Vancouver Canucks fans are holding their breath as concerns mount over the severity of Thatcher Demko's latest injury, which could potentially sideline the star goalie for the remainder of the season. Demko, 30, suffered a lower-body injury during Saturday's game against the Toronto Maple Leafs, leaving the ice after the first period. He had allowed three goals on six shots before his exit.
The Canucks have placed Demko on injured reserve, retroactive to January 10th, meaning he will miss at least 10 days. However, the situation appears more serious than initially anticipated. Head coach Adam Foote expressed uncertainty about Demko's status, admitting the possibility of shutting him down for the season. "Might be possible, honestly, we'll know more when he sees the doctors these next couple of days," Foote stated. "He's got a couple of things going on. He's missed a couple of times, so it's one of the ones, so I don't even know. He's been dealing with it all year, a couple of things".
This isn't the first time Demko has been sidelined this season. He previously missed 12 games between November 11th and December 11th due to a groin injury. In total, he has only played in 20 of the team's 44 games this year. Recurring injury problems have plagued Demko, as he only participated in 23 games during the 2024-25 season.
Demko's absence is a significant blow to the Canucks. Despite the team's struggles this season, Demko has generally been a stabilizing force when healthy. He currently holds an 8-10-1 record with a 2.90 goals-against average and a .897 save percentage, including one shutout. In his last full healthy season, 2023-24, Demko was a Vezina Trophy finalist.
With Demko sidelined, Kevin Lankinen is expected to take over as the starting goaltender, with Nikita Tolopilo recalled from AHL Abbotsford on an emergency basis.
The Canucks signed Demko to a three-year, $25.5 million extension this past summer, a deal that doesn't kick in until the 2026-27 season. Given the Canucks' current rebuilding state, shutting down Demko for the season to avoid further risk might be a prudent decision, especially considering his potential trade value down the line.
