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Canucks Announce Thatcher Demko Update on Tuesday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Abhilasha Aditi | Last updated Jan 27, 2026 2:45 PM ET

The Vancouver Canucks announced Thatcher Demko will miss the rest of the 2025–26 season before their game against the San Jose Sharks on Tuesday.

The team said Demko will undergo hip surgery next week, ending his season early. He has not played since Jan. 10, when he was pulled early in a loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs.

General manager Patrik Allvin said the injury is not related to Demko’s hip issue from last season. The Canucks expect him to be ready for training camp in September.

“After consulting with our team doctors and outside specialists, Thatcher Demko will be shut down for the rest of the year,” Allvin said. “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.”

General Manager Patrik Allvin announced today that goaltender Thatcher Demko will undergo hip surgery and will not play for the remainder of the 2025.26 season.

DETAILS | https://t.co/HaCWFGccax pic.twitter.com/YCNmtCxVee
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) January 27, 2026

The news adds to a challenging season for Vancouver, which holds a 17-30-5 record. The Canucks have struggled with defensive coverage, special teams, and overall consistency.

Their offense has shown flashes through Elias Pettersson and Filip Hronek, but a high goals-against rate and a low penalty kill have hurt results. Vancouver recently earned a comeback win over the Washington Capitals but followed it with a close loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins.

With Demko out, Kevin Lankinen is likely to take over as Vancouver’s main starting goaltender. The Canucks will rely on him as they try to stabilize their play for the remainder of the season.

Vancouver Canucks goalie Thatcher Demko (35) speaks with a medical trainer after suffering an apparent injury.Bob Frid-Imagn Images

Before his injury, Demko posted an 8-10-1 record in 20 games this season. He recorded a 2.90 goals-against average, a .897 save percentage, and one shutout. Demko showed strong play in wins with a .924 save percentage but struggled in losses. Known for his positioning, reflexes, and calm presence, he remains a key long-term piece for Vancouver.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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