Vancouver Canucks' commitment to Thatcher Demko raises doubts over Arturs Silovs' role

The goaltending scenario in Vancouver has taken a firm turn after some significant financial commitment for Thatcher Demko. The premier goaltender got a three-year, $25.5 million contract, and Kevin Lankinen also signed a long-term five-year extension.

In the meantime, Arturs Silovs, once considered to be the future between the pipes for this franchise, finds himself somewhat in limbo. It looks like the Canucks themselves are not yet willing to shift some space around for Silovs, thereby casting some doubt on his long-term continuity with the team.

Thatcher Demko and Kevin Lankinen receive backing, while Arturs Silovs faces an uncertain camp

According to the book, the goaltending order for the Canucks seemingly might have never been so set. Militantly defying injury had allowed this 25-year-old goaltender to compile an unassailable 35-14-2 record and make it to the final shot for the Vezina.

Thatcher Demko is in town to stay and hence is the No. 1 goalie for the franchise. The franchise stood by its decision and kept Lankinen in the fold from the beginning, who proved to be quite trustworthy when he filled in during the absence of Demko last season.

His swan song before the extension was 19-8-7, indicating reliability, so he earned himself a five-year, $22.5-million extension.

Well then, what does this all mean for Arturs Silovs? Silovs began the 2024-25 season as the starter but fell short of NHL-level expectations and was eventually sent down.

What was spectacular, though, was his performance with the Abbotsford Canucks: he backstopped the team to the Calder Cup while putting up an impressive .931 save percentage.

Yet Silovs appears to be the odd man out after those kinds of postseason exploits. GM Patrik Allvin kept things cryptic about whether the team would carry three goalies into training camp, so it remains an open decision. In any case, the more pressing concern is that Silovs is set to lose his waiver exemption next season, meaning the Canucks will be at risk of losing him for nothing should that happen.The logjam not only limits his playing time but also complicates roster construction, given limits on the number of skaters. For a player of his talents, being limited to a third-string role could hinder his development, while other NHL teams, scrambling with goaltending depth, may be ready to offer him a bigger opportunity.Also Read: Vincent Trocheck enjoys a peaceful fishing day with kids during the NHL offseasonHaving faith in Thatcher Demko and Kevin Lankinen, the Vancouver Canucks should soon be put to a painful decision on Arturs Silovs. A trade sounds more practical than leaving a promising talent idle or risking his loss to waivers.