Canucks Announce Major Decision On Thatcher Demko

“After consulting with our team doctors and outside specialists, Thatcher Demko will be shut down for the rest of the year,” Canucks GM Patrick Allvin said in a statement. “Thatcher will undergo surgery next week for an injury unrelated to the one that kept him out of action last season. Following his rehab, he will be ready for the start of training camp in September.”

Demko has not appeared in a game since January 10. Before getting sidelined, he posted an 8-10-1 record with a 2.90 goals-against average and a .897 save percentage. numbers well below his usual standard.

Thatcher Demko’s Injury Woes Continue To Frustrate Canucks

Demko, who signed a three-year, $25.5 million contract with the Canucks last year, has struggled with injuries over the past three seasons. With this latest shutdown, the 30-year-old will have played just 95 of a possible 258 games during that span.

With him out, Kevin Lankinen is expected to take over as the Canucks’ starting goaltender. Lankinen holds a 7-16-4 record with a 3.44 goals-against average and an .884 save percentage in 28 games. Meanwhile, Nikita Tolopilo and Jiri Patera will serve as backup options.

The decision comes at a tough time for Vancouver, which remains at the bottom of the standings and has been hit hard by injuries. Most recently, forward Brock Boeser was placed on injured reserve on January 26 after being injured in a 3-2 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins.

With Demko now ruled out for the remainder of the season, it will be a further test for the struggling Vancouver side as they try to finish the campaign on a positive note.