Vancouver Canucks goaltender Thatcher Demko named finalist for NHL’s Vezina Trophy

Originally hailing from San Diego, Demko has spent his entire professional career with the Vancouver Canucks after being selected 36th overall in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. Since making his NHL debut in the 2017-18 season, Demko has steadily risen through the ranks to become the team’s undisputed number one goaltender. In his 51 appearances this season, Demko boasted an impressive record of 35 wins, 14 losses, and 2 overtime losses. With a stellar 2.45 goals-against average and a remarkable .918 save percentage, his performance also included five shutouts.

The Canucks’ success this season can be attributed in no small part to Demko’s goaltending, as he helped the Canucks clinch their first division title since the 2012-13 season and accumulated a total of 109 standings points, marking the third-highest total in the team’s 53 NHL seasons. Demko’s 35 wins also tied for the fifth-most in franchise history, trailing only franchise legends Roberto Luongo and Kirk McLean. 

Throughout the season, Demko’s consistency was one of the key factors in allowing him to go to the next level, particularly during a remarkable 21-game span from December 8 to February 15. During this time, Demko boasted an impressive 18-2-1 record, with fans and media alike considering him unstoppable.

Joining Demko as finalists for the Vezina Trophy are Sergei Bobrovsky of the Florida Panthers and Connor Hellebuyck of the Winnipeg Jets. Bobrovsky’s exceptional performance helped lead the Panthers to their second Atlantic Division title in three seasons, while Hellebuyck’s stellar play earned the Jets a spot in the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the sixth time in the past seven years.

While Demko may be sitting in the press box for the time being as an injury has sidelined him, perhaps this nomination will lift the spirit of the Canucks’ star netminder. His team will have a chance to close out their 1st round series against the Nashville Predators on Tuesday night at Rogers Arena.