NHL ROUNDUP: Canucks extend Thatcher Demko and Connor Garland to multi-year deals
Demko, 29, is coming off an injury-plagued 2024-25 campaign where he posted a 10-8-3 record with a .889 save percentage, a 2.90 goals-against average and one shutout.
The San Diego native was named a finalist for last year's Vezina Trophy, awarded annually to the NHL's top goaltender, after going 35-14-2 with a .918 save percentage and a 2.45 GAA during the 2023-24 campaign. The performance helped Vancouver clinch first place in the Pacific Division and earn a spot in the playoffs.
Demko suffered an injury to the popliteus muscle in his left knee during Game 1 of the team's first-round series against the Nashville Predators. He did not play again until Dec. 10.
'Thatcher is one of the top goalies in the National Hockey League and a key leader in our locker room,' Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin said in a statement. 'Demmer is one of the hardest-working players on our team and gives our group great confidence when he takes the net. A complete package of size, strength, rebound control, and athletic ability, our players know that they have an opportunity to win each and every game he plays.'
Garland put up 50 points (19 goals, 31 assists) for the Canucks this past season and won gold with the U.S. at the men's world hockey championship in May.
♦ The Calgary Flames have extended defenceman Joel Hanley's contract by two years. The deal announced Tuesday by the Flames carries an average annual value of $1.75 million.
The 34-year-old from Keswick, Ont., played a career-high 53 games for Calgary last season. He contributed two goals and seven assists and was a career-best plus-12 while averaging 18 and a half minutes of ice time per game.
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