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Vancouver Canucks: NHL Projections for Top 10 Prospects

By Janik Beichler

Apr 7, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Boston College Eagles goalie Thatcher Demko (30) makes a save against the Quinnipiac Bobcats during the second period of the semifinals of the 2016 Frozen Four college ice hockey tournament at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 7, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Boston College Eagles goalie Thatcher Demko (30) makes a save against the Quinnipiac Bobcats during the second period of the semifinals of the 2016 Frozen Four college ice hockey tournament at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 7, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Boston College Eagles goalie Thatcher Demko (30) looks on during the second period of the semifinals of the 2016 Frozen Four college ice hockey tournament against the Quinnipiac Bobcats at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

1. G Thatcher Demko

Acquired: Drafted 36th overall, 2014
NHL: 2018-19

Canucks Nation sighed in relief when the Canucks announced the signing if goaltending prospect Thatcher Demko. After what the club has been through with Roberto Luongo, Cory Schneider, Eddie Lack, Ryan Miller and now Jacob Markstrom, we can only hope Demko solves all goaltending issues for at least a decade. To do that, he obviously has to make the NHL first.

In 2015-16, Demko was a Hobey Baker Award finalist and won the Mike Richter Award as the top collegiate goaltender. He had an outstanding .935 save percentage through 39 games with Boston College and is without a doubt ready for pro hockey.

Read More: Canucks Goalie Future — Demko vs. Garteig

But, prospects take time, and especially goalies need time to adjust to different levels of play. In the 2016-17 season, Demko will likely split time with Richard Bachman before becoming the full-time starter in 2017-18. If everything goes as planned, he will then be in the NHL in 2018-19.

For now, the Canucks are set with Miller and Markstrom splitting time. In 2017-18, Markstrom should be ready to start, with either Bachman or a free-agent signing as the backup. That way, Demko can step in as Markstrom’s backup in 2018 and be brought along slowly. But, there is always the chance of Demko outplaying everyone else before 2018.

Next: Olli Juolevi

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