Vancouver Canucks Head Coach Rick Tocchet Provides Update on Injured Goaltender Thatcher Demko

Thatcher Demko has had a frustrating last 12 months to say the least after dealing with knee issues late in the regular season in 2023-24, as well as the Stanley Cup Playoffs, which delayed his 2024-25 debut until early December as he recovered.

In early February during a game against the Toronto Maple Leafs, Thatcher Demko needed to be removed due to an injury ten minutes into the first period.

Upon returning from the 4 Nations Face-Off break, it was determined that Demko would be out week-to-week with a lower-body injury and less than a week later, he was placed on injured reserve by the Canucks.

Following Sunday's practice at Rogers Arena, Vancouver Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet gave an update on the status of Thatcher Demko.

Tocchet told reporters that he began skating late last week and has been on the ice at least two or three times, but he's unsure when the San Diego native will get back between the pipes for the team.

Last month, Vancouver Canucks goaltender Kevin Lankinen signed a five-year contract extension with the club worth $4.5 million USD annually, and with Thatcher Demko set to become a UFA in the summer of 2026, along with his injury issues, it's going to be interesting to see what direction the organization wants to go with Elliotte Friedman saying they may need to make a decision on his future as early as this summer.

Given the way Lankinen has played this season, along with the fact Arturs Silovs should be ready for a full-time NHL role next year, it wouldn't be surprising if the Vancouver Canucks were to consider a trade for Thatcher Demko at next year's deadline.

In 17 games this season, Demko has a record of 6-6-3 with a 2.87 goals against average, an .891 save percentage and one shutout.

Source: Canucks Army/Jeff Paterson
Scenes from Canucks practice: New injury keeps Hughes off the ice; team provides Demko update