The NHL Network recently released its annual player rankings, featuring Vancouver Canucks goaltender Thatcher Demko prominently. On Thursday evening, the network unveiled its top-ten goaltenders list, and Demko secured the 6th spot for the upcoming 2024-25 season. This marks a significant improvement from last summer, when he was ranked 10th.
Demko’s rise is attributed to his standout performance in the 2023-24 season, during which he set career highs in wins, goals against average (GAA), save percentage, and shutouts. Despite missing 14 games due to a knee injury, he tied for sixth in wins and ranked fifth in GAA among goalies with at least 25 appearances. The NHL Network highlighted his impressive stats: a 35-14-2 record, a 2.45 GAA, a .918 save percentage, and five shutouts in 51 games.
“Demko (35-14-2, 2.45 GAA, .918 save percentage, five shutouts in 51 games) tied Saros and Oettinger for sixth in wins and finished fifth in GAA among goalies to play at least 25 games. He also was leading the NHL in wins when he sustained a knee injury March 9 that sidelined him for 14 games.” The NHL Network said.
They added, “Despite missing time, he finished as the runner-up for the Vezina, won by Connor Hellebuyck of the Winnipeg Jets. The 28-year-old also helped the Canucks win the Pacific Division, finish with 109 points — 26 more than in 2022-23 — and allow 2.70 goals per game, tied with the Bruins for the fifth-fewest.”
Although Demko missed critical playoff games due to his injury, he finished as the runner-up for the Vezina Trophy, which was awarded to Connor Hellebuyck of the Winnipeg Jets. His performance was crucial in leading the Canucks to win the Pacific Division and achieve 109 points, a significant improvement from the previous season. The team also allowed just 2.70 goals per game, tying for the fifth-fewest in the league.
Thatcher Demko moves up to #⃣6⃣ on our Top 10 Goalies Right Now list!@Canucks | #NHLTopPlayers pic.twitter.com/KWDUjdbfaD
— NHL Network (@NHLNetwork) August 8, 2024
As Demko enters his 28-year-old season, he is expected to continue his strong performance, potentially making him a top contender for the Vezina Trophy again. His career-best season last year sets high expectations for him in the upcoming campaign.
