Vancouver Canucks: The dilemma with Jacob Markstrom
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.
Dilemma No. 2
June 2021 will see the birth of the NHL’s thirty-second franchise. The currently nameless Seattle team guided by general manager Ron Francis will look to emulate the early success found in Vegas. This, unfortunately, is only one season removed of the conclusion to Markstrom’s current deal.
With the tandem that the Canucks deploy right now, it could be assumed that both goaltenders will play well and potentially form a 1A/1B tandem where neither is necessarily the clear-cut number one and games are split accordingly.
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Seattle would be silly not to take Demko if he is left unprotected. Thus nabbing the future in the crease from their nearest geographical rival and leaving Vancouver with a 32-year-old goaltender.
The obvious answer here would be to expose Markstrom and if he is taken, so be it. Whether it really is that simple is the ultimate question. With the upcoming potential contract negotiations, his agent could demand expansion protection for Markstrom. He loves the city, the team, and the fans. The negotiating power could very well be in Markstrom’s hands in this case. If he is protected, Demko is immediately exposed.
Dilemma No. 3
As Demko continues to grow and prove his capabilities in the NHL, Markstrom’s role will inevitably be reduced. He will go from consecutive 60-game seasons to 50 games, and so on, until Demko is the bonafide starter.
How will that impact Markstrom’s trade value? How will the salary cap situation look when you have a back up goaltender making north of $5 million per season? What if the salary winds up holding Demko back to save the optics?
When Demko is ready to take the reins, they need to be ready to be given. If Vancouver can save cap space by not spending big on keeping Markstrom, they can use that space to address greater holes in the line up or bring in key pieces for a true Stanley Cup run.
Resolution
There could be many solutions to this dilemma, but the greatest one right now is to trade Markstrom while his trade value is high and his contract isn’t expired. Sending Markstrom to a team that is struggling to find consistent goaltending (there’s a laundry list of them) could net a sizable return as opposed to letting him walk away in free agency or be taken at no cost by Seattle. Demko is young but he isn’t over his head.
Depending on how the standings look by the time the trade deadline looms, Vancouver would be savvy to weigh their options and try to recoup draft picks that were lost over the summer. Perhaps a team like the New Jersey Devils, Carolina Hurricanes or the New York Islanders would be interested in adding a quality goaltender to increase their playoff ambitions.
This isn’t the big year yet for the Canucks. They are much improved but are still a little ways away from being the powerhouse that we know they can and will be in the coming years. Continuing to build, strengthen the cupboards, and managing their assets will be critical in aiding their next steps.
Markstrom is a fan favourite in Vancouver and it would be hard to watch him leave now but sometimes the selling high is the best option available. Look no further than Cory Schneider for an example close to home.
When I put out a poll on Twitter recently, there was a widespread reaction. Many felt that the Canucks would be wise to lock Markstrom up regardless of cost.
If by the trade deadline Markstrom earns a sizeable pay raise, what would you rather do?
— Sean Warren (@SeanWarren234) October 17, 2019
Others felt that a trade was best and others still were satisfied with watching him leave for nothing as long as the Canucks had him to propel them into the playoffs this season.
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There are solutions, but there’s no denying that the Vancouver Canucks face a future dilemma with Jacob Markstrom.