quiet down in Vancity, the Vancouver Canucks are linked to a big move in the NHL as one key teammate of Elias Pettersson and Quinn Hughes reportedly might pack his bags out of the organization in British Columbia.
Following a chaotic 2024–25 NHL campaign, the Canucks are gladly embracing a summer of major changes, hoping to forge a new identity for Adam Foote’s team and leave the rough memories of last season behind. The process will be a lot harder than it may seem on paper, but Vancouver acknowledges it has no alternative.
This means changes are coming to the organization—across nearly every layer and corner of it. Pettersson and Hughes remain with the team, at least for now, and as long as they’re in Vancouver, they’ll be looked to as the organization’s leaders.
However, that’s not the case for every household name on the Canucks, and one might actually be on the way out ahead of the 2025-26 NHL season, as recent reports have indicated. The Canucks are inclining towards netminder Kevin Lankinen, meaning goaltender Thatcher Demko is reportedly trending towards the trade block in Vancouver, as stated by insider David Pagnotta.
“Demko appears open to a change of scenery and is expected to be in play as he enters the final year of his contract. Demko, who has a $5 million cap hit and does not own any no-trade protection, has had health concerns, but he is excited to have a normal summer,” Pagnotta said on The Fourth Period. “With the Canucks committed to Kevin Lankinen, teams evaluating their goaltending position will be an option for Vancouver.”
Tough free agency
Facing significant uncertainty surrounding potential departures and soon-to-be unrestricted free agents, the Canucks are dealing with several pressing questions under tight deadlines.
Additionally, their hopes of signing talent through free agency could be hindered by the team’s recent years of turmoil, with many players viewing Vancouver as a hotbed of NHL drama. Moreover, the ongoing silence and suspense around Hughes’ future may act as a barrier, prompting some players to ask uncomfortable questions of the front office during negotiations.
Silovs’ on the rise
A 6th round pick in the 2019 NHL entry Draft, Arturs Silovs has yet to play 20 games in his NHL career. Silovs appeared in 10 games this season for the Canucks, but his numbers were far from great with just two wins, 3.65 GAA, and a .861 SV%.
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However, he has found his footing in the AHL, with the Abbotsford Canucks. Silovs has led the Canucks to the Western Conference Final in the Calder Cup Playoffs, registering 14 wins, 2.41 GAA, and a .908 SV%. The Canucks currently lead the series two games to none against the Texas Stars.