Demko's Health Issues Could Open Canucks' Eyes to Trading for Predators' Askarov

As the Vancouver Canucks appear to have goaltending issues ahead of the 2024-25 season, the Nashville Predators may just be the team to step in and take advantage of it. The Predators have Yaroslav Askarov who is looking for a larger role and has requested a trade.

In Vancouver, Rick Dhaliwal reported that Thatcher Demko may or may not have had surgery and the team could be looking to add a goaltender. This likely puts Demko's timetable to return to action after training camp and with Casey DeSmith electing to sign with the Dallas Stars on July 1, the Canucks have no goaltending depth.

If it wasn't evident the Canucks needed to add another goalie to the mix before it was revealed that Demko could miss time at the start of this season, it is very much a pressing concern now.

Related: Predators Freed Up From Ryan Johansen's Cap Hit, Can Use Space in Askarov Trade

When healthy, the 28-year-old is one of the top goalies in the league. He finished second in Vezina Trophy voting last season after winning 35 games, recording five shutouts, and ending the season with a .918 SV% and 2.45 GAA, but he got injured at the wrong time in the playoffs.

Fortunately, Arturs Silovs and DeSmith were able to hold it together until Game 7 of the second round where the Edmonton Oilers knocked them out, but it is a big stretch to assume Silovs is ready for 50+ games this season for a Stanley Cup hopeful in the Canucks if Demko's injury drags on or he re-injures himself during the season.

The Canucks really need another option in net and their desperation could bring them knocking on Nashville's door for Askarov. He isn't ready to start in the NHL yet either, but he is arguably ready to play. At worst, the Canucks would go into the season with Silovs and Askarov dueling it out and pushing each other for starts until the team's Vezina caliber goalie returns.

There is also a path for Askarov to become the starter in Vancouver, unlike in Nashville. If acquired and Askarov shows great stuff in the next two seasons, Demko could become a UFA. Askarov's development and Demko's health could both play parts in making a decision to move on from Demko.

It isn't the path that seemed most likely a few days ago, but desperation and a lot of interest could allow the Predators to move on from Askarov sooner than later, even if it is to the team that eliminated them from the playoffs last season.

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