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.
There are solutions, but there’s no denying that the Vancouver Canucks face a future dilemma with Jacob Markstrom.