The Pittsburgh Penguins goaltending situation continues to be in flux. Is a new backup or 1B goaltender Ron Hextall's top Trade Deadline priority? In the last few games heading into their bye week, the Pittsburgh Penguins have found themselves in need of a new goalie option. Tristan Jarry has struggled to stay healthy and Casey DeSmith is turning into a non-option between the pipes for the Penguins. Thanks to those factors, fans have began looking around at the goalie market and experts have started suggesting that the front office look, as well. The goalie market across the NHL is fairly dry, but there is one name that continues to be brought up as possibly on the move. Heading into the 2022-23 season, Thatcher Demko of the Vancouver Canucks was projected to be one of the best netminders in the entire league. Demko, nor the Canucks, have had the season that was predicted, and now it looks like the young goalie is hitting the road. Despite an injury that has held Demko to only 15 games this season, he’s become a hot commodity. In those games, Demko reached a record of 3-10-2 with a .883 save percentage and 3.93 goals against average. Given the possibility of a big-name goalie on the move and the Penguins need for a new option, does Demko make sense in Pittsburgh? Not really; Jeff Marek and Elliotte Friedman discussed Demko’s future on the Jeff Marek Show [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/marek-friedman-horvat-to-the-island/id354153569?i=1000597445608] and the Penguins name was brought up. The Penguins are in need of goalie help this season, and it’s not even certain that Demko will play another game this year. And, the Canucks are going to command a king’s ransom for Demko considering his projections; can the Penguins afford that kind of cost for help that may not come this year? No, they can’t; Demko might be a solid option in place of DeSmith, but the timing isn’t right and neither is the price. Following this season, Demko also carries a contract worth $5 million against the cap for another three years. Make sure you bookmark Inside the Penguins [http://insidethepenguins.com/]for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns and so much more! Penguins Coaching Staff Not on Hot Seats [https://www.si.com/nhl/penguins/news/pittsburgh-penguins-coaching-staff-not-hot-seats] Metro Division Keeps Getting Stronger, Penguins Need to Get Involved [https://www.si.com/nhl/penguins/news/metropolitan-division-getting-stronger-pittsburgh-penguins-need-involved] Bryan Rust Delivering in Different Ways for Penguins [https://www.si.com/nhl/penguins/podcasts/bryan-rust-delivering-different-ways-pittsburgh-penguins] Penguins Can't Be Afraid to Trade Key Players [https://www.si.com/nhl/penguins/pens-talk/pittsburgh-penguins-cant-affraid-trade-key-players] Goaltending Trade Targets for the Penguins [https://www.si.com/nhl/penguins/podcasts/goaltending-trade-targets-pittsburgh-penguins] * undefined * undefined
