Vancouver Canucks’ all-star goaltender Thatcher Demko will be sidelined week to week due to a lower-body injury, as confirmed by head coach Rick Tocchet to reporters on Tuesday. Tocchet expressed confidence in Demko’s recovery, stating he is “not worried at all” and expects Demko to return in time for the playoffs.
Demko left Saturday’s 5-0 victory over the Winnipeg Jets during a commercial break in the second period. The Canucks have not disclosed the specific nature of the injury aside from confirming it is a lower-body injury.
According to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman on 32 Thoughts: The Podcast, Thatcher Demko’s injury is not believed to be related to his groin. Friedman mentioned,
“I don’t know exactly what is going on here but I don’t think it’s his groin… From what I understand it’s not disastrous and it’s probably even better for Vancouver that they’re going to be forced to rest him for a little bit.”
Demko missed three months last season due to a groin injury but has been one of the busiest goalies in the NHL this season, positioning himself as a Vezina Trophy contender. He ranks in the top five among all goalies this season in both starts (49) and shots faced (1,427), and sixth with a .917 save percentage.
With Demko sidelined, Casey DeSmith will likely receive the majority of starts as the Canucks aim to maintain their position ahead of the Oilers,
Kings, and Golden Knights in the Pacific Division. Vancouver’s next game is at home against the Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday, airing at 10:30 p.m. ET / 7:30 p.m. PT on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+.
