Demko's future uncertain as Canucks shift goaltending coach role – Hockey Writers – Canucks Goaltending

In a recent interview, Jason Brough and guest host Josh Elliott-Wolfe explored a major change in the Vancouver Canucks organization that may have a wider impact than meets the eye. Ian Clark, a renowned goaltending coach who has played a key role in the development of the team's goaltenders, including star goalkeeper Thatcher Demko, is transitioning to a new role. Clark will now serve as a goalie and goalie development coach rather than working directly with the Canucks' goaltenders on a daily basis.

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While the change may not seem like a big upheaval at first, Brough and Elliott-Wolfe argue that it could have far-reaching consequences for the team, especially regarding Demko's future.

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During the interview, Brough highlighted the oft-overlooked importance of a goaltending coach to a team's success, drawing parallels to the role of a golf swing coach. He explained that just as great golfers like Tiger Woods have benefited greatly from their swing coaches, who bring certain philosophies and techniques to their game, golfers rely heavily on their coaches for guidance, development, and peak performance.

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Clark, who played a major role in Demko's rise to become one of the NHL's top scorers, brings unique skills and a deep understanding of the goaltending position. His daily presence on the ice has been instrumental in fine-tuning Demko's game, and their mutual understanding cannot be easily replaced. Brough insists that while Clark will still be a part of the organization, his departure from the day-to-day work of coaching introduces an element of uncertainty.

Facing Strangers Beats Goalie Thatcher Demko

Brough added that the change adds another layer to the already complicated narrative surrounding Demko this season. He is dealing with health issues, including recovering from an injury, which has cast doubt on his ability to stay in shape. Now, as a new goalkeeper coach is coming in, there is a question whether this new coach will work well with Demko and whether his way of doing things will be consistent with what has worked for Demko in the past.

The new coach, whose style and methods are still unknown, may have his own ideas about how the goalkeeping position should be played, which may differ from Clark's approach. This change could either help Demko elevate his game further or hinder the progress he has made under Clark's guidance. As Brough said, a goaltender's success often comes with consistency and familiarity with their coach, making this transition a big challenge for Demko.

Demko's future and Canucks goaltending

The discussion also touched on broader implications regarding the Canucks' goaltending situation. Since Demko's contract will be extended next season with the arrival of Arturs Silovs, the team's decision to extend him may be influenced by how he performs this season under the new coaching regime. If Demko finds it difficult to regain his reputation or face difficulties in getting used to a new coach, that may complicate the Canucks' decision about his future in the team.

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In short, while Clark's new role within the Canucks organization may not seem like a significant change on the surface, it presents several uncertainties that could impact both Demko's performance and the team's overall success. The relationship between a goaltender and their coach is important, and with Demko already navigating injury issues and potential contract negotiations, this change adds another unknown element to the mix. As Brough and Elliott-Wolfe suggest, this is a situation Canucks fans should keep an eye on as the season progresses.