The Vancouver Canucks are a much improved team this season and a lot of their strength resides between the pipes. Can they manage this duo going forward?
Jacob Markstrom has been everything that the Vancouver Canucks have needed and more over the last few seasons.
He posted a .912 save percentages in each of the last two seasons, appearing to strongman the weak roster into bubble team conversations. Markstrom had a rocky development up until this point however, playing parts of seven seasons with performances that didn’t meet the expectations placed on him as a prospect.
It appears that a major catalyst for this rapid and sudden development is the tutelage of goaltending coach, Ian Clark. Regardless of the results that one can conclude upon reading this article, we can all agree that retaining the services of Ian Clark are essential for the Canucks.
Dilemma No. 1
At 29 years of age, Markstrom is in the final year of his contract. After back to back seasons with strong outings along with heavy workloads, it appears he is due for a raise.
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Many people have suggested that if the Canucks can sign him short term, that it would alleviate any concerns, but why would Markstrom at his age be willing to gamble on a short term deal?
His agent will argue that he has proven himself to be a No. 1 goaltender and he is correct. He will also argue that Markstrom has upheld a tireless workload appearing in 60 games in both previous seasons, he is correct here as well.
Needless to say, he will be looking to cash in with one last big contract before he is considered out of his prime years.The problem with that is that Thatcher Demko has been groomed to be the future of the franchise in goal.
At 24 years old, Demko looks to surpass what Markstrom was at 27 years old in terms of development. It is early, yes, but Demko is ready for a heavier workload. Maybe not the entire load, but a heavier one.
He’s proven that he doesn’t at all look out of place in the NHL. Demko has two more years on his current contract before he becomes an RFA, so under regular circumstances, this doesn’t pose much issue in this situation. Unfortunately, these aren’t regular circumstances.