The Vancouver Canucks have reached a mutual agreement with experienced goaltender Lukáš Dostál, valued at $18 million, to step in as a replacement for Thatcher Demko following a serious injury to the team’s star goalie. Demko, who has been a cornerstone for the Canucks, is reportedly dealing with a career-altering injury that cannot be corrected through surgery, raising significant concerns for the upcoming 2024–25 season.
According to insider Rick Dhaliwal, the Canucks are also facing injury issues with their other goalie, Arturs Silovs, who is battling knee inflammation. With both primary goaltenders in question, the Canucks’ front office was left with no choice but to explore alternative solutions, leading them to the promising and reliable Lukáš Dostál.
Demko’s injury, sustained during the Canucks’ playoff run last spring, has cast doubt over his future. He managed to play in only one postseason game before his season came to an abrupt end due to a knee injury. Meanwhile, Silovs was a late scratch from Latvia’s Olympic qualifying tournament last month due to his own knee issues, further complicating the Canucks’ goaltending situation.
Despite the need for a reliable goaltender, the Canucks are being cautious with their salary cap. President of Hockey Operations Jim Rutherford made it clear that the team is looking to avoid using long-term injured reserve (LTIR), a strategy that hindered their flexibility during last season’s NHL trade deadline. Rutherford explained that the Canucks will await the results of their goalies’ physicals during training camp before making any rushed decisions about the roster.
“We’ll wait for their training camp physicals before making any final decisions,” Rutherford said in a recent interview. The Canucks are also eyeing the possibility of signing free-agent goalies like Kevin Lankinen and Antti Raanta on a professional tryout basis, which would give the team some depth without committing to a long-term contract.
In the meantime, the acquisition of Lukáš Dostál offers immediate relief. Known for his agility and consistency, Dostál brings a wealth of experience and could play a pivotal role in helping the Canucks navigate this critical period.
As Vancouver moves forward, they hope Dostál can help solidify their goaltending unit while the team works to address their longer-term plans without relying on LTIR—a decision they hope will keep them competitive and financially flexible throughout the season.
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