Canucks make blockbuster offseason trade, bet on unproven Demko
In a surprising turn this offseason, Jacob Markstrom has played his last game in a Canucks sweater and will play his trade in another Canadian hockey hotbed.
June 28th, 2018 -
Trevor Linden pulled the trigger on a deal that will send starting goalie
Jacob Markstrom out east to the
Toronto Maple Leafs. Veteran defenseman
Marc-Edouard Vlasic and a
2020 third round selection will also be heading the Maple Leafs way. In return
Vancouver acquires 23 year old right winger
Andre Burakovsky. He put up 44 points in his sophomore season and Linden is hopeful he can improve on that with lots more opportunity. Burakovsky is immediately Vancouver's best right winger. He also has the versatility to play the left side if necessary. He has all around offensive ability and is no slouch in his end. Burakovsky is a swift skater and he plays with determination.
With no high end wingers on the right side and nothing exciting in free agency Vancouver decided to swing big and pry a skilled young player away from the Maple Leafs. It costs them star goalie Jacob Markstrom, leaving them with Casey DeSmith and unproven but highly touted Thatcher Demko to split the crease next season.