Update on Thatcher Demko's timeline: Not coming back just yet

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Felip Gosselin
April 6, 2024 (8:55 PM)

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The Canucks have been without their starting netminder for some time now, and his absence has been noticeable. Thatcher Demko was eligible for a return on April 6th. He's already started to skate independently, but no one from the organization has given an update.

Casey DeSmith had been excellent as the team's backup since the season started, but since his workload was increased heavily, he has not been able to keep it up. The Canucks have struggled and failed to get wins against playoff teams.

Demko was placed on the Long-Term Injury Reserve and is now eligible to return. However, Elliotte Friedman made an announcement on the NHL Headlines panel on Saturday Night regarding the Canucks top netminder. The NHL insider stated that he wouldn't be surprised to see Demko on the sideline for at least another week:

Elliotte said he won't be surprised if we don't see Demko in a game for around at least another week.

The Canucks still lead the Pacific Division, as they're 3 points ahead of the Oilers. The Oilers still have a game in hand. The Canucks are now returning to Vancouver, where they'll be playing the Golden Knights and the Coyotes; the Canucks are now two points away from locking up home-ice advantage for the first round.

Before going down with an injury, Thatcher Demko was one of the league's most-played goaltenders. Through 49 starts, Demko maintained a 2.47 goals against average, a 0.917 save percentage, and a 34-13-2 record. He is still involved in the Vezina trophy talks for the NHL's top goaltender.