1. Trade with Chicago Blackhawks
If the Canucks keep both Markstrom and Demko this summer, there’s a good chance that the team will lose one of their netminders to Seattle in the 2021 expansion draft. Although Demko is almost six years younger than his Swedish counterpart, it makes more sense for Vancouver to re-sign and keep Markstrom since he’s more proven and many of the best goalies in the league still compete at a high level into their mid-30s.
With Corey Crawford’s injury history and advancing age, the Chicago Blackhawks could be one of the teams interested in trading for Demko, potentially anointing him as their future starter. The Blackhawks’ blueline is filled with upcoming talent, so it seems logical that they would be willing to trade from a position of strength in order to fill a desperate need in the net.
Ian Mitchell seems like the ideal target for the Canucks, as Adam Boqvist is most likely untouchable and Chicago’s other defensive prospects aren’t as valuable as Demko. Mitchell is a reliable defenceman who could step in and contribute as early as next season.
More importantly, he’s a right-handed shot who could replace Tanev or Stecher if they leave in free agency. The value of Demko and Mitchell should be similar as well; a potential starting goaltender for a potential top-four defenceman sounds like a fair deal for both teams.
2. Trade with New York Islanders
The New York Islanders Islanders seem to be the antithesis of the Canucks as they are currently ninth in the league in goals allowed per game but a lowly 22nd in goals for. Although some of their offensive struggles can be attributed to their tight style of play, there’s no doubt that New York also needs to infuse some more firepower up front.
Oliver Wahlstrom seems to be the only prospect in the Islander’s pipeline that could develop into a top-six forward one day, which is why a potential 1st line winger like Vasili Podkolzin could attract their attention; it isn’t hard to see the young Russian forming a lethal duo with Mathew Barzal one day.
In return, the Canucks receive Noah Dobson, who could become the long term partner of Hughes on the top defensive pairing. The reason Vancouver adds in this deal is because defencemen are always worth more than wingers when swapping players of similar caliber.
The fact that Podkolzin is at least one more year away from breaking into the league while Dobson is already NHL ready also forces the Canucks to add a sweetener in the trade.