Story Summary
Thatcher Demko has no stated return timeline, according to Kevin Woodley, while Vancouver’s signing of Driedger has fuelled questions about the Canucks’ goaltending plans. In Ottawa, Drake Batherson and the Senators have until September 15 to agree an eight-year contract before the maximum term falls to seven years. Separately, Montreal explored a trade involving Sam Montembeault, while Edmonton was raised as a speculative fit despite limited cap space.
Key Facts
- Jason Gregor relayed Kevin Woodley’s comment that Thatcher Demko has been given “no timeline” to return from injury and that he could not confirm reports saying Demko won’t be ready for training camp.
- Vancouver’s signing of Driedger has prompted speculation that the Canucks may be seeking additional goaltending cover while Demko’s status remains unclear.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Citizen reported that Drake Batherson and the Ottawa Senators have until September 15 to agree an eight-year contract before seven years becomes the maximum term under the relevant rules.
- Garrioch reported sources saying Batherson is seeking an eight-year contract and that, on the open market, he could be looking at between $10 million and $11 million per season.
- Reportedly, Batherson would only be able to obtain a six-year term if he waited until July 1 to sign with another club.
- Reportedly, Batherson could receive a maximum six-year term from another club if he waited until July 1 to sign.
- Elliotte Friedman was quoted as saying “there is a path to a deal” between Batherson and Ottawa but that both sides will need to compromise, with money and bonus structure noted as sticking points and the Senators historically resistant to signing bonuses.
- Karine Hains reported the Montreal Canadiens tried to move Sam Montembeault over the summer and received at least one trade offer that general manager Kent Hughes chose not to accept.
- Louis Jean said he believed Montembeault’s time with Montreal was over and that the Canadiens had explored a trade, but no acceptable return had emerged.
- The article raised the question of whether the Edmonton Oilers might be interested in Montembeault after Frederik Andersen’s off-season injury, while noting the Oilers still have Tristan Jarry and Devon Levi.
- Reportedly, the Oilers have just under $2 million in salary-cap space and that Montembeault carries a $3.15 million salary, so acquiring him would likely require moving money.
IHM Discussion
The Demko update remains an information gap rather than confirmation of a delayed recovery. Woodley said there was no timeline, and Vancouver’s signing of Driedger can reasonably be viewed as added depth while the club waits for greater clarity.
Batherson’s negotiations carry the clearest deadline pressure. No agreement has been confirmed, and the suggestion that Batherson could head to free agency if unsigned by the opener remains a reported expectation rather than an outcome.
Montembeault’s situation is also unresolved. Montreal reportedly considered moving him but did not accept an offer it regarded as insufficient. Edmonton was mentioned only as a possible destination: its reported cap space is below Montembeault’s $3.15 million salary, so any move would require further roster or cap work.
Why It Matters
The three situations concern goaltending depth, contract timing and cap flexibility. Vancouver may need to plan around uncertainty in goal, Ottawa faces a significant term deadline in its talks with Batherson, and any Montembeault move would depend on a suitable return and a club’s ability to accommodate his salary.
IHM Market Outlook
Batherson’s reported open-market range of $10 million to $11 million per season underlines the scale of Ottawa’s decision, although no final salary or contract structure has been reported. The September 15 deadline adds urgency because it affects the maximum available term.
Montreal has reportedly explored a Montembeault trade without finding a return it considers worthwhile. Edmonton’s reported cap space of just under $2 million is below his $3.15 million salary, making the Oilers only a conditional and speculative option unless money moves the other way.
Mini Q&A
Has Thatcher Demko been given a return timetable?
Woodley said Demko had no timeline to return and could not confirm reports that he would miss training camp. Vancouver’s signing of Driedger has added to questions about Demko’s availability.
What is the deadline for Drake Batherson to sign an eight-year deal with Ottawa?
Bruce Garrioch reported Batherson and the Senators have until September 15 to agree an eight-year deal before seven years becomes the maximum term.
What happens if Batherson isn’t signed before Ottawa’s season opener?
The report suggested that, if Batherson is not signed before Ottawa’s October 3 season opener, he could be expected to pursue free agency.
Are the Edmonton Oilers a realistic landing spot for Sam Montembeault?
Edmonton was mentioned as a possible fit after Frederik Andersen’s off-season injury, but no interest has been confirmed. The Oilers reportedly have just under $2 million in cap space, below Montembeault’s $3.15 million salary, so a deal would require further cap or roster moves.
Did Montreal try to trade Sam Montembeault?
Montreal reportedly explored a Montembeault trade over the summer and received an offer that Kent Hughes did not accept because it was not considered sufficient value.
Coach Mark Comment
Uncertainty in goal places a premium on dependable depth and clear workload planning. In Ottawa, resolving Batherson’s status would give the club greater certainty when setting its forward group and special-teams plans. Any goaltending addition elsewhere must fit both the cap and the existing depth chart.
What Comes Next
September 15 – Deadline for Batherson and the Senators to agree an eight-year deal before the maximum term falls to seven years.
October 3 – Ottawa’s season opener. The report suggests an unsigned Batherson could be expected to pursue free agency.
September 19 – pre-season games begin.
IHM Final View
Batherson’s contract deadline is the most defined element of this roundup, while Demko’s recovery timetable and Montembeault’s trade market remain unclear. Vancouver awaits further clarity in goal, Ottawa must address a key contract decision, and any Montembeault move will depend on an acceptable return and workable cap circumstances.